A mesmerising 10-carat blue diamond, dubbed the Mediterranean Blue, took centre stage at a glittering diamond exhibition in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, stunning visitors with its rare hue, flawless cut, and jaw-dropping value.

Part of a $100 million showcase by Sotheby’s, the Mediterranean Blue is being hailed as one of the most important blue diamonds ever discovered. The exhibition features eight extraordinary gems totaling over 700 carats, but it’s the Mediterranean Blue that has captivated collectors and connoisseurs.

Set to go under the hammer on May 13, the diamond is expected to fetch $20 million.

A Gem Born in South Africa

The Mediterranean Blue was crafted from a 31.94-carat rough diamond unearthed in 2023 at South Africa’s legendary Cullinan mine, the same mine that produced the 530.2-carat Great Star of Africa, now part of the British Crown Jewels.

Transforming the raw stone into its current dazzling form took over a year of intense study, followed by a meticulous six-month cutting and polishing process. The result: a vivid blue gem of exceptional clarity, brilliance, and historical importance.

Why Abu Dhabi?

According to Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewels in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Abu Dhabi was the perfect choice to unveil the gem.

“We have great optimism about the region,” Bruning said. “This is a place where traders and collectors truly value diamonds of this rarity and significance.”

More Jewels of the Night

Joining the Mediterranean Blue are several other remarkable stones:

• The Desert Rose – a 31.68-carat pear-cut orange-pink diamond of rare VVS1 clarity
• The Golden Canary Necklace – featuring a 303.10-carat pear-shaped yellow-brown diamond, flawless inside
• The Ultimate Emerald Cut – a 100.20-carat D-color diamond with ideal clarity and cut

The exhibition not only cements the UAE’s status as a global hub for luxury and fine jewellery but also offers a once-in-a-lifetime look at some of the world’s most exceptional stones.

(Inputs from AP)