Der Blaue Wittelsbacher

This winter, Christie’s, Jewels: The London Sale will present auction goers with one of the world’s most valued diamonds. Last year, the largest D-color flawless diamond went for nearly €8 million at Sotheby’s, and this December, Christie’s headlining blue-grey 35.56-carat diamond is predicted to take in as much as €10 million. This rare 17th century Wittelsbach diamond was selected by King Philip IV of Spain 1664 as part of the dowry of his daughter, the Infanta Margarita Teresa upon her engagement to Leopold I of Austria, who later became the Holy Roman Emperor. The diamond was thought to have originated from the Indian diamonds mines and was passed through the crown jewels of Austria and Bavaria. Since 1772 the diamond has been known as “Der Blaue Wittelsbacher” and since 1964 has been held by a private collector until now. “It is a great honor and a lifetime dream to handle a museum quality stone such as the Wittelsbach,” says Francois Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Europe and International Head of Jeweler. “The appearance of a large blue diamond, among the rarest of colors, with a history that can be traced back to the 17th Century and 300 years of Royal connections will surely be a thrilling occasion for all collectors of exceedingly rare jewels and works of art.”