Christie’s calls the 14.62 ct. diamond the “gem of gems”
On May 18, Christie’s will auction the 14.62 ct. Oppenheimer Blue, the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered for auction.
Named for one-time owner Sir Philip Oppenheimer, former head of De Beers’ Central Selling Organisation, the emerald-cut stone is expected to fetch between $38 million and $45 million at the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva.
“The Oppenheimers have been leaders in the diamond industry for generations, and Sir Philip could have had any diamond he wanted,” said François Curiel, chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific and China, in a statement. “But he chose this one, with its perfect hue, impeccable proportions, and fabulous rectangular shape.”
The Oppenheimer Blue is larger than the Blue Moon, a 12.03 ct. cushion-shape, which last year achieved $48.5 million, a world record for any diamond sold at auction. (The cutter explains how that stone was cut here.) However, the Blue Moon was internally flawless, while the Oppenheimer Blue has a VVS1 clarity.
It is being sold in a platinum ring, flanked on each side by a trapeze-shape diamond, accompanied by its original Verdura mounting.
“The Oppenheimer Blue can only be described as one of the rarest gems in the world,” said Curiel. “It is the gem of gems.”
(Photo courtesy of Christie’s)
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