Month: March 2025

Ahead of its auction in Geneva this May, where it is expected to fetch around €18.5 million, The Mediterranean Blue, an exceptionally rare 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, will embark on a global tour with Sotheby’s, starting at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi next month.

The journey of The Mediterranean Blue began with the unearthing of a 31.94-carat rough diamond from South Africa’s legendary Cullinan mine in 2023. The mine has a storied history of producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the 530-carat Great Star of Africa and The Blue Moon of Josephine, which sold for a staggering €45 million in 2015.

Boasting the highest possible colour grading for a blue diamond, as certified by the Gemological Institute of America, The Mediterranean Blue is classified as Type IIb, a rare designation given to less than 0.5% of all diamonds. This, combined with its exquisite cushion shape, which took experts months to shape, and VS2 clarity, places the jewel among the most incredible diamonds ever auctioned.

“The Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature’s rarest gems,” says Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewellery for the Americas and EMEA. “Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this, particularly being over 10 carats, is a newsworthy event. The Mediterranean Blue’s remarkable size, charming cushion cut and ocean-blue colours place it in the rarefied company of some of the most important blue diamonds to come to market in recent years.”

The diamond will go to auction via Sotheby’s Auction House in Geneva on 13th May, where it is expected to achieve €18.5 million. Ahead of the sale, The Mediterranean Blue is heading off on a world tour, and its grand unveiling will take place in the prestigious Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. After this premiere, it will make stops in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before arriving in Geneva.

Read related:

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Photo source: Sotheby’s New York Press Office

Following its collection efforts in February, the Monaco-based humanitarian association Semeurs d’Espoir is once again calling on residents of the Principality to help replenish essential supplies for vulnerable individuals in the region by donating much-needed food and hygiene products this Friday and Saturday.

The charity, which supports homeless and disadvantaged people in the French towns and cities surrounding Monaco, has been struggling to fulfil aid requests in recent months after a difficult winter left its reserves critically low.

To help restock supplies and create its “life bags” for those in need, Semeurs d’Espoir organised a collection drive in February. This will now be followed up with another round of collections on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th March at Carrefour Market on Boulevard Albert Ier.

Shoppers will be encouraged to contribute by purchasing and donating essential items, from toothbrushes and toothpaste to shelf-stable goods such as compotes, canned salads and tinned fish.

In a statement published on social media, the Semeurs d’Espoir team stressed, “Even the smallest donation is welcome. Our stocks are at their lowest, and we’re counting on you to help us continue distributing our life bags. With all our heart, thank you for your support.”

For those unable to visit Carrefour Monaco during the campaign, donations can also be dropped off at Cabinet Dorfmann on 3 Rue Princesse Caroline. The usual drop-off point on Level -4 of the parking area near the Digue Rainier III is currently unavailable due to ongoing works in the area.

For more information on how to donate or support Semeurs d’Espoir, click here.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Semeurs d’Espoir Monaco

The much-loved plant donation initiative at Parc Princesse Antoinette is returning this spring, with the next giveaway set for Wednesday 9th April at 12pm. Residents are invited to collect a free winter plant from outside the A Fàbrica hall, where park gardeners will be on hand to share expert advice and planting tips.

This eco-conscious initiative, which has been running successfully for over two years, gives a second life to plants that must be removed from the park’s landscaped beds. At this spring session, around one hundred winter blooms – including cyclamens, geraniums and primroses – will be offered to the public.

The project is part of a commitment by Monaco’s Communal Council to environmental responsibility and the fight against waste, aligning with broader efforts to promote circular economy practices throughout the Principality.

To ensure as many people as possible can take part, the distribution will be limited to one plant per person. No registration is required, and the event will be held at A Fàbrica in Parc Princesse Antoinette.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco