Extraordinary Unmounted Fancy Intense Blue Diamond 卓越瑰麗 10.02克拉 濃彩藍色鑽石

Combining a mesmerizing hue with the brilliance unique to diamonds, blue diamonds, among the rarest gem materials earth, elicit a passion among collectors that can verge on obsession. Global fascination with blue diamonds can arguably be traced back to 1668, when the explorer and merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier sold a 112-carat stone to King Louis XIV, who later had it recut to 67 carats and named it the French Blue. After its disappearance during the French Revolution, the diamond remained unaccounted for until 1839, when it is believed to have reemerged, further recut to 45.52 carats and was acquired by the Hope family. It would become, and remains, the most famous blue diamond in the world: the Hope Diamond.

Historically, blue diamonds were found in India, with Brazil later yielding occasional examples: today they are primarily mined in South Africa. Their production remains exceedingly limited as the conditions required for their formation are rarely met in nature. Unlike the vast majority of diamonds, blue diamonds are free from nitrogen and owe their distinctive color to trace amounts of boron. Recent research suggests that they form far deeper in the earth’s mantle than other diamond colors, originating as deep as 400 to 600 kilometers below the surface -- considerably greater than the 150 to 200 kilometers typical for near-colorless stones.

The extraordinary conditions required for the formation of blue diamonds account for their exceptional rarity. The Gemological Institute of America estimates that only 0.3% of colored diamonds submitted to its laboratory are predominantly blue. Within this already rare category, stones exhibiting Fancy Intense saturation coupled with unmodified color are particularly scarce. In most cases, blue diamonds display a modifying gray hue -- even the legendary Hope diamond has a grayish modifier. Against this context, the present diamond's pure Fancy Intense Blue color distinguishes it as a rare and significant example.

As an outstanding unmounted stone, this diamond presents an ideal opportunity to create a unique jewel tailored to fulfill its future owner’s dreams. Whether as a magnificent ring or a superb pendant, this gem can become the focus of a customized, masterfully designed and crafted piece of jewelry. If requested, Sotheby’s Bespoke would be honored to have the opportunity to guide the winning bidder through the design process up to the delivery of a completed masterpiece. This white glove service offers Sothebys’ 280 years of expertise, a global network of trusted sources, access to the world’s best craftsmanship, a dedicated advisor and faster turnaround than any retail or trade business. We would love to help you realize your vision.

Its story, shaped over millions of years, is now ready for its next chapter.