Dubbed to be the most valuable earrings ever to appear at auction, the earrings are certainly eye-catching. As one of the many lots to go under the hammer next month during Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” auction in Geneva, this is one pair that we expect to join the league of remarkable gems such as the Oppenheimer and Graff diamonds.

Named after the twins born to the Greek god, Zeus and Leto, the earrings feature a blue and pink diamond respectively. Unlike most earrings that are auctioned together, the varying values of the jewels will see Apollo and Artemis sold separately. The Apollo Blue, which boasts a fancy vivid blue internally flawless Type IIb diamond, weighs in at 14.54 carats and is expected to fetch an estimated $38 to $50 million. Remarkable thanks to its size and clarity, the diamond is just one of the few diamonds that has received the Fancy Vivid Blue grading.

Named after Apollo’s twin, is the Artemis Pink diamond that boasts an intense pink hue. The Type IIa diamond, weighing 16 carats, has been cut in a pear-shape that matches the Apollo diamond perfectly. Boasting exceptional clarity and colour, the diamond is estimated to fetch $12.5 to $18 million. According to GIA, the occurrence of a pink diamond is extremely rare and finding one that is ‘chemically pure’ is another feat.

Speaking ahead of the sale, David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division, said, “’The Apollo and Artemis Diamonds’ will be the stars of our May sale in Geneva – 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, and we are honoured that Sotheby’s has been chosen to bring them to auction in May.”

Ahead of the auction on May 16, the diamonds will be making a trip around the world — a perfect chance for diamond lovers to catch a glimpse of the duo before they are sold. Having kicked off their tour in London and already been seen in Dubai, the diamonds will be heading to New York from April 21 to 24. Following the Big Apple, diamonds will be sent on their way to Hong Kong from April 27 to 28 and then Taiwan from May 2 to 3. The second last stop on the tour is Singapore from May 5 to 6 before concluding in Geneva from May 13 to 16.