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Rare "Ocean Dream" Diamond Ring Fetches Record $17.3 Million at Geneva Auction

15 May. 13:56

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A historic milestone was achieved in the luxury asset market during the latest Christie’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of the high-profile Luxury Week, an extraordinary ring featuring the exceptionally rare "Ocean Dream" diamond was sold for 13.57 million Swiss francs, which translates to approximately 17.37 million USD.

The highly anticipated bidding process lasted for about 20 minutes before the final gavel fell. According to the auction house officials, this transaction represents the highest price ever commanded by a fancy vivid blue-green diamond in public auction history. Furthermore, the piece secured its status as the most expensive item sold during the current Geneva luxury sales cycle.

The focal point of the jewelry piece is a 5.5-carat triangular-cut diamond, renowned for its natural and vibrant hue. The central gemstone is meticulously framed by an intricate border of approximately twenty smaller, diamond-shaped white brilliants, which enhances the ring's overall structural symmetry and visual brilliance.

Historical records indicate that the source crystal was discovered during the 1990s in the Central African Republic. The Smithsonian Institution subsequently included it in the definitive list of the world's eight rarest diamonds, citing its unparalleled combination of structural clarity and unique pigmentation. Notably, this marks the second major appearance of the "Ocean Dream" on the secondary market; it was previously auctioned in Geneva in May 2014 for 7,7 million Swiss francs.

















US Court Overturns Immigration Visa Ban Affecting Citizens of 75 Countries

23 Aug. 10:18

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A federal court in New York has overturned the US Department of State's directive restricting the issuance of immigration visas to citizens of 75 countries. According to Reuters, the ruling follows legal challenges brought by human rights advocacy groups and visa applicants.

Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his statutory authority, emphasizing that denying visas solely based on nationality violates legal standards. The court decision presents a major legal setback for the Trump administration's tightened immigration policies.