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.



Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
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Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro

An affable honey-cream Labrador retriever named Aldo is helping young Ecuadorean children relax at the dentist's office, allowing them to cuddle up and stroke him to distract them from noisy machines and invasive oral procedures.
With some five years' experience in emotional support, 8-year-old Aldo understands some 30 commands and enjoys climbing on top of children sitting in his owner Glenda Arias' dental chair.
"Visits always tend to be traumatic, but Aldo brings tranquility and peace to my daughter," said mother Beatriz Armas. "These visits are totally pleasant for her."
Arias said Aldo's clinical involvement had helped transform the behavior of children attending her consultations.
"Aldo is essential," she said.