Blue-green diamond called the “world’s rarest” sells for record $17.3 million at auction

A stunning 5.5-carat triangular-cut diamond, known as the “Ocean Dream,” made waves at Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction, fetching a record-breaking $17.3 million. This diamond is hailed as the largest fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever to be discovered, adding to its allure and value.

Discovered in Central Africa in the 1990s, the “Ocean Dream” exceeded expectations by selling for well above its presale estimate of 7-10 million francs (approximately $9-13 million). The auction, which lasted about 20 minutes, saw intense interest from bidders, ultimately culminating in an undisclosed private client securing the precious stone.

Christie’s Asia Pacific President, Rahul Kadakia, noted the significance of the sale, emphasizing the rarity and beauty of the gem. This sale marks a significant increase from its previous auction price of around $8.5 million in 2014, showcasing the growing demand for unique colored diamonds among collectors.

According to Christie’s, the “Ocean Dream” weighs 9.4 grams and features a ring mount adorned with sculpted rock crystal, round diamonds, and pink diamonds, adding to its exquisite design and craftsmanship.

In a similar auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva, a 6-carat fancy vivid blue diamond failed to find a buyer, despite its prestigious origins from South Africa’s renowned Cullinan mine. Sotheby’s remains optimistic about finding a suitable buyer post-auction, highlighting the continued interest in rare colored diamonds among discerning collectors.

Both Christie’s and Sotheby’s have witnessed a growing fascination with rare colored diamonds in recent years, with high-profile sales like the 17.61-carat blue diamond in 2023 and the “Pink Legacy” diamond in 2018 fetching impressive sums. The most expensive diamond ever sold at auction remains the Pink Star, a 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond that commanded a staggering $71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2017.