Setting a new world record for any jewel sold at auction, the Oppenheimer Blue sold for CHF 56,837,000 / US$57,541,779 on 18 May at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
Soaring over its low estimate of $38 million, the exceptional blue diamond inspired fierce bidding among collectors before it came down to three private collectors in the tense final moments. The room broke out into applause as the gavel came down and the final number was announced.
Named in honour of the connoisseur and previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer of the De Beers family, the Oppenheimer Blue, at 14.62 carats, is the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond to ever come to auction. The exceptional diamond stands as the latest in a line of historic jewels that have been sold at Christie’s, including the Wittelsbach Diamond in 2008, the Orange in 2013 and the Winston Blue in 2014.
Exemplifying the continued global demand for the highest-quality stones, the Oppenheimer Blue makes history as the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.