AuctionsOct 06, 2023
‘Infinite Blue’ Diamond Falls Short at Auction AuctionsOct 18, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 94-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline
The stone is expected to fetch up to $2.7 million.
In its upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale, Sotheby’s will offer what it calls the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline to ever come to auction.
New York—Sotheby’s will offer what it says is the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline to ever come to auction at its Magnificent Jewels Sale in Geneva on Nov. 8.
The 93.94-carat gem named “The Blue Lagoon” is estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
The stone is a Cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique, which has emerged as not only the world's most productive country for the gemstone, but also as one of the leading sources for top-quality colored stones, according to Sotheby’s. This summer at Sotheby’s New York, a 55.22-carat ruby from the country sold for over $30 million.
Paraíba tourmalines, a variety of Cuprian tourmalines, get their name from the Paraíba region of Brazil where they were first discovered in the 1980s, but the term is now granted to greenish-blue specimens of vivid to deep saturation, regardless of the source.
The variety has become one of the most highly sought-after gemstones in the world, Sotheby’s said, often commanding prices surpassing those paid for fine sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Top quality Paraíba tourmalines display an extraordinary electric blue hue but are typically small and have a “significant degree” of internal imperfections.
“[The Blue Lagoon’s] impressive size, superlative clarity, and enchanting turquoise color—all achieved without the aid of heat treatment—recall the crystalline waters of a tropical paradise,” Sotheby’s said.
Related stories will be right here …
The 93.94-carat gem named “The Blue Lagoon” is estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
The stone is a Cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique, which has emerged as not only the world's most productive country for the gemstone, but also as one of the leading sources for top-quality colored stones, according to Sotheby’s. This summer at Sotheby’s New York, a 55.22-carat ruby from the country sold for over $30 million.
Paraíba tourmalines, a variety of Cuprian tourmalines, get their name from the Paraíba region of Brazil where they were first discovered in the 1980s, but the term is now granted to greenish-blue specimens of vivid to deep saturation, regardless of the source.
The variety has become one of the most highly sought-after gemstones in the world, Sotheby’s said, often commanding prices surpassing those paid for fine sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Top quality Paraíba tourmalines display an extraordinary electric blue hue but are typically small and have a “significant degree” of internal imperfections.
“[The Blue Lagoon’s] impressive size, superlative clarity, and enchanting turquoise color—all achieved without the aid of heat treatment—recall the crystalline waters of a tropical paradise,” Sotheby’s said.
“The Blue Lagoon” is set in a bespoke high jewelry necklace by the 130-year-old European Maison Adler Joailliers, conceived and created exclusively for this stone. The piece features a waterfall of more than 76 carats of round, marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
The Paraíba tourmaline is accompanied by a Bellerophon report brochure and an SSEF report with an appendix attesting to its “exceptional” size and quality. The original sketch of the necklace design is also included.
The auction is part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week, a biannual seasonal series held in Hong Kong, New York and Geneva, offering lots across jewelry, watches, handbags, and accessories.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
