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."
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Diamond industrialist Ehud Arye Laniado is a man passionate about diamonds. From his early 20s in Africa and later in Belgium honing his expertise in forecasting the value of polished diamonds by examining rough diamonds by hand, till today four decades later, as chairman of his international diamond businesses spanning mining, exploration, rough and polished diamond valuation, trading, manufacturing, retail and consultancy services, Laniado has mastered both the miniscule details of evaluating and pricing individual rough diamonds and the entire structure of the diamond industry. Today, his global operations are at the forefront of the industry, recognised in diamond capitals from Mumbai to Tel Aviv and Hong Kong to New York.