Sotheby’s debuts rare 10-carat Mediterranean Blue Diamond at the Abu Dhabi exhibition

Sotheby’s presented the Mediterranean Blue, a newly discovered 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, at a curated exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Part of a $100 million collection, the gem will head to auction in Geneva next month, where it could fetch up to $20 million, drawing interest from collectors and traders alike

Abu Dhabi: Sotheby’s unveiled The Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat blue diamond of remarkable rarity, at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, on April 8, 2025 — marking a landmark moment in the contemporary history of fine jewellery. Following its Abu Dhabi debut, the diamond will be showcased in Taipei, Hong Kong, and New York before its auction in Geneva on May 13, 2025.    

The Mediterranean Blue originates from a 31.94-carat rough diamond discovered in 2023 at South Africa’s renowned Cullinan Mine, famed for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds. The transformation from rough to polished gem involved over a year of meticulous study and a six-month cutting process, resulting in its current cushion-modified brilliant-cut form. Past discoveries of the location include The Blue Moon of Josephine, a 12.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond that sold for $48.5 million in 2015, and The De Beers Blue, a 15.10-carat step-cut fancy vivid blue diamond that fetched $57.5 million in 2022 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. 

Classified as Type IIb by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The Mediterranean Blue falls into a category comprising less than 0.5% of all diamonds. The GIA further notes that only 0.3% of diamonds submitted annually display a predominantly blue colour, underscoring the rarity of this gem.  

Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewelry for the Americas & EMEA, noted the significance of this gemstone, stating that any vivid blue diamond is noteworthy, but one over 10 carats is particularly exceptional. The Mediterranean Blue’s size, cushion-cut, and ocean-blue colour place it among the most important blue diamonds to come to market in recent years.  Furthermore, he also mentioned that the location of Abu Dhabi was ideal for the exhibition due to the Gulf region’s keen interest in diamonds.

The unveiling of The Mediterranean Blue in Abu Dhabi not only highlights the gem’s rarity but also underscores the city’s growing prominence in the global luxury and art markets. The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, known for its architectural beauty, provides a fitting backdrop for such a rare gemstone, aligning with Sotheby’s tradition of presenting extraordinary pieces in exceptional settings.  

The one-of-a-kind display also features eight rare diamonds totaling over 700 carats making the collection worth $100 million, including vivid red, yellow, and pink stones as well as flawless colourless gems.

As The Mediterranean Blue embarks on its world tour, collectors and enthusiasts worldwide will have the opportunity to witness this rare gem firsthand. This global exhibition will culminate in its much-anticipated auction in Geneva, where it is poised to fetch an estimated $20 million. This showcase marks a landmark moment in the world of fine jewellery, celebrating the allure of nature’s most exquisite creations.  

Retail Jeweller ME News