Auctions

Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

AuctionsMay 30, 2023

Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb Elephant Clip-Brooch
From the collection of Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon comes this 1965 David Webb Indian elephant clip-brooch featuring rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and white enamel. It will be up for auction June 8 at Sotheby’s New York alongside other jewelry owned by the Mellon family.
New York—Sotheby’s announced recently that jewelry belonging to two prominent women in the Mellon family, the influential Pittsburgh family that founded Mellon Bank, will appear at auction this summer.

The selection of 11 pieces comes from the collections of Constance Prosser Mellon and her daughter Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon and will be offered at the “Magnificent Jewels” auction in New York on June 8.

“Comprising exceptional colored stones and jewels from esteemed houses and designers such as Cartier and David Webb, the Mellon collections exemplify extraordinary quality and timeless elegance,” Sotheby’s said.

The sale takes place almost 10 years after Sotheby’s auctions of “The Collection of Mrs. Paul (‘Bunny’) Mellon” in 2014, where a 9.75-carat fancy vivid blue diamond was the top lot, setting two world auction records.

“Like Bunny Mellon, Constance and Connie were staples in society with legacies to match. Considered to be ineffably glamorous, the mother-daughter duo were praised for being ahead of their time in the world of fashion and jewelry, and this is expertly demonstrated in their collection of bold, yet timeless, designs,” said Catharine Becket, head of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auctions in New York. 

“It is a privilege not only to present these exquisite jewels from their personal collection to the world, but also to shine a spotlight on their philanthropic endeavors throughout their lifetime.”

From the collection of Constance Prosser Mellon, a Cartier trio is up for sale.

The first offering is a 1950s Cartier necklace featuring five Kashmir sapphires, weighing a total of approximately 34.95 carats, and accented by round, baguette, and square-cut diamonds.

Sotheby’s calls the design “a fascinating illustration of Cartier’s design evolution in response to the fashion of the times … the shortened choker a noted departure from the longer, draped necklaces of the Art Deco period.”

Popular in its era, Elizabeth Taylor owned a similar style necklace accented with rubies and diamonds.

The pre-sale estimate is $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Constance Prosser Mellon’s Cartier sapphire and diamond necklace
The Cartier sapphire and diamond necklace set with five Kashmir sapphires accented by diamonds. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


Following the necklace is a Cartier three-stone sapphire and diamond ring.

The piece is a family heirloom Sotheby’s said was “adored and cherished by the matriarchs of the Mellon family for decades.”

The center stone, flanked by two baguette diamonds, is an emerald-cut Burmese sapphire that is royal blue in color, weighs 33.51 carats and has no indication of heating, according to the auction house.

Its pre-sale estimate is $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

Constance Prosser Mellon’s Cartier sapphire ring
The Cartier ring featuring an emerald-cut Burmese sapphire weighing 33.51 carats with no indications of heating and accented by baguette diamonds. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


“Three-stone rings like this one are classic Cartier designs, heavily favored by jewelry collectors such as the illustrious Princess of Grace of Monaco, whose diamond engagement ring from 1956 was in a similar style,” Sotheby’s said.

The last ring in the trio is a 9.90-carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Sotheby’s described the emerald as being of “exceptional clarity” and “relatively free of inclusions.”

It is estimated to sell for $150,000 to $250,000.

Constance Prosser Mellon’s Cartier emerald ring
The Cartier ring featuring an emerald-cut Columbian emerald weighing approximately 9.90 carats and accented by baguette diamonds. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


Constance Prosser Mellon married Richard King Mellon in 1936.

Following the death of his father in 1933 and his uncle Andrew Mellon in 1937, Richard was entrusted with the future of the family businesses, Mellon Bank and Union Bank, which he consolidated into Mellon National Bank and Trust Co.

Constance Prosser Mellon
Constance Prosser Mellon (Photo courtesy of the Mellon Family, Sotheby’s)


The same year he took over the family business, Richard founded the Richard King Mellon Foundation, naming his wife as its chair of the board of trustees. 

Influenced by the couple’s love and dedication to Richard’s hometown of Pittsburgh, as well as the outdoors, The Foundation was focused on regenerating Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, as well as on conservation, donating “considerable sums” to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and other higher education institutions in the area, and other projects such as hospitals and medical schools in Western Pennsylvania, social services and cultural activities. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Richard and Constance Prosser Mellon raised four children together, including Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon.

According to Sotheby’s, Connie is remembered as an active patron of the arts. Like her mother, she took an interest in horseback riding. 

As an adult, she lived in Washington, D.C., and New York, and supported organizations including the National Gallery of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

From her collection, eight pieces of jewelry will be offered at auction, including a David Webb ruby necklace she was photographed in.


Though her style is described as being more fashion-forward than her mother’s, one piece from Connie’s collection is a classic attributed to Cartier—a sapphire brooch with a paisley design featuring an antique pear-shaped diamond accented with round and oval sapphires, and old European- and old mine-cut diamonds.

It’s estimated to sell for $15,000 to $20,000.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s Cartier sapphire brooch
Sapphire and diamond clip brooch attributed to Cartier (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


The other pieces in her collection are bold as well, featuring vivid rubies and sapphires.


“In contrast to the stately, royal-like Cartier jewels of her mother, Connie was drawn to more fashion-oriented and whimsical design-led jewels of David Webb, the quintessential American jeweler of the 1960s and 1970s, which she treasured and wore on numerous occasions,” Sotheby’s said. 


David Webb was inspired by his weekly visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to incorporate motifs from around the world, including India.

Webb’s global inspiration is reflected throughout Connie’s collection, with many of her pieces featuring carved rubies, emeralds and sapphires in a Mughal style.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb gold and ruby monkey timepiece
This David Webb gold, diamond and ruby monkey desk clock is estimated to sell for $30,000 to $50,000. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s)


Also set to appear in Sotheby’s June Magnificent Jewels auction is the headlining 10.57-carat internally flawless, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond known as “The Eternal Pink,” expected to sell for at least $35 million, and the 55.22-carat ruby “Estrela de Fura” expected to garner more than $30 million. 


The Latest

Jeweler setting a diamond into a ring
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization Offerings

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

National Associate of Jewelry Appraisers Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Jacquie Aiche graduated turquoise beaded necklace
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at Diavik

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth Generation

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy