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World's Rarest Diamond Hits the Market for the First Time

One of the world's rarest diamonds is up for auction - for an expected £15million.


 The Mediterranean Blue is an striking blue diamond ring with a weight exceeding ten carats.


 The gemstone falls under category IIb, an exclusive classification that encompasses just 0.5 percent of all diamonds globally. Its distinctive color is attributed to minute quantities of boron and enhanced by the cushion-shaped cut.


 Experts claim that the Mediterranean Blue is "an outstanding instance of one of the most uncommon color phenomena seen in a diamond."


 It was made from a 31.94 carat raw diamond found in the Cullinan mine.
 South Africa
 in 2023, Sotheby's said, and was shaped into a cushion modified brilliant following a six-month cutting process.


 The Cullinan Mine has been the origin of numerous renowned diamonds worldwide, such as the 530-carat Great Star of Africa, which holds the title for being the biggest colorless cut diamond globally.


 On the market for the first time, the Mediterranean Blue will take centre stage at Sotheby's High Jewelry Sale in Geneva on May 13.


 The diamond will be unveiled in a special exhibition hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Abu Dhabi's landmark Saadiyat Island Cultural District.

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 It will then be showcased in Tapei,
 Hong Kong
 and New York before its sale in Geneva.


 The Gemological Institute of America has described the Mediterranean Blue as a  'symbol of nature’s eternal wonders'.


 'Its physical beauty, enhanced by the skill of a master cutter, is mesmerizing as is its blue colour, so rarely seen', it added.


 Sotheby's Head of Jewelry for the Americas & EMEA Quig Bruning said: 'The Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature's rarest gems. Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this, particularly being over 10-carats, is a newsworthy event.


 'The Mediterranean Blue's remarkable size, charming cushion-cut and ocean-blue colour places it in the rarefied company of some of the most important blue diamonds to come to market in recent years.


 'We are likewise thrilled to be announcing this sale in the extraordinary confines of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, the architectural beauty of which is a perfect match for such a rare gemstone.'

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World's Rarest Diamond Hits the Market for the First Time

Unknown engagement rings, jewelry

One of the world's rarest diamonds is up for auction - for an expected £15million. The Mediterranean Blue is an striking blue diamond ring with a weight exceeding ten carats. The gemstone falls un…

‘The young people love it’ – Galway jewellers weigh in on rise in popularity of iconic Claddagh ring

This week saw St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off across the world as swathes of people celebrated Irish culture through song, dance and of course, craic.


 With the popularity of Irish culture on the rise, it’s no surprise that one of the country’s most iconic symbols has been given a boost as well.


 The Claddagh ring’s three main elements represent love (heart), friendship (hands), and loyalty (crown). Together, they mean to symbolise a powerful message of commitment and enduring affection.


 Patricia Connolly, manager at Claddagh Jewellers in Galway city centre, said the uptick in custom has been clear – but it has coincided with one of their busiest times of the year.


 She told the
 
 Irish Independent
 
 : “The young people seem to love it. I mean, we’re always busy, but especially now after St Patrick’s Day. This is when it starts – and it stays busy until It’s such a popular ring.”


 The ring has always been popular, however recently
 
 Bridgerton
 
 star and Galway native Nicola Coughlan brought it back into the pop culture conversation when she wore hers at the
 
 Bridgerton
 
 series three premiere in Dublin.


 The Claddagh ring’s fashion resurgence has been exemplified on social media platforms such as Tiktok, showing how the next generation is discovering the jewellery’s special significance.


 About why more young people are gravitating towards the symbol, Patricia said: “I think they just love the idea of it. For the last three days all the young Americans are coming in. A lot of them seem to be looking for the big Claddagh earrings, but we don’t sell those.”


 It’s not just tourists who are coming into their shop, however: “Irish people are always coming in to look at rings for their partner, and a lot of them come at Christmas too for that kind of gift. Friends buy them for each other as well.


 “I don’t know where that started, it’s just hugely popular its all over the world.”


 For Patricia herself, she has her own connection to the symbol: “I have my mother’s Claddagh ring that she passed on to me. Most of our staff have one as well. I think it’s because of that special story behind it.”


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‘The young people love it’ – Galway jewellers weigh in on rise in popularity of iconic Claddagh ring

Unknown culture, culture & history, engagement rings, popular culture, society, traditions

This week saw St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off across the world as swathes of people celebrated Irish culture through song, dance and of course, craic. With the popularity of Irish culture on…