‘Golconda Blue’ diamond pulled from Christie’s Auction

The 23.24-carat “Golconda Blue” fancy vivid blue diamond has been pulled from the May 14 Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale. If it went to auction, it would have been the largest fancy blue diamond to have been presented at a public sale. Its estimate was $35 – $50 million.

Christie’s provided a brief statement saying the unidentified owners of the rare gem decided to sell it within the family. The statement reads: The Golconda Blue’s historic provenance, uncovered by Christie’s research, has generated considerable market interest and much excitement globally. At this time, the owners have decided to pursue a sale of the diamond to a family member.

A spokesperson for the auction house further reinforced that it was a personal decision by the diamond’s owner to sell it within the family.