Largest ever fancy vivid blue diamond could fetch £31.4m

Christie’s has announced the ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ is to go under the hammer, the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at auction.

Weighing 14.62 carats, the stone will lead Christie’s auction of ‘Magnificent Jewels’ held at held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, on 18 May.

The diamond – named after its previous owner, the late horse breeder Sir Philip Oppenheimer, who died in 1995 – is estimated at $38m to $45m (£26.5m-£31.4m).

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery, said: “This stunning Fancy Vivid Blue rectangular-cut gem promises to create a media sensation as it travels around the world, fascinating both collectors and gem enthusiasts alike, before it makes its way to the auction block in Geneva.”