The Apollo and Artemis diamonds have become the most valuable pair of earrings ever sold.

The diamonds sold as separate lots at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on May 16, achieving a combined $57.4m.

These are the most valuable earrings in the world

The 14.5 carat Apollo, the biggest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond ever to come to auction, made $42.1m.

It originates from the Cullinan Mine in South Africa, one of the few places in the world where blue diamonds are found in relatively high concentration.  

Artemis, a 16 carat fancy intense pink, achieved $15.3m.

The earrings were offered individually due to their extraordinarily high value, but were acquired by a single buyer.

David Bennett, head of Sotheby’s jewellery, explains they are "by far the most important pair of earrings ever offered at auction".

"These exquisite coloured diamonds are enormously rare and each is a wonderful stone in its own right.

"Together, as a pair of earrings, they are breathtaking.

“We have named them after Apollo and Artemis, a twin brother and sister of great power and beauty who were among the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities.

"These are diamonds of great distinction, with extraordinary presence."

The record for any diamond was set earlier this year for the Pink Star, which sold for an unprecedented $71.2m.

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