A stunning blue diamond weighing 9.51 carats, previously owned by the aristocratic philanthropist Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, was auctioned in Geneva for an impressive $25 million, as reported by Christie’s auction house. This internally flawless, pear-shaped diamond, known as the “Mellon Blue,” was originally set as a pendant by Mellon, who was a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy.
The sale of the “Mellon Blue” comes after it was purchased for $32.6 million in 2014, marking it as the highest price ever paid for a colored diamond at an auction at that time. However, the overall record for a blue diamond remains with the “Oppenheimer Blue,” which fetched more than $57 million in Geneva in 2016, highlighting the escalating demand for these exquisite gems.
Mellon’s legacy extends beyond gemstones; she was also noted for her talents as a self-taught horticulturalist and for redesigning the White House Rose Garden during the Kennedy administration. This significant contribution to presidential aesthetics aligns with the enduring connection between beauty and culture in American history.
The auction highlights not just the rarity of the “Mellon Blue” but also represents a broader trend in the luxury market. Recent auctions have shown a growing enthusiasm for colored diamonds, with Sotheby’s poised to present another notable blue diamond, the “Mediterranean Blue,” with expectations of generating significant interest.
As collectors eagerly anticipate upcoming auctions, there is a sense of excitement about the enduring allure of rare gemstones, reflecting both historical significance and opulent craftsmanship. The success of the “Mellon Blue” sale serves as a hopeful reminder of the beauty and value these stones can embody, attracting new generations of admirers and investors alike.