Sotheby’s has unveiled a remarkable $100 million diamond collection in Abu Dhabi, marking its first public display in the emirate in over 15 years. This historic exhibition showcases some of the rarest and most exquisite diamonds, drawing collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to experience this unparalleled event.
The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island, features several extraordinary pieces, including the stunning ‘Mediterranean Blue’ diamond. Weighing in at 10.03 carats and classified as a Fancy Vivid Blue, this diamond is anticipated to reach an auction price of $20 million in Geneva next month.
Sotheby’s Diamond Showcase
During the launch event, Katia Nounou Boueiz, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman for the Middle East, praised the exhibition: “This is one of the best and most incredible exhibitions dedicated to diamonds of this caliber ever done in the world.” Her remarks underscore the significance of this momentous collection, highlighting its unprecedented rarity and quality.
Quig Bruning, Senior Vice President and Head of Jewelry for the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, emphasized just how unique these diamonds are: “If you took all of the blue diamonds over 10 carats in the world, you could probably put them in your pocket.” His insightful commentary reflects a deep appreciation for the rarity of the collection, which includes the remarkable ‘Mediterranean Blue’ diamond. Bruning noted, “there was not a single vivid blue diamond over 10 carats that came on the market at all last year,” pointing to the exceptional nature of this piece.
Additionally, the exhibition features other outstanding gems:
- The Red Diamond: A 5.05-carat Fancy Brown-Red Diamond – the second-largest known red diamond in existence.
- The Desert Rose: The world’s largest vivid orangey-pink diamond at 31.68 carats.
- The Golden Canary Necklace: Showcasing the largest internally flawless diamond, weighing 303.10 carats.
- The Ultimate Emerald Cut: A flawless 100.20-carat diamond ring.
Launching the exhibition in Abu Dhabi is a strategic decision that underscores the region’s burgeoning status in the luxury market. Bruning elaborated, “We’ve chosen the Gulf as the location of this global unveiling due to the extensive and deep-rooted relationship we have with clients, collectors, and consigners in the region. This confirms that the region has truly become one of the most dynamic drivers of the luxury industry globally.”
The exhibition is available for public viewing until April 10, welcoming guests daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, free of charge. This unique opportunity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the splendor of some of the world’s most renowned diamonds, making it a must-experience event for connoisseurs and the general public alike.