The Farnese Blue
The Farnese Blue

Sotheby’s sells the noble Blue Farnese






Blue Farnese is the most anticipated diamond at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva ♦ ︎
Roses bloom in May. But diamonds also flourish. Those super, with dizzying prices and that become front-page titles. Like those Sotheby’s prepares to present at his Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva. In the catalog, which resembles an irresistible menu for the sweet tooth, there are also three diamonds cut at a distance of 300 years. All three diamonds are extremely rare and of extraordinary beauty. The first is called Blu Farnese. It is an important 6.16-carat blue diamond that was donated to Elisabetta Farnese, Queen of Spain, in 1715, before being handed down through four of Europe’s most important royal families. The estimate for this diamond is 3.6-5.2 million dollars.
The history of the Blue Farnese. The diamond comes from the Indian mines of Golconda, sold out for decades. Elisabetta, a descendant of Pope Paolo Terzo Farnese, received it in Parma in 1714 for her marriage to Philip V of Spain, nephew of the Sun King. Elisabetta then gave the blue diamond to her favorite son Filippo, duke of Parma and founder of the dynasty Bourbon-Parma. The duke, in turn, gave it to his son Ferdinando. From one duchy to another, it ended up in the hands of Carlo, Duke of Lucca, who wore it mounted on a brooch. Later, it was worn by Roberto, the last duke of Parma, exiled in Austria after the unification of Italy. The last owners were Elia, son of Roberto, who died in 1959, and his wife, Maria Anna of Austria.
Not just diamonds. Together with the Blue Farnese in Geneva, two majestic white diamonds will be offered at auction, each weighing over 50 carats and with a total estimate of over 15 million dollars. The white diamonds are both perfect according to all the criteria with which the diamonds are measured and each is the second largest for its form ever had at auction. But the May 15th auction at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva includes other diamonds, colored whites, even precious stones and emblematic pieces signed by the most famous jewelry houses in the world (on this page you can see some of the most interesting pieces).
«After 10 very successful years of Noble Jewels sales in Geneva, we are delighted to offer such an important historical diamond, The Farnese Blue, this spring. In the Magnificent Jewels section of the sale, two exceptional perfect white diamonds, each weighing over 50 carats, take their places alongside an impressive selection of coloured diamonds. With superb Kashmir sapphires leading the way for coloured gemstones, and a wonderful array of signed pieces led by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, this will be a fitting celebration of the season!», is the comment of David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of the department of Sotheby’s Jewelery. Federico Graglia




The Farnese Blue
The Farnese Blue

The Farnese Blue. Historic and highly important fancy dark grey-blue diamond weighing 16.16 carats
The Farnese Blue. Historic and highly important fancy dark grey-blue diamond weighing 16.16 carats
From the collection of the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mount Stewart. Impressive emerald and diamond bracelet, 1930s
From the collection of the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mount Stewart. Impressive emerald and diamond bracelet, 1930s
Cartier, fine gem set, onyx and diamond necklace, 1930s and later
Cartier, fine gem set, onyx and diamond necklace, 1930s and later
Van Cleef & Arpels, gem set and diamond demi-parure, Zipe, 1950s
Van Cleef & Arpels, gem set and diamond demi-parure, Zipe, 1950s
Cartier, very light pink diamond, gem set and diamond ring, “Parrot”
Cartier, very light pink diamond, gem set and diamond ring, “Parrot”
Pair of fancy intense yellow diamond pendent earrings
Pair of fancy intense yellow diamond pendent earrings
Magnificent diamond ring. The oval diamond weighing 50.39 carats
Magnificent diamond ring. The oval diamond weighing 50.39 carats
Fine sapphire and diamond ring
Fine sapphire and diamond ring
Superb sapphire and diamond ring, 1930s
Superb sapphire and diamond ring, 1930s
Exceptional diamond ring. The round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 51.71 carats
Exceptional diamond ring. The round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 51.71 carats
Superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring
Superb fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring

From a princely family. Impressive diamond tiara, circa 1830
From a princely family. Impressive diamond tiara, circa 1830







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