The collection of over 300 colored diamonds belonging to the "king of colored diamonds," Eddy Elzas, was auctioned at Christie's in Geneva for just above its low estimate.
The Rainbow collection, which spans the entire color spectrum and weighs approximately 350 carats, had a pre-sale estimate of $1.98 to $2.98 million. The diamonds ultimately sold for $2.19 million, although figures ranging from $60 to $100 million have been repeatedly cited in the media in recent years.
Considered a pioneer in the fancy-colored diamond industry, Eddy Elzas spent 40 years assembling his collection. According to some reports, he once received a purchase offer from a Saudi prince, who wanted to present these gems as a wedding gift to British Prince Charles and Diana.
Alsace died in November 2021 at the age of 79.
Christie's described the Rainbow Collection as a spectacular collection of loose and treated colored diamonds, comprising 300 colored diamonds of varying shades and shapes.
The collection was accompanied by 291 Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reports from 2008 and 2025. The stones ranged in weight from 0.24 to 4.89 carats, and came in shades of yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, brown, and gray.
Hélène Tarin, Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
