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
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
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.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
