S ince recorded time, People have been fascinated with diamonds as objects of mystery, power, and sometimes hypnotic beauty. Over a 12 year metamorphosis, this diamond artwork evolved into The Butterfly of Peace.
Comprising 240 meticulously curated diamonds, weighing in total over 167 carats, the Butterfly of Peace represents an extraordinarily harmonic convergence of gemology and art. As a group, these diamonds showcase the rainbow of natural hues of these gems. While they are rightly appreciated in natural light, many of these examples also glow under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon unique to natural diamonds.
Conceived as an expression of hope and peace through gem stones, these diamonds, along with their sister collection the Pyramid of Hope, have inspired crowds for decade. Sotheby’s is honored to present this work of nature’s and man’s art in search of its next custodian.
The Butterfly of Peace began with a collection of approximately 60 natural colored diamonds and evolved over twelve years into a singular composition of 240 stones. Discover the story behind its remarkable metamorphosis and the vision of Alan Bronstein and Harry Rodman of Aurora Gems. Read the article here.
From vivid pinks and blues to greens, oranges and purples, the Butterfly of Peace brings together an extraordinary spectrum of natural colored diamonds. Explore the fascinating science behind diamond color and the remarkable rarity of the stones that form this unique work. Read the article here.
There is another dimension to the Butterfly of Peace that emerges under ultraviolet light. Many of its diamonds fluoresce, revealing an unexpected luminosity within the composition and offering a glimpse into the fascinating natural phenomena that make each stone unique. Read the article here.
Over twelve years, an extraordinary collection of natural colored diamonds was brought together to create the Butterfly of Peace, a singular work at the intersection of gemology and art. Conceived and created by Alan Bronstein and Harry Rodman of Aurora Gems, the Butterfly underwent its own remarkable metamorphosis, beginning with a collection of approximately 60 colored diamonds and gradually growing and taking form as additional stones were gathered. As the collection grew from more than 100 diamonds to its final composition of 240 meticulously curated colored diamonds, the Butterfly evolved over time into the extraordinary creation it is today. Together, the remarkable stones reveal an extraordinary spectrum of nature's colors. In natural light, their vivid hues create a remarkable celebration of the natural world, while under ultraviolet light, many of the diamonds fluoresce, revealing a luminous quality that brings a subtle sense of movement and life to the Butterfly.
Since its creation, the Butterfly of Peace has traveled the world, captivating audiences at leading museums and gemological institutions. Its remarkable exhibition history includes presentations at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Royal Ontario Museum. During its exhibition at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., it was seen by more than three million visitors, contributing to its enduring place in the public imagination as an ambassador of peace and goodwill.
Conceived as a universal expression of hope, harmony, and peace, the Butterfly draws upon the timeless symbolism of light, color, nature, and transformation. Alongside its sister collection, the Pyramid of Hope, it has inspired audiences across cultures and generations, celebrating both the extraordinary artistry of nature and the human vision that brought these diamonds together. Sotheby’s is honored to present the Butterfly of Peace as it embarks upon the next chapter of its remarkable journey.
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