5.03 Brazilian Blue Paraiba fails to sell at Sotheby's Important Jewelry Auction, September, 2023

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  • 5.03 Brazilian Blue Paraiba fails to sell at Sotheby's Important Jewelry Auction, September, 2023

  Nov 1, 2023   admin

The reserve on the gem was $300,000 or approximately $56,000 per carat.  This seems fair for a Brazilian stone.  We believe the highest bid was $200,000 or about $37,000 per carat.

We are not sure the why the stone didn't sell?  The AGL Prestige Gem Report said Brazilian origin, low temperature heat and no clarity enhancement.  (See below).  The stone  must be Moderately Included (MI) or Heavily Included (HI)?  Although Paraiba tourmalines are typically included like emeralds, gems with obvious clarity issues have a hard time selling for top dollar. Also, if you look closely at this picture you can see the nasty clarity and the stone looks light in color, also.  These must be the two main reasons for not reaching the reserve.

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Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's

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