Oppenheimer Blue

Summary

The Oppenheimer Blue is a 14.62-carat (2.924 g) vivid blue diamond that in May 2016 became the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction, until April 2017 when it was surpassed by the Pink Star diamond.[1][2]

Oppenheimer Blue
Weight14.62 carats (2.924 g)
ColorFancy Vivid Blue
CutEmerald Cut (Rectangular Step Cut)
OwnerUnknown (was Philip Oppenheimer)
Estimated value$50.6 million

The diamond was named for its previous owner Philip Oppenheimer.[3] It is cut into a rectangle (emerald cut).[4] The Oppenheimer Blue is the largest fancy vivid blue diamond classified by the Gemological Institute of America ever sold at auction; it sold at Christie's in Geneva in May 2016 for US$50.6 million (GBP 34.7m; 56.83m SFr). Two telephone bidders had competed for the diamond; the identity of the purchaser is not publicly known.[5]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Oppenheimer Blue diamond sets new auction record". BBC News Online. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  2. ^ "Pink Star diamond sets new world record in Hong Kong". BBC News Online. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  3. ^ "The Oppenheimer Blue — a 'legendary' diamond". Christie's. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Geneva Magnificent Jewels - Lot 242". Christie's. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Oppenheimer Blue diamond sells for world record at auction". The Guardian. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.