Auction in Geneva Blue diamond owned by celebrity fetches millions
You have to dig deep into your pockets for this blue diamond from a celebrity owner: The "Mellon Blue" changed hands for several million at an auction in Geneva - albeit slightly below its estimated value.
11.11.2025, 22:25
11.11.2025, 22:26
dpa
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- The "Mellon Blue" diamond fetched millions at an auction in Geneva, but fell short of its estimated value.
- The 9.51-carat diamond set in a ring changed hands for the equivalent of around 17.44 million francs.
- The seller of the ring, which once belonged to a prominent owner, was a Chinese diamond collector; nothing was revealed about the buyer.
A Chinese diamond collector has made millions at a Christie's auction in Geneva. However, he received less for his "Mellon Blue" diamond than the auction house had previously estimated. Christie's had assumed a price of up to around 25 million euros (23.19 million Swiss francs). However, the auction hammer fell at around 18.8 million euros (around 17.44 million Swiss francs).
The diamond set in an unusual ring is bright blue, cut in a teardrop shape and weighs 9.51 carats. Other white diamonds are strung around the finger like a snake. It was the most expensive piece at the jewelry auction. Whoever bought it still has to pay a good 20 percent commission on the price to the auction house, as well as VAT - depending on where you live.
Buyer will not be revealed
When asked, the auction house did reveal that the stone came from China. However, it did not say who the buyer was. Most collectors wish to remain anonymous. Jewelry expert Max Fawcett said before the auction that there are particularly many lovers of colored diamonds in the Middle and Far East.
The stone once belonged to the American art collector and celebrity gardener Rachel Lambert (Bunny) Mellon, who wore it as a pendant.
