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 Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University Ranks 11th in Arab World in QS Arab Rankings for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University secured a prestigious position in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2025, placing 11th among 246 universities from across the Arab world and 4th among 34 Saudi universities.

The achievement underscores the university's dedication to excellence in higher education, research, and international collaboration.

King Khalid University Acting President Dr. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dajam expressed pride in the university's progress, emphasizing its role in contributing to the sustainable development of the Aseer region.

The achievements are due to the university's 2030 strategy, which is closely tied to the Aseer Region Development Strategy and the broader goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, he stressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The university, he said, focuses on advancing its academic and research sectors to serve the community and build strong international partnerships.

Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Dr. Hamed bin Majdou Al-Qarni highlighted the significant strides the university made in scientific research, and global cooperation, reaffirming the university's commitment to improving its international standing by fostering innovative research, expanding its network of international collaborations, and offering high-quality academic programs.