(CNN) – The largest flawless, brilliant blue diamond ever auctioned could sell for up to $50 million at Christie’s in Geneva on November 7, the auctioneer said Thursday.
This brilliant blue diamond, known as “Bleu Royal,” is set in a ring and is among the rarest ever unearthed.
“What makes Bleu Royal so rare and special is its size. At 17.6 carats, it is the largest of its kind,” said Rahul Kadakia, international jewelry director at Christie’s.
“The color is very natural and rich and the inside looks as good as it gets.”
The 17.6-carat “Bleu Royal” diamond photographed at a preview of a Christie’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland. Denis Balibouse/Portal
In 2016, Christie’s sold a rare 14.6-carat blue diamond known as “Oppenheimer Blue” for more than $57 million.
“We hope he beats the Oppenheimer,” Kadakia said of “Bleu Royal.”
“We have toured all over the world, to Asia, the United States and Europe, attracting great interest from collectors around the world.”
In a separate online auction November 3-16, Christie’s is offering a pearl necklace worn by film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in the final scene of the 1953 film “Roman Holiday.”
“We priced it between $20,000 and $30,000, so it’s pretty reasonable,” Kadakia said. “Anyone can be Audrey Hepburn.”
The auctioneer is also presenting a Rolex wristwatch worn by Marlon Brando in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, on the back of which the actor engraved his signature to prevent it from being accidentally altered during filming.
“What makes it truly unique is that it is truly one of the most recognizable pieces of Rolex memorabilia to ever appear at auction,” said Remi Guillemin, director of watches in Europe at Christie’s.
Two years ago, the watch, now worth between 1 and 2 million Swiss francs, was auctioned for 2 million Swiss francs ($2.2 million).
“It’s actually very rare to have both pieces by incredible actors: a Marlon Brando Rolex and an Audrey Hepburn necklace,” Guillemin said.