Editor’s Note
This article previews the upcoming Christie’s auction of a historic jewel, drawing a fascinating parallel between the real-world treasure once owned by heiress Bunny Mellon and the fictional “Heart of the Ocean” from James Cameron’s *Titanic*.
On November 11, 2025, in Geneva, Christie’s will auction this treasure that belonged to American heiress Bunny Mellon. It had already reached the exceptional amount of 32.6 million euros during a sale in 2014.
If you haven’t seen Titanic, the James Cameron film released in 1997, you have surely heard of it. And you may know that behind the romanticized story of the most famous shipwreck in human history lies a fabulous and imaginary stone, the “Heart of the Ocean.” This film, with its eleven Oscars, added a chapter – even if it is fictional – to the fascinating saga of blue diamonds. Christie’s is about to write another, very real this time, with the sale on November 11 in Geneva of the Mellon Blue. 9.75 carats! Not a single inclusion! Moreover, of the most beautiful color possible: “Fancy Vivid blue”! And an illustrious provenance. The stone belonged to the famous American billionaire, Rachel Mellon, nicknamed Bunny. Dressed by Givenchy, adorned by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co., creator of the most beautiful gardens in the world, Bunny Mellon is an American legend.
All her life, she cultivated discretion…
