AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sAuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade Ago
A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
The “Mellon Blue” diamond, which achieved $32.6 million at Sotheby’s in 2014, sold for $25.6 million (approximately $2.7 million per carat) on Tuesday at Christie’s.
Geneva—A nearly 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond sold for $25.6 million at Christie’s recent Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva, landing within its estimated range but garnering less than it did a decade ago.
The 9.51-carat “Mellon Blue” diamond landed squarely in the middle of its estimated range of $20 million-$30 million, with even its highest estimate falling short of the record-setting $32.6 million the diamond garnered when it came to auction at Sotheby’s in 2014.
While the diamond failed to top its previous auction price, Christie’s said the Mellon Blue is the most expensive jewel it has sold so far this year.
It also set a record for the third highest price paid for a fancy vivid diamond sold at Christie’s, topped by the 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue,” which sold for $57.5 million (approx. $3.4 million per carat) in 2016, and the 17.61-carat “The Bleu Royal,” which sold for $44 million (approx. $2.5 million per carat) in 2023.
The blue diamond once belonged to the late American horticulturalist, philanthropist, and art collector Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon.
The gem has not been seen publicly since the 2014 Sotheby’s sale of her property, where it set two records when it sold for $32.6 million—price paid for a blue diamond and price per-carat for any diamond.
“It was a true honor to offer for sale the exquisite Mellon Blue Diamond here at Christie’s Geneva. It was another notable moment for Christie’s Luxury, evidencing the elite appetite amongst collectors for extraordinary and storied gems,” said Rahul Kadakia, president of Christie’s Asia Pacific and chairman of the Global Luxury Group.
More than 100 jewels were offered at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, which achieved a total of $75.6 million.
It took place along with the Rare Watches sale on Nov. 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Gevena.
Other highlights from the jewelry auction included a collection of 300-plus loose natural colored diamonds known as “The Rainbow Collection,” which sold within its estimate for $2.2 million.
From a collection of jewels by JAR, a diamond ring centering an 8.68-carat fancy purplish-pink diamond also sold within its estimate, fetching $3.1 million.
A ruby and diamond brooch that Helena Violet Alice (née Fraser), Third Countess of Stradbroke (1874-1949), wore to the 1902 Coronation of Edward VII sold for $2.8 million, above its high-end estimate of $2 million.
“This season’s Geneva Luxury Week reflects a market defined by confidence and discernment,” said Max Fawcett, Christie’s newly appointed global head of jewelry.
“The results to date speak to the enduring allure of jewels distinguished by exceptional provenance and rarity. Attractive estimates and a curated collection drove competitive bidding across platforms, reaffirming collectors' appetite for rarity, quality, and craftsmanship.”
The 9.51-carat “Mellon Blue” diamond landed squarely in the middle of its estimated range of $20 million-$30 million, with even its highest estimate falling short of the record-setting $32.6 million the diamond garnered when it came to auction at Sotheby’s in 2014.
While the diamond failed to top its previous auction price, Christie’s said the Mellon Blue is the most expensive jewel it has sold so far this year.
It also set a record for the third highest price paid for a fancy vivid diamond sold at Christie’s, topped by the 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue,” which sold for $57.5 million (approx. $3.4 million per carat) in 2016, and the 17.61-carat “The Bleu Royal,” which sold for $44 million (approx. $2.5 million per carat) in 2023.
The blue diamond once belonged to the late American horticulturalist, philanthropist, and art collector Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon.
The gem has not been seen publicly since the 2014 Sotheby’s sale of her property, where it set two records when it sold for $32.6 million—price paid for a blue diamond and price per-carat for any diamond.
“It was a true honor to offer for sale the exquisite Mellon Blue Diamond here at Christie’s Geneva. It was another notable moment for Christie’s Luxury, evidencing the elite appetite amongst collectors for extraordinary and storied gems,” said Rahul Kadakia, president of Christie’s Asia Pacific and chairman of the Global Luxury Group.
More than 100 jewels were offered at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, which achieved a total of $75.6 million.
It took place along with the Rare Watches sale on Nov. 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Gevena.
Other highlights from the jewelry auction included a collection of 300-plus loose natural colored diamonds known as “The Rainbow Collection,” which sold within its estimate for $2.2 million.
From a collection of jewels by JAR, a diamond ring centering an 8.68-carat fancy purplish-pink diamond also sold within its estimate, fetching $3.1 million.
A ruby and diamond brooch that Helena Violet Alice (née Fraser), Third Countess of Stradbroke (1874-1949), wore to the 1902 Coronation of Edward VII sold for $2.8 million, above its high-end estimate of $2 million.
“This season’s Geneva Luxury Week reflects a market defined by confidence and discernment,” said Max Fawcett, Christie’s newly appointed global head of jewelry.
“The results to date speak to the enduring allure of jewels distinguished by exceptional provenance and rarity. Attractive estimates and a curated collection drove competitive bidding across platforms, reaffirming collectors' appetite for rarity, quality, and craftsmanship.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
