Rare coloured diamonds once again demonstrated their extraordinary appeal, with two exceptional blue diamonds selling for more than $8 million each at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
The highlight was the Azure Blue, a remarkable 31.62 carat pear modified brilliant cut blue diamond. Graded internally flawless, VVS1 clarity and classified as a Type IIb diamond, the exceptional stone achieved $8.4 million, selling within its pre sale estimate.
Another standout was a 5.04 carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring, a marquise modified brilliant cut stone with VVS2 clarity and Type IIb classification, which sold for $8.1 million, exceeding expectations and highlighting the continued demand for the world’s rarest coloured diamonds.
The auction generated a total of $49.7 million, with all 143 lots finding buyers. Alongside the blue diamonds, exceptional sapphires, rubies, emeralds and signed jewellery from renowned houses including Graff, Cartier and Bulgari attracted strong international interest.
“From rare blue diamonds to extraordinary sapphires and rubies, the strength of demand across categories, particularly coloured stones, underscores the global enthusiasm for jewels of beauty, rarity, and provenance,” said Claibourne Poindexter, head of jewellery for the Americas at Christie’s.
Other notable results included:
• A 41.29 carat Ceylon sapphire ring, which achieved $2.3 million against a $600,000 to $800,000 estimate.
• A 15.40 carat Kashmir sapphire ring, selling for $2.2 million.
• A Graff ring featuring a 30 carat Ceylon sapphire, which achieved $1.8 million.
• A pair of David Morris earrings featuring Burmese rubies and exceptional diamonds, selling for $1.4 million.
• A historic circa 1900 brooch featuring an 18.27 carat D colour diamond and natural saltwater pearls, achieving $1.2 million.
The results reinforce the enduring strength of the luxury gemstone market, where rarity, exceptional quality, and provenance continue to drive demand. As collectors compete for truly unique natural gems, exceptional coloured diamonds remain among the most sought after treasures in the world of fine jewellery.
Ancient Egypt has captivated artists, designers, and collectors for centuries. From the grandeur of pharaohs and temples to the symbolism of scarabs, lotus flowers, and mythical creatures, Egypt’s artistic legacy continues to inspire some of the world’s greatest creative minds.
This enduring fascination, often referred to as Egyptomania, Egyptology, or Egyptophilia, is the inspiration behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ 2026 High Jewelry collection, Fascinating Egypt. The collection celebrates the Maison’s long relationship with Egyptian influences, blending historical references with exceptional craftsmanship and a modern artistic vision.
The influence of ancient Egypt has appeared throughout history in architecture, decorative arts, theatre, ballet, and cinema. Few cities showcase this connection more strongly than Paris, where Egyptian-inspired creativity has shaped the cultural landscape for generations. The installation of the Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde in 1836 and the rise of Art Deco design in the 1920s helped fuel a renewed fascination with ancient Egyptian aesthetics.
Van Cleef & Arpels has been part of this movement since the early years of the Maison. Founded in Paris in 1906, the jeweller quickly embraced Egyptian-inspired motifs, creating exceptional pieces featuring lotus blossoms, scarabs, geometric forms, and rich colour combinations.
The new Fascinating Egypt collection features 180 High Jewelry creations, drawing inspiration from the Maison’s historic archives while presenting a contemporary interpretation of ancient symbolism. Among the historic treasures preserved in Van Cleef & Arpels’ heritage collection is a remarkable 1923 long pendant necklace featuring a winged scarab, lotus flowers, and a seated Egyptian figure crafted from diamonds, emeralds, rubies, onyx, and platinum.
A major turning point in global fascination with Egypt came on 26 November 1922, when archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The discovery of magnificent treasures, including jewellery, statues, and ceremonial objects, sparked worldwide excitement and influenced fashion, art, and jewellery design.
According to Van Cleef & Arpels President and CEO Catherine Rénier, Egyptian inspiration has been part of the Maison’s creative language for more than a century. The lotus flower, a powerful symbol of rebirth and beauty, became part of the Maison’s artistic vocabulary as early as the 1910s.
The collection also reflects the influence of the Art Deco period, combining Egyptian imagery with geometric lines, symmetry, and striking contrasts. These elements remain central to Van Cleef & Arpels’ distinctive style.
One of the defining features of the collection is its use of colour and material contrasts. The Maison’s gemologists combine traditional precious stones with hard stones such as lapis lazuli and onyx, creating bold compositions that echo the vibrant palette of ancient Egyptian jewellery.
The use of polychromy, or the combination of multiple colours, brings together diamonds, coloured gemstones, and sculpted materials to create pieces that feel both historical and contemporary. Each creation demonstrates Van Cleef & Arpels’ ability to transform rare gemstones into works of art filled with emotion and storytelling.
Fascinating Egypt is more than a celebration of ancient history. It represents the continuation of a creative dialogue between the past and the future, showing how the mysteries, symbols, and beauty of Egypt continue to inspire the world of High Jewelry.
Russian diamond producer Alrosa has reported its highest level of customer interest in eight years, with diamond viewings during May more than doubling compared with the same period last year.
According to the company, the strongest demand was concentrated in diamonds exceeding 10.80 carats and rare fancy colour diamonds. The increase reflects a growing appetite for high value and investment grade diamonds at a time when supplies of large natural stones remain constrained.
Alrosa noted that approximately 80% of its 2 to 10 carat diamond assortment has recorded price increases of between 6% and 9% since the beginning of the year. These categories are commonly sought by collectors, investors and high end jewellery manufacturers.
The company conducts a substantial portion of its sales through auctions and tenders, including electronic bidding platforms that allow clients to purchase stones without physically inspecting them. Traditional viewings continue to be held through the United Selling Organization, the central hub of Alrosa’s diamond distribution network.
Dmitry Beresnev, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Alrosa and Director of the United Selling Organization, stated that demand for large and rare fancy colour diamonds is increasing in response to growing shortages within this segment of the market.
He added that the number of viewings conducted during May nearly doubled the annual average and exceeded pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019, suggesting a gradual recovery in global diamond demand.
JCK Las Vegas Highlights Growing Demand for Lab Grown and Affordable Luxury Jewellery
At the recent JCK Las Vegas jewellery exhibition, jewellery manufacturer Stuller unveiled a range of new products reflecting changing consumer preferences across the jewellery sector.
Among the new introductions were fancy shaped laboratory grown diamonds, including elongated ovals, old mine elongated cushions and octagonal cuts, available in both brilliant and step cut faceting styles. The company has also expanded its natural diamond offering to include old mine elongated cushion shapes, a vintage inspired cut that continues to gain popularity.
Stuller also revealed new laboratory grown gemstone colours including magenta, periwinkle and mauve, broadening design options for contemporary jewellery collections.
In response to record gold prices and ongoing inflationary pressures, the company has significantly expanded its demi-fine jewellery range. The collection includes sterling silver, 18 carat gold plated, 14 carat gold filled and vermeil jewellery, providing consumers with more affordable luxury alternatives.
The growing demi-fine category has become increasingly attractive to consumers seeking everyday jewellery with premium styling at accessible price points.
Another notable launch was Stuller’s new gemstone selector set, designed to assist customers in visualising gemstone sizes, proportions and shapes before purchase. The set includes emerald, round, pear, oval, square and marquise shapes and aims to improve the jewellery selection process for both retailers and consumers.
Market Perspective
The developments reported by both Alrosa and Stuller highlight two significant trends currently shaping the diamond and jewellery industry. On one hand, demand for large, rare natural diamonds continues to strengthen amid tightening supply. On the other, rising precious metal prices and changing consumer spending habits are accelerating growth in laboratory grown diamonds and demi-fine jewellery categories.
Together, these trends illustrate an increasingly bifurcated market, where high value natural diamonds remain sought after by collectors and investors, while affordability and versatility continue to drive growth in alternative luxury segments.
Rare Imperial Russian jewels, including Catherine the Great’s diamonds, and a Faberge necklace from the reign of Nicholas II, are to be offered for sale by Sotheby’s New York.
“It is difficult to overstate their rarity and historical importance,” said the auction house as it announced its Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Gold Boxes, Silver & Ceramics Art sale, on 17 June.
“These jewels carry with them a fascinating window into the luxury and opulence of the Russian Imperial court.”
They were confiscated as part of the Russian State Jewels by the Soviet government after the 1917 revolution and have not been seen for over a century.
Three lots – all silver and diamond-set flower dress trimming by Louis David Duval of Geneva – belonged to Catherine the Great (1729 – 1796), with estimates between $30,000 and $80,000.
They were sold by Christie’s on behalf of the Soviet People’s Commissariat of Finance in 1927 to a noted dealer and are currently in a private European collection.
Also being offered for sale is a larger trimming, of diamonds and Ceylon sapphire, that belonged Catherine’s predecessor, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (1741-1762). Estimate $40,000 – $60,000.
Highlight of the sale is an Imperial Faberge diamond and aquamarine necklace from the reign of Emperor Nicholas II (1868 – 1918) with an estimate of $400,000 – $600,000.
Size, History, Master Cutters and Present Locations
Diamonds have fascinated humanity for centuries. Some became symbols of royal power, others transformed the science of diamond cutting, and a few achieved legendary status because of their extraordinary size and rarity.
The following list combines size, historical importance, rarity and influence on the diamond industry.
1. Cullinan Diamond
Rough Weight: 3,106.75 carats Found: South Africa, 1905 Polished By: Joseph Asscher Current Location: British Crown Jewels
The Cullinan remains the largest gem quality rough diamond ever discovered. It was cut into nine principal diamonds and 96 smaller stones. The largest, Cullinan I, weighs 530.2 carats and remains one of the world’s most famous diamonds.
Estimated Value Today: US$2 billion+ (insurance estimates vary greatly).
2. Golden Jubilee Diamond
Polished Weight: 545.67 carats Found: South Africa Polished By: Gabriel Tolkowsky Current Location: Thailand Royal Treasury
The largest faceted gem quality diamond in the world.
Estimated Value: US$100 million to US$250 million.
3. The Incomparable
Polished Weight: 407.48 carats Found: Democratic Republic of Congo Current Location: Private ownership
A fancy brownish yellow diamond renowned for its size and unusual triangular shape.
Estimated Value: US$20 million to US$50 million.
4. Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa)
Weight: 530.2 carats Current Location: Sovereign’s Sceptre, British Crown Jewels.
5. Cullinan II (Second Star of Africa)
Weight: 317.4 carats Current Location: Imperial State Crown.
6. Centenary Diamond
Weight: 273.85 carats Found: Premier Mine, South Africa Polished By: Master cutters employed by De Beers
One of the most perfect large diamonds ever cut.
Estimated Value: US$100 million+.
7. Koh-i-Noor
Weight: 105.6 carats Current Location: British Crown Collection
Perhaps the most famous diamond in history, originating in India and passing through Mughal, Persian, Afghan and British hands.
Estimated Value: Effectively priceless.
8. Hope Diamond
Weight: 45.52 carats Current Location: Smithsonian Institution
The world’s most famous blue diamond.
Estimated Value: US$250 million to US$350 million.
9. Lesedi La Rona
Rough Weight: 1,109 carats Found: Botswana
One of the largest gem quality rough diamonds ever discovered. Purchased by Laurence Graff for US$53 million.
10. Sewelô
Rough Weight: 1,758 carats Found: Botswana
Second largest rough diamond ever recovered. Acquired by Louis Vuitton and HB Antwerp.
11. Excelsior
Rough Weight: 995.2 carats Found: South Africa
Largest diamond before the discovery of the Cullinan. Cut by the Asscher family.
12. Lesotho Promise
Rough Weight: 603 carats Current Location: Cut into 26 diamonds by Graff.
13. Regent Diamond
Weight: 140.64 carats Current Location: Louvre Museum
One of the finest historic diamonds in existence.
14. Orlov Diamond
Weight: 189.6 carats Current Location: Russian Diamond Fund
15. Daria-i-Noor
Weight: Approximately 182 carats Current Location: Iranian Crown Jewels.
16. Tiffany Yellow Diamond
Weight: 128.54 carats Current Location:Tiffany & Co.
17. Taylor-Burton Diamond
Weight: 69.42 carats
Purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor.
18. Dresden Green
Weight: 41 carats Current Location: Dresden Treasury, Germany
One of the world’s largest natural green diamonds.
The greatest diamonds are not always the largest. The Cullinan remains the most important diamond ever recovered because it transformed royal jewellery and demonstrated the highest standards of large diamond cutting. The Koh-i-Noor shaped centuries of political history, while the Hope Diamond became the world’s most famous coloured diamond.
From the Asscher family’s revolutionary work on the Cullinan in 1908 to Gabriel Tolkowsky’s masterpiece cutting of the Golden Jubilee, these extraordinary stones represent the pinnacle of both nature’s achievement and human craftsmanship. Together they form a unique record of diamond history and remain benchmarks for gemological excellence today.
DCLA Disclaimer: Diamond valuations shown are broad market estimates based on historical sales, insurance valuations, rarity and current market conditions. Many historically significant diamonds are considered priceless because they are held in national collections, museums or royal treasuries and would be unlikely ever to be offered for public sale.
