News from All Diamond

"Ehud Laniado, global diamond expert and seller of two of the three most expensive diamonds sold in the history of Sotheby's, explains why diamonds are a viable long-term investment".

In November, Sotheby’s sold the Blue Moon, the 12.03 ct. internally flawless vivid blue cushion cut, for $48.5 million, setting a world record for a diamond at auction. 

Before that, however, the stone, discovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa, was a 29.62 ct. piece of rough, which was purchased by Cora International for $25.6 million at a February 2014 tender.  

But what happened in between? How is cutting such a rare and valuable stone—one significant enough to be exhibited at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County—different from cutting any other stone?

Read here the all article published on JCK: 

http://www.jckonline.com/blogs/cutting-remarks/2016/01/22/what-its-cut-worlds-most-expensive-diamond

Headed by Ehud Laniado sold the Blue Moon Diamond in $48.4 million setting new record.

Ehud Laniado, Chairman of Cora International LLC, said: "This diamond is a true gift of nature. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) graded 400 blue diamonds and only four of the 400 were graded fancy vivid blue. So even amongst this extremely rare class of blue diamonds, to get one vivid blue, 12 carats, internally flawless, is really as rare as a ‘blue moon.’”

For five months our experts assessed the stone. Thirty models were created, and each cut differently until the perfect result achieved,” says Cora. “Afterwards, it took us three more months to bring the stone to its final spectacular shape using advanced technology and sophisticated tools. Jewelers have a chance to handle such a unique diamond once in a life time, perhaps, and we are delighted that Cora had the opportunity to have this experience." 

Ehud Laniado, Chairman of Cora International LLC, is delighted to announce that Cora has decided to make a Contribution to build a new school for children in Ethiopia. The contribution is to be made from the proceeds of the sale of the exceptional and rare Blue Moon Diamond through a successful competitive auction by Sotheby's Geneva.

"This diamond is a true gift of nature. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) graded 400 blue diamonds and only four of the 400 were graded fancy vivid blue. So even amongst this extremely rare class of blue diamonds, to get one vivid blue, 12 carats, internally flawless, is really as rare as a ‘blue moon. It is a privilege for me and for Cora to translate this gift of nature by sharing it with the African community in the form of a donation to Angelina Jolie's EPCC Partnership (The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict)". Ehud Laniado

Angelina Jolie says: "Robert Procop and I are very grateful for the generous donation made by Cora International thanks to Ehud Laniado. It will enable us to build a school in Ethiopia and we are thankful for the support to help in changing the lives of children through education."

Robert Procop added on the blue moon: "I have had the privilege of inspecting the "Blue Moon Diamond" and it is truly the most beautiful blue diamond I've ever seen. It has the perfect saturation of royal vivid blue and is perfectly distributed with amazing brilliance of color. Unlike most large blue diamonds, this blue is free from modifying dark or grey tones. With such a distinctive cobalt blue hue, the dispersion of light creates unparalleled inner fire. I am happy to note that this blue diamond will be featured in the next book of Famous Diamonds and highlighted in the new color section featuring the most unique colors of gemstones in the world."