Battle of Bids

Vintage watches, historic gemstones, and artworks that are up for grabs at upcoming auctions

- BY SMITA TRIPATHI

THE MELLON BLUE

The Magnificent Jewels live auction, taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, features a fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 9.51 carats, graded internally flawless and recently set as a ring. Called the ‘Mellon Blue’, it once belonged to Rachel Lambert Mellon, better known as Bunny Mellon (1910-2014), an American horticulturalist, philanthropist, and art collector who wore it as a pendant.

Considered remarkable for both its intense colour and its extraordinary purity, it is one of the finest coloured diamonds to come to auction.

THE CUP OF JOY

Used in Jewish rituals, Kiddush cups—goblets used to hold wine or grape juice—have long been cherished heirlooms, symbolising continuity of faith and tradition. And now the oldest of them all is up for auction. Recent research dates the cup to the 11th or 12th century and traces it to Khorasan along the Silk Route.