Blue diamond ring set for £2m auction in London on 1 October
Elmwood’s will sell an 8.03‑carat Fancy Light Blue stone, the third UK auction of a blue diamond over eight carats, with an estimated price of £1.5‑£2 million
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Named source and body, specific figures and dates, but only one outlet.
Higher is stronger
Quotes and specifics present, yet largely a press‑release style.
Higher is stronger
Mildly sensational language but no exaggerated claims.
Lower is better
Elmwood’s Fine Jewellery sale in London will feature a pear‑shaped ring centred on an 8.03‑carat Fancy Light Blue diamond. The auction is scheduled for 1 October 2026. The ring also includes concentric bands of round brilliant pink and white diamonds.
Historical rarity of large blue diamonds
FTSE 100 climbs to 10,739 as oil slips and JD Sports eyes Mexico
London markets rose on lower Brent prices while JD Sports announced a franchise deal to launch its brand in Mexico, and Elixirr reported higher half‑year profit.
According to Elmwood’s, only two blue diamonds larger than eight carats have previously been offered at a UK auction. The first was the 70.21‑carat “Idol’s Eye”, sold by Christie’s in London in 1865. The second was the Wittelsbach Diamond, which changed hands at Sotheby’s in 2008.
Expert comment on the stone’s significance
An 8.03‑carat natural blue diamond is an extraordinary rarity in its own right, but its place in British auction history adds a unique allure.
Joe Kendrick, head of sale at Elmwood’s
Charity shops face crisis as donations overwhelm system
Major retailers are closing stores while donated clothes flood overseas markets, creating environmental and logistical challenges.
Joe Kendrick, who oversees the sale, highlighted the combination of size, colour, clarity and the pear shape as factors that should attract strong interest from collectors. He noted that the ring comes from a Scottish collector, adding a provenance element that may influence bidding.
Estimated value and buyer considerations
The auction house has set the expected price band between £1.5 million and £2 million. Potential buyers will need to register with Elmwood’s and provide proof of funds before the preview on 25 September. The sale will be conducted in person at the auction house’s Mayfair venue, with online bidding also available.
What happens after the sale
If the ring sells, the winning bidder will receive a certificate of authenticity and a detailed provenance report. Payment must be completed within the standard 48‑hour settlement period. The collector who supplied the piece will receive the proceeds after the auction house’s commission, which has not been disclosed.
Questions this report answers
+When will the blue diamond ring be auctioned?
The ring is scheduled for sale at Elmwood’s Fine Jewellery auction on 1 October 2026. The date is confirmed by Elmwood’s and reported by the Standard. Bidders should note the preview is set for 25 September.
+How many blue diamonds over eight carats have been sold at UK auctions before?
Only two such stones have previously appeared at UK auctions: the 70.21‑carat Idol’s Eye in 1865 at Christie’s and the Wittelsbach Diamond in 2008 at Sotheby’s. Elmwood’s says this will be the third.
+What price does Elmwood’s expect for the ring?
Elmwood’s estimates the hammer price will fall between £1.5 million and £2 million. The range reflects the rarity of an 8.03‑carat Fancy Light Blue diamond and the additional pink and white diamonds set in the piece.
+Who is selling the ring and what is its provenance?
The ring is being offered by a collector based in Glasgow, as noted by Elmwood’s. The provenance adds a Scottish connection, which the head of sale, Joe Kendrick, said enhances the piece’s appeal to collectors.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Business
FTSE 100 climbs to 10,739 as oil slips and JD Sports eyes Mexico
Charity shops face crisis as donations overwhelm system
FTSE 100 drops 1.5% as 10‑year gilt yield rises to 5.31% and retail sales rebound
