With its hypnotic oceanic hue and exceptional clarity, the 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond is expected to fetch up to $20 million at the highly anticipated Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva on May 13.
The Mediterranean Blue is no ordinary stone. Classified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as Fancy Vivid Blue — the highest possible color grade for blue diamonds — and falling into the elite Type IIb category, this gem belongs to a class that makes up less than 0.5% of all natural diamonds.
Discovered in South Africa at the famed Cullinan mine, the diamond originally weighed 31.93 carats in its rough form. Over a meticulous six-month period, the rough was transformed into a stunning cushion modified brilliant cut, designed to maximize brilliance and showcase its vibrant, deep-sea hue. Its expertly crafted triangular and kite-shaped facets allow the stone to sparkle with unmatched intensity.
Before the Geneva auction, the diamond will embark on an international tour, debuting at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island Cultural District. It will then travel to Taipei, Hong Kong, and New York, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare chance to view the stone up close.
Reminiscent of the shimmering waters of the Côte d’Azur, the Mediterranean Blue is more than a gem — it’s a masterpiece of nature, perfected by human craftsmanship. Its rarity, size, and color make it a prize for collectors and a symbol of timeless luxury.
