Blue Diamond Sells for More Than $44 Million at Christie’s Auction in Geneva 

A Christie's employee displays "Bleu Royal," a rare 17.61 carats internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear shaped diamond, during a preview at the Christie's, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. (Keystone via AP)
A Christie's employee displays "Bleu Royal," a rare 17.61 carats internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear shaped diamond, during a preview at the Christie's, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. (Keystone via AP)
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Blue Diamond Sells for More Than $44 Million at Christie’s Auction in Geneva 

A Christie's employee displays "Bleu Royal," a rare 17.61 carats internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear shaped diamond, during a preview at the Christie's, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. (Keystone via AP)
A Christie's employee displays "Bleu Royal," a rare 17.61 carats internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear shaped diamond, during a preview at the Christie's, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. (Keystone via AP)

The largest fancy vivid blue diamond to ever come to auction sold Tuesday for more than $44 million, far outstripping the pre-sale estimate, Christie’s said.

The “Bleu Royal” — a ring featuring a fancy vivid blue pear-shaped diamond of 17.61 carats — was one of the standout pieces to go under the hammer at the auction house for Geneva’s Luxury Week.

Christie’s had estimated the ring would fetch around $35 million.

The auction house said the sale made the “Bleu Royal” the most expensive jewel sold at auction this year.

Christie’s said the gemstone would be handed over to another private collection for the first time in 40 years.



Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
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Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA

The Kingdom's Aseer region is currently experiencing the bountiful Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees, SPA reported.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey.
Sidr honey, renowned for its numerous health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system. The unique taste and aroma of this honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally.
Beekeepers in Tihama Aseer have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SAR350 to SAR500 per kilogram. The region's diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative aim to improve beekeeping practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey and contribute to the global market.