If you need to know the price ... you can’t afford it

A Sotheby's employee displays the 10.03-carat 'Mediterranean Blue' diamond ring during a preview ahead of a public exhibition in Abu Dhabi on April 8, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 09 April 2025
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If you need to know the price ... you can’t afford it

  • Rare blue diamond valued at $20m goes on display in Abu Dhabi before auction next month
  • The blue diamond will also be showcased in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before its exhibition and sale in Geneva in mid-May

ABU DHABI: A rare blue diamond valued at $20 million went on pre-auction display on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
The 10-carat Mediterranean Blue, which will go on sale in Geneva next month, is the showpiece of a collection estimated at $100 million.
“Included in the group are the largest flawless diamond in the world ... the second-largest red diamond known to exist and several diamonds over 100 carats,” Sotheby’s auction house said.




The 102.60-carat round white diamond (R) is displayed alongside the 40.29-carat radiant-cut fancy light pink diamond ring during a preview before a public exhibition in Abu Dhabi on April 8, 2025. (AFP)

The polished stones were on display in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island cultural district on Tuesday next to lavish jewelry, including a white-diamond encrusted necklace featuring a 100.26-carat pear-shaped brown diamond pendant.
The blue diamond will also be showcased in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before its exhibition and sale in Geneva in mid-May.
“At the top of the rarity pyramid are blue diamonds,” said Quig Bruning, head of jewels for Sotheby’s in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
“Diamonds of exceptional color and size are by definition wonders of nature that seldom occur, so their presence at auctions can only be infrequent.
“Such diamonds were rarer than usual on the market in the past year or so, which makes the sale of the Mediterranean Blue an even more exciting event.”

 


Review: ‘ASL Line,’ abayas from the comfort of your own home

Updated 02 January 2026
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Review: ‘ASL Line,’ abayas from the comfort of your own home

There’s no question about the abundance of abaya boutique and shopping options in Saudi Arabia — but sometimes an influx of choices can leave one feeling overwhelmed.

As the winter edges closer in the desertscape, we’re looking for comfortable, yet fashionable, winter abaya for the season. 

ASL Line is one place that has caught our eye, not only for their distinctive pieces, but their quality as well. From the diversity of their colors to the uniqueness of their patterns, it’s a great place to shop from the comfort of your home for abaya that will last in your closet for quite a while. 

Their winter collection features a 34-piece drop. From velvet and chiffon abayas to floral trims and ASL exclusive prints, the assortment has something for any occasion.

For a night out, they have several pieces that are designed with black stretch taffeta and patterned velvet, adorned with tassels, embroidery and embellishments in a flare cut. 

One truly dazzling piece is a maroon abaya constructed with Korean velvet fabric with stretch taffeta in a flared silhouette that would be perfect with black heels and bag for an elegant look. They also have a number of velvet looks for winter that are great options for casual and office wear. 

Within the past year, the shop launched their ASL Couture line, inspired by 1800s Parisian fashion with a Saudi twist. From high-end pieces to ready-to-wear ensembles, their breathtaking designs adorn classy floral designs and palm accents that will turn heads at weddings and special occasions. 

The one downside of the shop is that it takes a while for your order to be delivered, even for the ready-to-wear pieces.

Our last order took a little under three weeks to arrive, but they do have an exclusive set of black abayas that are delivered within 24 hours only in Riyadh.