Earlier this month, it was announced that the Golconda Blue would hit the auction block at the Magnificent Jewels sale on 14 May at Christie’s in Geneva.
The 23.24-carat fancy vivid blue diamond was said to be the largest of its kind to appear at auction, and had a presale estimate of around $USD50 million ($AUD79.7 million).
As reported by Rapaport News, the owners have withdrawn the diamond from the auction despite creating “considerable market interest and much excitement globally.” The owners have decided to sell the Golconda Blue to a family member.
Fortunately, another remarkable blue diamond is still expected to appear at an upcoming auction. The 10.03-carat Mediterranean Blue will enter an auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva on 13 May and is expected to return around $USD20 million ($AUD31.3 million).
• Sotheby’s hosted an auction in Hong Kong on 25 April, and the leading item was a pair of pink and white diamonds created by Cartier, returning $USD2.9 million ($AUD4.54 million).
The set is highlighted by two pear-shaped pink diamonds, one 6.32 carats and the other 6.03 carats. The earrings were one of 111 lots sold at the event.
Among the other notable items was a 61.47-carat fancy greenish-yellow diamond, which sold for $USD1.4 million ($AUD2.19 million). The auction returned $USD19.1 million ($AUD29.92 million) in total.
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