Watch | Royal jewellery, rare blue diamond hit auction block

Sparkling, colorful as well as opulent, a range of dazzling jewellery is set to hit the auction block next month in a sale expected to raise tens of millions of dollars. In a London preview to media on Monday, Christie's presented the offerings for its upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” sale, including the “Oppenheimer Blue”, which it said was the finest and largest vivid blue diamond ever to be appear at auction. Weighing 14.62 carats, the rectangular-cut gem is estimated to fetch around $38-45 million. “It's the vivid blue diamond, that's the darkest, most saturated blue you can get in a diamond,” David Warren, senior international jewellery director, head of jewellery Middle East at Christie's, told Reuters. Adding: “It's quite likely to make a world record price.'' Last year, a rare and flawless 'Blue Moon Diamond' sold for $48.4 million. Christie's auction will take place on May 18 in Geneva, featuring more than 280 lots, from 19th century pieces to contemporary designs. Other items up for auction included a selection of jewels from the royal collection of Princess zu Leiningen, including the famous “Pohl” diamond