blue diamonds
The Blue Moon Diamond gives new meaning to the meaning “once in a blue moon”: the 12-carat stone isn’t just one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world, but it’s only in Los Angeles for a limited period of time.
The gem, which arrived at the Los Angeles County’s Natural History Museum on Friday and went on display Saturday, is one of the rarest stones in the world because of its distinct color, size and clarity. The trace element boron within the carbon structure of the stone is responsible for its blue color. Diamonds with a strong saturated color represent only a tiny percentage of all natural diamonds – and only a minute percentage of all natural color diamonds are blue, making the Blue Moon an extremely significant find.
The stone was discovered in a mine northeast of Pretoria, South Africa, known for discovering some of the most recognized blue and other color diamonds in the world, the Cullinan mine.
Blue Moon was cut from a 29.63-carat rough diamond, a process that took six months, and fashioned to form a cushion-cut shape. The value of the gem is not yet known, though Cora International, bought the rough diamond for nearly $26 million from Petra Diamonds Ltd.
To showcase the significance of this stone, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has made a monograph of the blue diamond. According to the GIA, a monograph offers detailed documentation of outstanding gems in book format, offering a holistic perspective on their character and significance. The GIA Monograph report “fleshes out the details of a gem’s story, highlighting the features that elevate the gem to the realm of the truly exceptional.” The GIA has also written a special letter for this stone due to its rarity and beauty.
If you’re into rare diamonds, you’ll be happy to know that you have a few months to check it out, as the Blue Moon will be on display at the NHM at its special Gem Vault exhibition through Jan. 6 of 2015.
Photo Credit: E.I. Chamorro, courtesy of NHM.
Related Articles
Carlos Alcaraz at Reserve Cup Marbella Completely Changes the Tennis-Padel Dynamic
Carlos Alcaraz surprised fans at Reserve Cup Marbella at Puente Romano on June 18, 2026, joining Wayne Boich courtside.
Why Cannes Lions 2026 is the Biggest Moment Yet for Creators & Sports Marketing
United Talent Agency’s UTA Beach brings 120+ creators to Cannes Lions 2026 as the creator economy and sports marketing take center stage.
Haute Living San Francisco: The Guide to Luxury in the Bay Area
San Francisco and the Bay Area represent a unique intersection of technology wealth, cultural sophistication, and natural beauty. From Pacific Heights mansions to Napa Valley vineyards, Haute Living covers the luxury lifestyle that makes Northern California one of the world’s most desirable destinations. San Francisco Real Estate Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and the Bay Area […]
Haute Living Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury in the Entertainment Capital
Las Vegas has evolved from entertainment capital to luxury destination — with world-class dining, billion-dollar resorts, exclusive nightlife, and a real estate market that attracts the world’s most discerning buyers. Haute Living covers Vegas at its most luxurious. Las Vegas Resorts & Hotels The Wynn, Bellagio, Venetian, and the resorts redefining five-star hospitality in the […]
Haute Living Los Angeles: The Definitive Guide to Luxury on the West Coast
Los Angeles is where entertainment meets luxury, where celebrity culture intersects with world-class real estate, dining, and art. From the hills of Bel Air to the beaches of Malibu, Haute Living covers LA’s luxury landscape — the homes, the restaurants, the parties, and the people who make the City of Angels the capital of West […]
Haute Living New York: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury in the City That Never Sleeps
New York City is the world capital of luxury — where the finest dining, the most prestigious real estate, the biggest art auctions, and the brightest fashion shows converge. Haute Living’s New York coverage spans the full spectrum of what makes this city the ultimate destination for those who demand the best. New York Real […]
Latest Stories
Trending Articles
Related Articles
Carlos Alcaraz at Reserve Cup Marbella Completely Changes the Tennis-Padel Dynamic
Carlos Alcaraz surprised fans at Reserve Cup Marbella at Puente Romano on June 18, 2026, joining Wayne Boich courtside.
Why Cannes Lions 2026 is the Biggest Moment Yet for Creators & Sports Marketing
United Talent Agency’s UTA Beach brings 120+ creators to Cannes Lions 2026 as the creator economy and sports marketing take center stage.
Haute Living San Francisco: The Guide to Luxury in the Bay Area
San Francisco and the Bay Area represent a unique intersection of technology wealth, cultural sophistication, and natural beauty. From Pacific Heights mansions to Napa Valley vineyards, Haute Living covers the luxury lifestyle that makes Northern California one of the world’s most desirable destinations. San Francisco Real Estate Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and the Bay Area […]
Haute Living Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury in the Entertainment Capital
Las Vegas has evolved from entertainment capital to luxury destination — with world-class dining, billion-dollar resorts, exclusive nightlife, and a real estate market that attracts the world’s most discerning buyers. Haute Living covers Vegas at its most luxurious. Las Vegas Resorts & Hotels The Wynn, Bellagio, Venetian, and the resorts redefining five-star hospitality in the […]
Haute Living Los Angeles: The Definitive Guide to Luxury on the West Coast
Los Angeles is where entertainment meets luxury, where celebrity culture intersects with world-class real estate, dining, and art. From the hills of Bel Air to the beaches of Malibu, Haute Living covers LA’s luxury landscape — the homes, the restaurants, the parties, and the people who make the City of Angels the capital of West […]
Haute Living New York: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury in the City That Never Sleeps
New York City is the world capital of luxury — where the finest dining, the most prestigious real estate, the biggest art auctions, and the brightest fashion shows converge. Haute Living’s New York coverage spans the full spectrum of what makes this city the ultimate destination for those who demand the best. New York Real […]
Subscribe to Haute Living
Receive Our Magazine Directly at Your Doorstep
Embark on a journey of luxury and elegance with Haute Living magazine. Subscribe now and have every issue conveniently delivered to your home. Experience the pinnacle of lifestyle, culture, and sophistication through our pages.
Haute Black Membership
Your Gateway to Extraordinary Experiences
Join Haute Black and unlock access to the world's most prestigious luxury events