Geneva, Switzerland – In a dazzling spectacle set to grace the auction world, the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond ever to go under the hammer is poised to fetch an estimated $50 million at a forthcoming Christie’s sale of rare jewels scheduled for November 7. The auctioneer is abuzz with excitement about the stunning “Bleu Royal.”
At the heart of the anticipation surrounding this exquisite gem is its awe-inspiring size. Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery, described it as an unprecedented marvel, declaring, “What makes Bleu Royal so rare and special is its size. At 17.6 carats, it’s the largest of its kind.”
With expectations running high, Kadakia expressed hope that ‘Bleu Royal’ would surpass the monumental sale of the 14.6-carat blue diamond, known as the ‘Oppenheimer Blue,’ which Christie’s successfully auctioned for $57 million in 2016.
But the auction house doesn’t stop at diamonds alone. In a remarkable juxtaposition of rare offerings, the auction will also feature a Rolex wristwatch, famously worn by Marlon Brando in the iconic 1979 film “Apocalypse Now.” What elevates this timepiece’s status is that the actor himself engraved his signature on the watch’s back, a unique touch intended to prevent accidental swaps during the course of the film’s shooting.
Remi Guillemin, Head of Europe Watches at Christie’s, marveled at the watch’s unique appeal, stating, “What makes it truly unique is that it is really one of the most recognizable Rolex memorabilia that has ever surfaced at auction.” In a notable auction feat two years prior, this timepiece, now valued at a staggering 1 to 2 million Swiss francs, commanded a jaw-dropping 2 million Swiss francs.
In a parallel online auction, spanning from November 3 to November 16, Christie’s is set to unveil a pearl necklace with a remarkable legacy. This necklace, worn by the esteemed film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in the final scene of the 1953 cinematic masterpiece “Roman Holiday,” is the creation of the renowned Italian jeweler Furst, known for his discerning clientele that included Hollywood luminaries.
Exploring the necklace’s unique charm, Rahul Kadakia remarked, “What’s special about the necklace is that she wore it in the last scene of Roman Holiday, which was such a great movie, which audiences have enjoyed so much, and where she played a young royal enjoying herself in Rome.”
