Marilyn Monroe Moon of Baroda to Go on Sale

Marilyn Monroe Moon of Baroda to Go on Sale

The diamond made famous by Marilyn Monroe after she wore it to the opening night of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The Moon is to go on sale in Hong Kong on November 27th this year.

This is a 24 carat, fancy yellow coloured VS2 Clarity diamond. It is from the same mine as the Hope Diamond which is the Golconda mine in Southern India.

This famous mine produced many of the famous diamonds. Some are in the British Crown Jewels collection.

This famous diamond has had a turbulent history. The first recording of its existence is from the 15th century where it is documented in the collection of the ruling family of Baroda region named the Gaekwads.

It is thought that it remained as property of the Maharajas of Baroda for the next 500 years. The moon has disappeared and reappeared several times. It made a definite reappearance in 1926 in Los Angeles.

Then during the Easter Fashion Festival of 1942 the moon of Baroda later was exhibited in Los Angeles.

Hollywood and Diamonds

The Moon of Baroda was acquired by Meyer Rosenbaum in the 1950s. At the time Mr. Rosenbaum was the President of Meyer Jewelry Company. With the opening of the movie Gentleman Prefer Blondes and its signature blockbusting song ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’. It was the perfect opportunity for Rosenbaum to gain notoriety for the stone and pictures of Marilyn wearing the precious gem went viral worldwide. Quite a feat for the 1950s!

The beautiful stone was sold by Christie’s in New York in 1990 for $297,000.

A valuation for a Canary Yellow 24 carat pear shaped diamond would be $500,000 to $750,000. The cultural and historical significance will bring to the market is difficult to estimate.

The Marilyn Monroe moon of Baroda is such a culturally significant image it is sure to exceed all expectations.

I would expect such a gem to exceed this estimate.

Get your own Marilyn style ring with a bespoke diamond ring from Loyes. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.