Diamontologists everywhere are in a frenzy over the new record breaking sale that occurred at the Bonhams Auction in London last Wednesday. Bonhams is an auction house, established in 1793, that specializes in the fine arts, antiques, and collectibles. So it is not surprising for Bonhams to gain access to such a rare treat of a 5.3 carat blue beauty such as this. Sold at $1.8 million per carat, shattering the previous record for the sale of a blue diamond at $1.6 million per carat, makes this the most valued blue diamond sold in auction. Blue diamonds themselves are a rare treat. Diamonds are comprised purely of the element carbon. However when boron, similar in structure to carbon, makes its way into the mix of heat and pressure, you are left with a blue diamond. Why is that? Because boron absorbs low energy red light which filters through as that gorgeous blue hue that we have all fallen in love with. Most colored diamonds are lighter in color leaving a want for rich saturation. Excitingly enough, this piece has been unquestionably been graded a fancy deep blue in natural color. A hard find indeed, but it gets better with VS2 clarity. No inclusions to be seen by the naked eye allowing us to revel in the deep blue cushion cut paradise. It's okay to drool over it because I know I am.
The diamond was not sold loose, which is often the case with these larger rarer gems. It was set in 1965 by Bulgari in a Trambino setting which truly accentuates it's center with the use of the baguette side stones. As you can see, the baguettes are set in a channel on either side of the center. This creates movement by utilizing the lines between the baguettes and the channel itself to forcefully drive the viewer's eye to the center. I applaud the daring of the design because quite frequently designers play it safe and leave large gemstones to stand alone. Here the designer took that beautiful stone and gave it importance when they made the bold move of placing the baguette channels on either side.
This stone has definitely earned it's place as the most expensive blue diamond sold in auction.
Please be sure to check out Bonhms' video of the auction! http://www.bonhams.com/video/13456/
Sources :
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20622/lot/118/
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/1643/20130429/rare-5-3-carat-blue-diamond-sells-record-breaking.htm
Damnnn!
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