Final price exceeded initial estimates, which ranged between 20 and 30 million dollars.
The “Mellon Blue”, a bright blue weighing 9.51 carats, was sold for an impressive 25.5 million dollars (approximately R$134 million) at an auction held by Christie’s in this Tuesday (11). The final price exceeded initial estimates, which ranged between 20 and 30 million dollars. The diamond, considered one of the most beautiful ever offered at auction, was highlighted by the international director of Christie’s jewelry department, Rahul Kadakia, as a stone of “exceptional purity”. It was sold for 17.4 million Swiss francs, and the total value with taxes was 25.5 million dollars.
This diamond, formerly known as the “Zoe Diamond,” had already achieved a sales record in 2014, when it sold for $32.6 million at Sotheby’s in New York. At that time, the stone was mounted on a necklace and belonged to famous American collector Rachel Lambert Mellon, known as “Bunny” Mellon, a renowned horticulturist and philanthropist.
In addition to its impressive sales history, “Mellon Blue” also carries a legacy of belonging to one of the most prominent families in the United States. The stone was originally acquired by Mellon, who was one of the greatest art collectors of the 20th century.
The value raised by “Mellon Blue” is below the records of other blue diamonds sold at auctions. In 2016, Christie’s set the world record for a vivid blue diamond with the sale of the 14.62-carat “Oppenheimer Blue,” which fetched $57.5 million. Another highly valued diamond, the 12.03-carat “Blue Moon of Josephine,” was sold by Sotheby’s for $48.5 million in 2015.
“Mellon Blue” represents yet another rarity in the diamond market, with its sale highlighting the continued demand for unique gemstones of exceptional quality.
*With information from AFP
