Historic ‘The Farnese Blue’ diamond to be auctioned at Sotheby’s sale after 300 years

Sotheby’s will offer the historic Farnese Blue diamond at its Geneva sale in May, the first time it has been on the market. 

The pear-shaped, 6.16-carat, fancy dark grey-blue stone has passed through the hands of the royals from four European dynasties, over the last 300 years. It was originally given to Queen Elisabeth Farnese of Spain as a wedding gift following her marriage to King Philip V in 1714.

The diamond will go under the hammer at the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction on May 15 with an estimated price of $3.7 million to $5.3 million. 

Originating in the Golconda mines of India, it has traveled from Spain to France, Italy and Austria over the last three centuries. 

It would be passed down through more than seven generations and, as Elisabeth's descendants married into other European families.

Sotheby's will be offering the gem at its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale taking place in Geneva on May 15, 2018. The stone's value is calculated between $3,690,000 and $5,270,000.

The Farnese Blue will appear at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore and Taipei, before coming to Geneva for display prior to the sale.