Sotheby’s inaugural Collector’s Week in Abu Dhabi to highlight the Desert Rose diamond

As Sotheby’s introduces its luxury auction series in the Middle East, the large fancy vivid orangy pink diamond is likely to be the centre of attention

Abu Dhabi: The Desert Rose, a 31.86-carat fancy vivid orangy pink diamond, will take centre-stage at Sotheby’s inaugural Collector’s Week in Abu Dhabi, running from December 2 to 5, 2025. Valued between $5 million and $7 million, this pear-shaped gem forms the highlight of a major private jewellery collection and marks its first appearance on the open market in the Middle East.

First revealed earlier this year at ‘Beyond: The World’s Rarest Diamonds’, a collaborative exhibition between Sotheby’s and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Desert Rose serves as the centrepiece of the Middle East’s first luxury auction of this scale. The week-long series will feature $250 million worth of items, including high jewellery, vintage pieces and watches, combining rare gemstones with a curated selection from leading international maisons.

The collection surrounding the Desert Rose features pieces from leading maisons including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. and Boivin. Notable lots include diamond clip earrings set with pink and green GIA-certified pear-shaped stones, estimated at $100,000 to $200,000, and a 1970s Verdura “X” ring valued at $120,000 to $180,000. For collectors focused on precision-cut solitaires, the sale includes a Bulgari 4.02-carat D-colour, internally flawless marquise-cut diamond ring, estimated at $80,000 to $120,000. These pieces will be offered as part of ‘Precision and Brilliance: Prestigious Jewels and Watches’ from an important private collection on December 5.

Collector’s Week also incorporates a public programme designed to showcase Abu Dhabi as a destination for collectors. Specialist-led sessions from Hemmerle and Sotheby’s will provide insights into gemstone grading, provenance and collecting trends.

Sotheby’s confirmed that the event is free and open to the public, aimed at both established collectors and first-time buyers. By centering the auction on the Desert Rose and highlighting high-value pieces from a private collection, the auction house seeks to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role in the global collecting landscape and encourage long-term regional engagement.

The advent of Sotheby’s Collector’s Week positions Abu Dhabi as a key destination for high-value jewellery and luxury auctions.

Retail Jeweller ME News