The Bleu Royal, one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold? The rare, historic blue gem could fetch millions at Christie’s auction, which also features pieces worn by Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando

Nov 6 , 2023

A Christie’s auction house staff member holds the Bleu Royal diamond, weighing 17.61 carats, which is the largest to appear for sale in auction history and that could sell for up to US$50 million, during an auction preview in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 1. Photo: Reuters

At 17.61 carats, the Bleu Royal is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue gem to ever go up for sale in auction history, featuring in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels event in Geneva

Other stand-out pieces include Marlon Brando’s self-engraved Rolex GMT-Master watch worn in Apocalypse Now, and the pearl necklace that Audrey Hepburn flaunted in Roman Holiday

The exceptionally rare Bleu Royal gem is set to become one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold by auctioneers Christie’s when it goes under the hammer on Tuesday.

The Bleu Royal is the star lot in a series of sales in Geneva this month that feature items from movie history including pearls worn by Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando’s self-engraved watch.

Weighing 17.61 carats, the Bleu Royal is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue gem ever to appear for sale in auction history.

A Christie’s employee displays Bleu Royal, a rare 17.61-carat internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond, during a preview at Christie’s auction house in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 2. Photo: EPA-EFE

The stone is expected to fetch US$35 million to US$50 million in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction.

“It’s going to be one of the top 10 jewels sold at Christie’s ever, in terms of value,” Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery, said.

The diamond, set in a ring, has been in a private collection for 50 years.

Kadakia said lots of modern coloured diamonds had a modified cut to enhance the colour.

In the Bleu Royal’s case, “the rough material itself was so rich that they were able to cut it into a classic brilliant faceting style”, he said.