From Earth’s Core to Auction Glory: The Journey of Blue Diamonds
- Kimjoux
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
There’s something about blue diamonds that makes the world stop and hold its breath.
This May, two extraordinary blue diamonds are poised to ignite the global stage — and collectors, connoisseurs, and investors alike are watching closely.
First, The Golconda Blue — a spectacular 23.24-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, among the rarest and most important stones ever discovered. Then, The Mediterranean Blue — a 10.03-carat cushion-shaped marvel described as one of the most vivid and mesmerising colour sensations seen in modern times.
Both are Type IIb diamonds, an ultra-rare classification representing less than 0.1% of all natural diamonds, prized for their exceptional clarity and captivating electric blue hues.
Initially, The Golconda Blue was projected to fetch between $35–50 million, with some whispering it could even surpass $100 million. However, the stone was later withdrawn from auction — sparking intrigue and leaving many wondering just how high the bidding could have climbed.Meanwhile, The Mediterranean Blue remains on course for its moment under the hammer, expected to achieve around $20 million.
Moments like these remind us that in the world of exceptional jewels, history can shift in an instant — and the excitement is only ever a heartbeat away.
The Rarest Shade in Nature
Think of blue diamonds as nature’s most elusive masterpieces.
Naturally occurring blue diamonds represent approximately 0.02% of all mined diamonds (GIA, 2023). Their remarkable blue hue is due to traces of boron atoms within their crystal lattice — an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
These gems form under extreme pressure deep within the Earth's mantle over 1 to 3 billion years, before volcanic eruptions bring them closer to the surface.
Fun fact: While diamonds are found in over 25 countries, most significant blue diamonds today come from South Africa’s Cullinan Mine. Historic sources include India’s legendary Golconda mines, Brazil, and, more rarely, Australia and Lesotho.
No wonder they command such reverence — they are literally Earth’s miracles, billions of years in the making.
Legends Carved in Blue: Highlighting some Iconic Diamonds Through Time
The Hope Diamond: A Journey Across Centuries
Perhaps the most famous blue diamond in history, the Hope Diamond weighs 45.52 carats. Mined in India in the 17th century, it once adorned French royalty before vanishing during the French Revolution. It reappeared in London and eventually made its way to the United States. Today, it resides at the Smithsonian Institution, mesmerizing millions each year.
The Oppenheimer Blue: Auction Royalty
The Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat rectangular-cut Fancy Vivid Blue, achieved legendary status when it sold for $57.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2016 — setting a new world record at the time. It remains one of the most valuable blue diamonds ever auctioned, commanding nearly $3.93 million per carat.
The Golconda Blue: A Maharaja’s Treasure
This May, The Golconda Blue — a 23.24-carat Fancy Vivid Blue pear-shaped diamond — returns to the spotlight. Once part of the private collection of Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar of Indore, it carries with it a regal legacy intertwined with the mythic Golconda mines — the birthplace of many of history’s most storied diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor.
The Mediterranean Blue: Nature’s Newest Wonder
Discovered in 2023 at the famed Cullinan Mine in South Africa, The Mediterranean Blue began as a rough stone weighing 31.93 carats. Masterfully cut into a breathtaking 10.03-carat cushion, its vivid blue brilliance joins an elite lineage that includes:
The Blue Moon of Josephine (12.03 carats, sold for $48.5 million at Sotheby’s in 2015)
The De Beers Blue (15.10 carats, sold for $57.5 million at Sotheby’s in 2022)
It’s exceptionally rare to witness a new blue diamond of this size and intensity entering the market — a once-in-a-generation event
Market Trends: A Decade of Colour Rising
Blue diamonds aren’t just beautiful; they are among the most resilient assets in today’s high-value collectibles market.
Over the past decade, fancy coloured diamonds, particularly blues and pinks, have consistently outperformed traditional white diamonds and even equities during volatile times (Fancy Color Research Foundation, 2024).
Collectors seek not just rarity but also emotional resonance — each coloured diamond reflecting an individual’s story, spirit, and sense of legacy.
Whether it's a fiery pink, a serene blue, or a mysterious green, what colour speaks to you?
Your Journey Into the Extraordinary
At Kimjoux Fine Jewellery, we believe owning a blue diamond means holding a miracle — a tangible piece of Earth's oldest stories.
If you’re curious to explore rare coloured diamonds, email us with the subject line "Coloured Diamonds" to join our exclusive Collectors Club.
Or if you are ready to create your own legacy with a bespoke piece crafted around an exceptional blue, pink, or green diamond, contact us today.
Our bespoke jewellery doesn’t just sit in a box — it lives, breathes, and tells your story.
Download our Investment Guide for an insider’s look into this fascinating world.
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Let’s create your next heirloom together!
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