The “Bulgari Laguna Blu,” an 11.16-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, is expected to fetch upwards of $28 million at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on May 16.
The auction’s pear-shaped headliner ranks among the finest blue diamonds to have hit the auction scene over the past two decades, and joins an elite club that includes the 15.1-carat “De Beers Cullinan Blue” ($57.5 million, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2022), the 14.6-carat “Oppenheimer Blue” ($57.5 million, Christie’s Geneva, 2016) and the 12.03-carat “Blue Moon of Josephine” ($48.5 million, Sotheby’s Geneva, 2015).
Boasting a VS1 clarity and a color intensity that’s been described by Sotheby’s as “extraordinary” and “mesmerizing,” the Bulgari Laguna Blu was originally set in a ring by the Italian designer in the early 1970s and sold to a prestigious European collection later that same decade. It remained largely out of the spotlight for the next 44+ years.
All that changed when it was worn by Indian actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra for the Met Gala fashion show in New York on Monday. Instead of being set as a ring, the blue diamond became the centerpiece of a lavish diamond necklace, also designed by Bulgari.
Blue diamonds are considered one of the rarest colors of all diamonds. A fabulous fluke of nature, a blue diamond owes its color to the random presence of boron within the diamond’s carbon structure.
Scientists believe that blue diamonds form about 400 miles below the surface, four times deeper than about 99 percent of all other diamonds.
The extreme rarity of the Bulgari Laguna Blu is apparent on many levels.
First, this gem earned the highest color grade ever assigned to a blue diamond by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The organization graded it fancy vivid blue with no secondary color present. Fewer than 1% of blue diamonds earn the “vivid” rating.
Next, while blue diamonds make up less than 0.02% of mined diamonds, those weighing more than 10 carats are among the rarest of the rare.
According to Olivier Wagner, head of jewelry at Sotheby’s Geneva, the Bulgari Laguna Blu ranks as the third-largest pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond to come to auction. It’s also reported to be the most valuable piece ever sold by Bulgari.
Sotheby’s emphasized that the Bulgari Laguna Blu has remained in the same family ever since its acquisition in the 1970s and that the stone has been unmodified, even though modern diamond cutting technology could have been employed to enhance the diamond’s characteristics and increase its value.
After making its New York debut at the Met Gala, the Bulgari Laguna Blu will be heading to the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva, where it will be on exhibit, starting May 11 in the lead-up to the main event five days later.
Credits: Images courtesy of Sotheby’s.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
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Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
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That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
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💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Very pretty.
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Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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