The Farnese Blue, a historical diamond of 6.16 carats, is sold in Geneva. But it has been overtaken by … ♦ ︎
In May, Geneva was the capital of jewels. First GemGenève, then the big auctions. That of Magnificent Jewels by Sotheby’s of May 15 had, moreover, the charm of History, since it was for sale the Farnese Blue, an important 6.16-carat diamond that was donated to Elisabetta Farnese, Queen of Spain, in 1715, before to be handed down through four of Europe’s most important royal families. The estimate for this diamond was 3.6-5.2 million dollars. But it was sold for 6.7 million dollars: a price that probably is influenced the fascinating history of stone.
But even more, it has totaled a brilliant-cut diamond of a remarkable weight of 51.7 carats: it has been auctioned for 9.2 million, more than the estimated maximum price. A 50-carat oval diamond ring found a buyer willing to spend $ 8.1 million. Also the lot 362, with pair of clip-on dangle earrings with fancy light blue and fancy light pink diamonds impressed: the maximum estimate was 3.8 million, while it was sold for 4.4 million. In all the auction has seen jewelry and stones sold for 85.5 million: certainly an excellent result. A ring with a superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond (lot 374) was awarded for 2.4 million. And a Kashmir sapphire ring of over 14 carats surpassed expectations at 1.8 million. Among the flop pieces of the day is instead a diamond pendant with a large emerald of Harry Winston (lot 353) estimated up to 3.2 million: he did not convince. Federico Graglia
