Blue pear-shaped diamond sets auction record
In this image provided by Sotheby’s shows a Fancy Vivid Blue pear-shaped diamond from the estate of Rachel "Bunny" Mellon which sold Thursday Nov. 20, 2014 for $32.6 million. It's an auction record for any blue diamond. It was sold to an anonymous Hong Kong collector. (AP Photo/Sotheby)
A Fancy Vivid Blue pear-shaped diamond from the estate of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon has sold for $32.6 million. It’s an auction record for any blue diamond.
Sotheby’s says seven people bid on the 9.75-carat gem Thursday before it sold to an anonymous Hong Kong collector.
The diamond is mounted in platinum. It carried a $10 million to $15 million pre-sale estimate.
The Wittelsbach Diamond held the previous auction record for any blue diamond. It sold at Christie’s for $24.3 million in 2008.
Mellon died in March at 103. She was the widow of philanthropist Paul Mellon and heir to the Listerine fortune.
Sotheby’s also has been selling paintings and other objects from Mellon’s homes this month.
In this image provided by Sotheby’s shows a Fancy Vivid Blue pear-shaped diamond from the estate of Rachel ‘Bunny’ Mellon which sold Thursday Nov. 20, 2014 for $32.6 million. It’s an auction record for any blue diamond. It was sold to an anonymous Hong Kong collector. (AP Photo/Sotheby)
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
New Jersey Transit approves a 15% fare hike, the first increase in nearly a decade
The increase, which takes effect July 1, also calls for annual, regular fare increases of 3% in subsequent years. It's the first time rates will rise in nearly 10 years.
2 weeks ago
Investors pour $1B into Delaware River waterfront projects over 10 years
There’s a steady pipeline of projects planned along the Philly waterfront — including apartments, retail and a public park — even though one developer paused mid-construction.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11
Vice President Kamala Harris unveils more student debt relief measures in North Philly
The Biden administration expects the debt relief program will help 30 million people nationwide.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:00