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

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

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