Abu Dhabi Glitters Again: Sotheby’s Unveils a $20M Blue Diamond Masterpiece

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After a long hiatus, the global art and luxury giant Sotheby’s is making a luminous return to Abu Dhabi—and they’re not coming quietly. The city will have a shining spectacle from April 9 to 10, 2025. Beyond: The World’s Rarest Diamonds, an exclusive public exhibition at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, will take place on Saadiyat Island. The star of the show is a stone so rare, so spellbinding, it is stopping everyone in their tracks worldwide.

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Meet the Star: The Mediterranean Blue

One diamond is stealing all the spotlight—The Mediterranean Blue. This stunning 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond is not only rarity, it is mythological. Fewer than 0.3% of diamonds have a predominantly blue hue, making this stone a natural wonder. And it is not only the beautiful color that is making people swoon over it- but also its clarity, cut and carat size that create a diamond at its highest quality level.

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From Earth to Elegance: The Diamond’s Journey

This isn’t just a pretty stone—it’s a story of transformation. Discovered in 2023 at South Africa’s iconic Cullinan Mine, the original rough diamond weighed a hefty 31.94 carats. Over the course of a year, experts crafted the gem into a cushion-shaped, modified brilliant-cut marvel. Every facet was carefully planned, every angle designed for brilliance. Six painstaking months of cutting and polishing brought this dream to life.

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Abu Dhabi: The New Luxury Capital?

Sotheby’s choice to unveil this treasure in Abu Dhabi isn’t random. The UAE capital is fast becoming a global hub for art and luxury. With ADQ’s recent £770 million investment in Sotheby’s, the ties between the emirate and the elite auction house are stronger than ever. According to Sotheby’s own Quig Bruning, the venue’s architecture is a fitting match for the diamond’s rare allure—modern elegance meets timeless beauty.

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Next Stop: Geneva, with a Price Tag to Match

After its Abu Dhabi debut, The Mediterranean Blue sets off on a whirlwind world tour, hitting Taipei, Hong Kong, and New York before landing in Geneva. On May 13, 2025, it takes center stage at Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale—where it’s expected to fetch a dazzling $20 million.

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Why This Matters

This exhibition isn’t just about diamonds. It marks a moment—Abu Dhabi’s growing influence on the global luxury scene. With a $100 million collection on display and a rising profile in the art world, the capital is no longer just a spectator—it’s officially in the spotlight.

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