Magical Farnese blue diamond expected to fetch £5m
Magical Farnese blue diamond expected to fetch £5m
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A spectacular blue diamond which was gifted to a Spanish queen in 1715 is to go on sale for the first time ever next month with an anticipated price tag of around £5 million.
Until recently, no one knew of its existence since the 6.16 -carat 'Farnese Blue', crafted for Elisabeth Farnese, Queen of Spain (1692-1766) was seen only by close relatives though since those relatives spanned four royal families across France, Spain, Italy and Austria over a period of 300 years, it is astonishing the diamond has been kept under wraps so successfully.
It was found in the Golconda mines of India, which was the sole source of diamonds until the discoveries in Brazil in the 1720s and gifted to the Queen when she married King Philip V of Spain. It is now being sold by one of Elisabeth’s descendants, and will be auctioned in Geneva on 15 May at Sotheby’s.
David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland, said:
“It is difficult to put into words the excitement of holding between thumb and forefinger a gem discovered centuries ago, knowing it originated in the legendary Golconda diamond mines of India.
"This stone has witnessed 300 years of European history, and in colour is reminiscent of historic Golconda blue gems such as the Hope diamond.”
Dr Philipp Herzog von Württemberg, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Managing Director of Germany added:
“With its incredible pedigree, the Farnese Blue ranks among the most important historic diamonds in the world.
"From the first minute I saw the stone, I could not resist its magic and as such, it is a huge privilege to have been entrusted with this sale.”
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