A rare 10.03-carat blue diamond, The Mediterranean Blue, will be unveiled in Abu Dhabi on April 8, 2025, before being auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva on May 13, 2025. Valued at approximately $20 million, this exceptional gem is expected to generate global interest due to its size, color, and rarity.
One of the Rarest Diamonds in the World
The Mediterranean Blue is classified as a Type IIb diamond—a category that includes less than 0.5% of all diamonds. What sets it apart is its deep ocean-blue color, which has been graded as Fancy Vivid Blue—the highest possible color grading for blue diamonds by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The diamond’s cushion-shaped cut enhances its color and brilliance, making it one of the most sought-after diamonds to appear on the market in recent years. According to Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewelry for the Americas and EMEA, the discovery of a blue diamond of this size and color is an exceptionally rare event.
A Historic Link to the Cullinan Mine
The diamond was fashioned from a 31.94-carat rough stone discovered in 2023 at South Africa’s Cullinan mine, known for producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds. The cutting and polishing process took over a year of careful planning and six months of expert craftsmanship to achieve its final shape and quality.
The Cullinan mine has produced several record-breaking blue diamonds, including:
- The Blue Moon of Josephine – A 12.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond that sold for $48.5 million in 2015.
- The De Beers Blue – A 15.10-carat step-cut Fancy Vivid Blue diamond that sold for $57.5 million in 2022.
Given this prestigious lineage, The Mediterranean Blue is expected to draw attention from collectors and investors worldwide.
Global Tour Before Auction
Before its auction in Geneva, The Mediterranean Blue will be showcased at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District. Following its UAE debut, the diamond will travel to Taipei, Hong Kong, and New York for public viewings.
Sotheby’s decision to unveil the diamond in Abu Dhabi reflects the growing prominence of the UAE in the luxury market and the region’s increasing interest in high-value auctions and rare gems.
Why Blue Diamonds Are So Valuable
Blue diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Their color comes from trace amounts of boron within the diamond’s crystal structure—a natural process that occurs under extreme geological conditions over millions of years.
Only a small fraction of blue diamonds are graded as Fancy Vivid Blue, and even fewer exceed 10 carats. This makes The Mediterranean Blue a rare and highly desirable piece for collectors and investors.
Strong Interest Expected at Auction
With its exceptional size, color, and provenance, The Mediterranean Blue is likely to attract intense bidding at Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale in Geneva. Experts predict that the diamond could exceed its $20 million estimate, given the increasing demand for high-quality blue diamonds.
Sotheby’s track record with blue diamonds adds to the anticipation. Previous high-profile sales have seen record-breaking prices, and The Mediterranean Blue is expected to follow the same trend.
The unveiling of The Mediterranean Blue in Abu Dhabi marks a significant moment in the luxury jewelry world. Its combination of size, color, and rarity places it among the most important blue diamonds ever offered at auction. Collectors and gem enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary diamond before it finds a new owner in Geneva.
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