Describing the diamond as “exceptionally uncommon,” Sotheby’s added that solely 5 gems over 10 carats have ever appeared at public sale. None have ever been over 15 carats, “making the looks of this flawless gem a landmark occasion in itself.”

The uncommon diamond was discovered within the Cullinan mine, South Africa, in 2021, and has attained the best rankings, in response to the requirements that coloured diamonds are judged by.

It was categorized as “fancy vivid blue” by the GIA — the best attainable colour grading, which has been awarded to not more than 1% of blue diamonds submitted to the group.

The gem is the most important vivid blue diamond to come back to public sale, in response to Sotheby’s. Credit score: Sotheby’s/De Beers/Diacore

“Blue diamonds of any form are uncommon in the marketplace, however that is the rarest of the uncommon; nothing of remotely comparable calibre has appeared at public sale lately,” Patti Wong, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, mentioned within the press assertion.

“Lots of of tens of millions of years within the making, this extraordinary blue diamond is unquestionably certainly one of nature’s best creations. Now dropped at dazzling life by the hand of one of many world’s most skillful cutters, it’s the final masterpiece — as uncommon and fascinating because the very best artistic endeavors.

“At a time of unprecedented demand for the best, world-class, colored diamonds, we’re extremely excited to convey to the market what is bound to turn into one of the vital celebrated gems on the earth.”

Blue diamonds are coveted resulting from their rarity and putting coloring, the press assertion mentioned.

“The De Beers Cullinan Blue” is scheduled to go up for public sale in a standalone occasion at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Luxurious Week in late April.