Desert Rose Pink Diamond Headlines Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi Sale

United Arab Emirates Jewellery News: A Rare Diamond Makes Its Debut

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host one of the most spectacular auction events in its history, with Sotheby’s unveiling a breathtaking 31.68-carat fancy vivid orangy pink diamond known as The Desert Rose. Estimated to fetch between US$6 million and US$7 million, the stone will headline a major single-owner collection of rare jewels and watches this December. This United Arab Emirates Jewellery News report highlights how the diamond, with its unique sunset-like pink and orange blend, is not only the largest of its kind ever graded but also a symbol of the Middle East’s rising influence in the global luxury market.

The 31.68-carat fancy vivid orangy pink diamond known as The Desert Rose is expected to fetch between 6 to 7 million dollars at the auction
Image Credit: Sotheby’s

The Significance of The Desert Rose

Sotheby’s has positioned The Desert Rose as the crown jewel of its inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week. The pear-shaped diamond was introduced at “Beyond: The World’s Rarest Diamonds,” a high-profile exhibition organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office earlier this year. The stone’s unveiling underlines both Abu Dhabi’s growing appetite for ultra-rare collectibles and Sotheby’s determination to cement itself in the region. With an estimated value topping $7 million, this gem joins a growing list of extraordinary colored diamonds making headlines, echoing the success of the US$21.5 million sale of “The Mediterranean Blue” in Geneva earlier this year.

An Entire Week for Collectors

The auction of The Desert Rose is part of the city’s first-ever Collectors’ Week, scheduled from December 2–5 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Beyond the jewelry sale, the event will include a range of experiences such as masterclasses, panel discussions, and exclusive exhibitions. Auctions will extend beyond high jewelry to include vintage watches, collector cars, and even luxury real estate. This multidisciplinary approach emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a central player on the global luxury map, rivaling Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong as auction capitals.

The rare Rolex “Oyster Albino” Daytona is also up for grabs at the auction in Abu Dhabi
Image Credit: Sotheby’s

Watches of Distinction

Adding to the allure, the single-owner collection also features the exceptionally rare Rolex “Oyster Albino” Daytona, ref. 6263. This vintage watch from the late 1960s and early 1970s features a striking monochromatic silver dial and registers, diverging from the typical Daytona look. With only a handful of examples known, including one previously owned by music legend Eric Clapton, the model has achieved iconic status in the collecting world. Its estimated auction price ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, making it one of the star lots of the watch segment.

Collector Cars and More

The excitement extends well beyond gemstones and watches. In the lead-up to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the event will feature an extraordinary auction of rare automobiles. Among the highlights are a 2017 Pagani Zonda 760 Riviera expected to sell for as much as $10.5 million, a 2010 Aston Martin One-77 estimated at up to $1.6 million, and a collaborative offering from McLaren Racing and RM Sotheby’s showcasing a trio of future competition cars. These headline-grabbing consignments signal how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the crossroads of high performance, exclusivity, and luxury collecting.

Global Interest and Cultural Significance

Collectors’ Week will attract an international audience of investors, collectors, and tastemakers. Its timing coincides with major global events hosted in Abu Dhabi, including the Formula One Grand Prix, the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, and Abu Dhabi Finance Week. This careful alignment ensures the presence of high-net-worth individuals from around the world, magnifying the prestige and market power of Sotheby’s debut auction in the city. Ahead of the December sales, selected highlights—including The Desert Rose—will travel to Sotheby’s global locations, ensuring maximum exposure to collectors worldwide. Investment and Expansion into the Region

The Desert Rose diamond set as a ring
Image Credit: Sotheby’s

In October 2024, ADQ, one of Abu Dhabi’s most powerful holding companies, made a minority equity investment in Sotheby’s. This landmark move represented the largest single financial commitment to the global art and luxury auction industry since billionaire Patrick Drahi purchased the auction house in 2019. With this partnership in place, Sotheby’s has formally incorporated in Abu Dhabi, marking what executives describe as a transformative step in its expansion strategy. Jean-Luc Berrebi, a board member, noted that the decision reflects “deep confidence in the region’s dynamic cultural landscape and its visionary leadership.”

A New Era for Sothebys in the Middle East

The combination of financial backing from ADQ, the launch of Collectors’ Week, and the presence of such rare treasures as The Desert Rose and the Albino Daytona represents a new era for Sotheby’s in the Middle East. The auction house is determined to contribute to the UAE’s cultural and luxury economy by blending high-profile art and jewelry sales with experiences that appeal to a sophisticated and international audience.

As the glittering week approaches, Abu Dhabi’s status as a serious contender in the world of ultra-luxury collecting has never been clearer. For Sotheby’s, the event is not just about selling exceptional objects but also about building long-term relationships with global collectors, institutional partners, and the region’s elite. The stage is set for The Desert Rose to become both a record-breaking sale and a symbol of the UAE’s rise as a global luxury hub.

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