A rare 7.03-carat flawless blue diamond sold for 9.3 million Swiss francs (€6.2 million), the highest price yet for a gem of its kind, according to auctioneers Sotheby’s.
Including commission, the successful bidder will pay around 10.5 million francs (€7 million).
The gem, which is shaped like a cushion and one of only a few blue diamonds found, was among 346 lots auctioned last night in Geneva. Only 266 lots sold, indicating that the economic crisis is keeping some buyers away.
On average, the rings, bracelets and necklaces on offer sold for almost 10 per cent less than expected. “I was a little bit concerned in this market,” said David Bennett, Sotheby’s Europe and Middle East head of jewellery.
The anonymous telephone bidder has yet to name the diamond, Mr Bennett said.
The gem was discovered last year in South Africa and has been graded highly for its vivid colour and clarity, Sotheby’s said.
AP