The Mellon Blue: The Legendary Diamond Returns to Christie’s Geneva
When Christie’s announced that The Mellon Blue will lead its Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva this November, the world of collectors and connoisseurs was immediately captivated. This is far more than a precious stone; it is a masterpiece of nature with a remarkable history.
The Mellon Blue is a 9.51 carat pear-shaped diamond of Fancy Vivid Blue colour and Internally Flawless clarity. Its provenance adds immeasurable prestige. For decades it was part of the collection of Rachel Lambert Mellon, known affectionately as Bunny Mellon, an American philanthropist, art collector and horticulturalist of refined taste who left her mark on some of the most celebrated gardens of the twentieth century.
The diamond first appeared on the market at auction in 2014, achieving a price of 32.6 million dollars and setting records at the time for both blue diamonds and price per carat. It now returns to the stage in Geneva at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues with a pre-sale estimate of 20 to 30 million dollars. This translates into an extraordinary 3+ million dollars per carat, placing it among the most valuable coloured diamonds ever seen.
Blue diamonds of such calibre are exceptionally rare. Their colour is caused by trace amounts of boron in the crystal structure, a phenomenon that occurs under extreme geological conditions deep within the Earth. To find such a hue combined with flawless clarity and impeccable provenance is virtually without parallel.
The Mellon Blue stands not only as an object of immense beauty but also as a symbol of connoisseurship, taste and history. Its presence in Geneva ensures that the November sale will not simply be an auction but an event of cultural significance, drawing the attention of collectors, historians and lovers of jewellery across the globe. Whether the hammer falls closer to the lower or upper estimate, The Mellon Blue promises to reaffirm its place among the most celebrated diamonds of all time.
Image Credits: Christie’s
