Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
The renowned Mellon Blue diamond achieved a remarkable $25.6 million at Christie's auction held in Geneva on Tuesday. Weighing 9.51 carats and marked as internally flawless, the blue diamond was presented at the Hotel des Bergues during Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale.
Previously owned by U.S. horticulturist and art collector Bunny Mellon, this striking gem is set in a serpentine ring and represents the lavishness associated with a bygone era. Max Fawcett, head of jewellery at Christie's Geneva, noted that it is "an exceptional stone embodying the lifestyle of the Gilded Age."
Though the sale price of 20,525,000 Swiss francs falls short of its previous auction price exceeding $32 million in 2014 after Bunny Mellon's passing, analysts cite prevailing geopolitical tensions and a sluggish global economy, particularly in China, as reasons for fewer high-profile bidders.
Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, observed that "the audience was noticeably cautious, and it's uncertain whether this trend will affect upcoming Geneva auctions."
Christie's auction coincided with Sotheby's Royal and Noble Jewels sale, which includes precious items like a brooch taken from Napoleon Bonaparte after the Battle of Waterloo and the 10.08-carat Glowing Rose pink diamond, anticipated to reach around $20 million.
With its impeccable quality and rich history, the Mellon Blue diamond continues to enchant collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting the lasting attraction of rare blue diamonds.
English
