A blue diamond that conducts electricity sounds like Iron Man’s engagement ring, but Christie’s 31.62-carat Azure Blue is very real, the largest Fancy Blue diamond ever offered at auction, and it is expected to fetch up to $8.5 million in New York this June.

That description is actually based on a real and very rare gemstone currently making headlines.

The stone is the Christie’s 31.62-carat “Azure Blue” diamond, and it’s being positioned as one of the most significant fancy blue diamonds ever offered at auction.

Why it’s so unusual
Size: 31.62 carats is extremely large for a natural fancy blue diamond
Color grade: “Fancy Blue” is among the rarest diamond color categories
Origin of color: Blue diamonds get their hue from trace amounts of boron, which is also what makes them capable of conducting electricity — a very rare property in gemstones
That conductivity is why people jokingly compare it to something like an “Iron Man ring”

Auction details
Expected to sell for up to $8.5 million
Auction location: New York City
Sale is scheduled for June
Christie’s is highlighting it as a “once-in-a-generation” collector’s diamond due to its size, clarity, and color intensity

Why collectors care

Fancy blue diamonds are already incredibly rare, and anything above 10 carats is considered exceptional. At over 30 carats, this one sits in elite territory for high-end gem collectors and investors.

In a month’s time, someone’s eyes may be gleaming blue, thanks to an extraordinary acquisition called The Azure Blue. The exceptional 31.62-carat fancy blue, pear-shaped diamond will headline Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction, to be held live at Rockefeller Center on June 9. Estimated at $6.5 million to $8.5 million, this glittering giant is expected to draw the attention of collectors from around the world. And why not? The specimen ticks every box of spectacular. According to the Gemological Institute of America, it is a natural-color fancy blue diamond with the potential to be reclassified as internally flawless.

The Type IIb diamond flaunts a distinguished blue color that would make even the most discerning collector’s eyes gleam with pride. Adding to its intrigue, The Azure Blue is also electrically conductive, a rare trait associated with Type IIb diamonds. Utterly rare, this category represents less than 0.1% of all natural diamonds, which only highlights how difficult it is to get one’s hands on such a gem, or perhaps, how to get the gem on the right hand. Presented by Christie’s market-leading Jewelry Department in collaboration with The Fine Art Group, this exceptional stone stands among the most significant fancy blue diamonds to appear on the market in recent years.

Claibourne Poindexter, Head of Jewelry, Americas, commented, “With its striking color, exceptional size, and elegant shape, The Azure Blue is a rare masterpiece of nature. As the largest Fancy Blue diamond ever offered at auction, Christie’s is honored to present this superb stone to a new generation of collectors this June.” Fittingly, The Azure Blue is mounted on a platinum ring and accented by a frame of pink round diamonds, adding a romantic contrast to its cool, commanding blue.

Once the hammer falls, the winning bidder will not just own one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, they will carry a piece of natural history on their finger and, perhaps, go to sleep with dazzling blue dreams. The Magnificent Jewels auction will take place in New York, in the heart of Rockefeller Center, on June 9th