Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house behind the high-profile exhibit, unveiled eight of the world’s rarest diamonds — a stunning collection totalling more than 700 carats — with colours ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to delicate pinks and flawless colourless stones.
But it is the deep Mediterranean blue diamond, unearthed in South Africa, that has truly stolen the spotlight.
“This is one of the most important blue diamonds ever discovered,” Sotheby’s head of jewels for North America, Europe and the Middle East, Quig Bruning, told reporters. “We’re expecting it to fetch around $20 million when it heads to auction this May.”
Middle East Diamond Boom
Sotheby’s says Abu Dhabi was a natural choice for hosting the luxury showcase. The UAE has emerged as a dominant force in the global diamond trade — surpassing long-time leaders to become the world’s top hub for rough diamond exchange in 2021.
“We have great optimism about the region,” Bruning said. “You’ve got both seasoned traders and elite collectors here — and they understand the value and rarity of these stones.”
The exhibition underscores the UAE’s growing status in the high-end jewellery market, drawing collectors, investors and enthusiasts from around the globe.
What Makes Blue Diamonds So Special?
Unlike their more common counterparts, blue diamonds owe their colour to the presence of boron within the crystal structure — a rare geological occurrence that makes them exceptionally valuable.
The featured 10-carat gem, now known as the Mediterranean Blue, is expected to be one of the most talked-about auction items of the year.
