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| ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ Diamond |
The stone of 14.62 carat rated as the hugest Bright Blue diamond to have ever been auctioned, eliminated the pre-sale approximate range at Christie’s of 38 million to 45 million Swiss francs.
The sale on Wednesday concluded a run of two days of jewelry auctions of huge-ticket in Geneva. This diamond of rectangular-cut, had the nickname ‘the gem of gems,’ and has been fixed in a ring with two diamonds surrounding it which are trapeze-shaped and smaller.
The earlier record sale amounted to $48.5 million, for any diamond of the polished ‘Blue Moon’ diamond last year in Geneva. Sir Philip Oppenheimer (deceased) gave the diamond its name. He managed the mining in De Beers for a long time and had presented the stone to his wife.
Reputed as the pioneer of the diamond sector of present day, Sir Philip (from 1916 to 1995), had access to whatever diamond he desired. However, he selected this huge rectangular treasure due to its ‘ideal color, perfect size and remarkable rectangular form,’ said Francois Curiel, the chairman of Christie’s.
In 1927, the family of Oppenheimer attained management of De Beers. Today, it is partly a possession of Anglo American mine situated in South Africa. About 1% of blue diamonds belong to the group of ‘Fancy Vivid,’ states Christie’s.
‘The color of this blue diamond and clearness, together with its conventional cutting style as well as attribution is really unique,’ remarked Tom Moses, Gemological Institute of America’s executive vice president.
The spokeswoman of Christie’s, Alexandra Kindermann, informed Reuters, ‘It is the most costly jewel ever traded at auction.’ The crowded Geneva saleroom clapped when Rahul Kadakia, the international jewelry head for Christie’s, banged the hammer when two bidders on phone finalized a battle of 20 minutes for the treasure.
The identity of the purchaser was not known right away.
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