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Emeralds have been mined and considered one of the world’s most valuable jewels for thousands of years. The first known record of emeralds dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were a favorite of Cleopatra. Not only were emeralds highly coveted for their beauty, but also because they were believed to increase intelligence, protect marriages, ease childbirth and enable the wearer to foresee their future.
Colombian emeralds, especially the ones coming from the Muzo mines, have historically commanded the highest value in the market and have continued to break records at auction. Colombian emeralds are known for warmer, more intense pure green color and are known to be the most desirable. Many of the world’s most notable Emeralds, including the Mogul Mughal Emerald and the Duke of Devonshire Emerald, are Colombian.
In addition to their historical and cultural significance, emeralds have also captured the fascination of modern gemologists due to their unique formation process. Unlike many other gemstones, emeralds often contain natural inclusions, known as "jardin" (French for garden), which are considered part of their charm rather than flaws. These inclusions are a result of the intense geological conditions under which emeralds form, and they help experts distinguish natural emeralds from synthetic ones.
Historical Colombian Emeralds sales
This ring features a 35.72 carat step-cut emerald sourced from the renowned Muzo mine in Colombia. The emerald is set in an 18K white gold mounting, flanked by triangular-cut diamond shoulders.
It was sold for $4.6 million during the auction held in 2014 at Sotheby’s New York.
The Boghossian emerald and diamond double rivière necklace, designed by Edmond Chin, was the highlight of Christie's Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction in 2020. This exceptional piece features 28 cushion and octagonal-cut Muzo emeralds totaling 117.6 carats.
The necklace achieved a remarkable sale price of US$7 million.
The Rockefeller Emerald features an approximately 18.04 carat rectangular step-cut Colombian emerald, set in a platinum ring by Raymond Yard. The emerald was originally owned by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
In 2017, the Rockefeller Emerald was auctioned at Christie's New York, achieving a record-breaking price of $5,511,500.
The 61.35 carat Colombian emerald ring that sold for $4.6 million at Sotheby’s New York in 2013 is a truly exceptional piece.
The ring features a square-cut emerald of remarkable size and color, surrounded by marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds, all set in platinum and 18K gold.
This emerald and diamond pendant brooch, featuring a 23.46 carat Colombian emerald, was a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor upon their engagement in 1962.
The brooch was part of a Bvlgari Emerald Suite from Elizabeth Taylor’s collection, which collectively realized over $137 million in 2011 at Christie’s New York, setting a record for the most valuable private jewelry collection ever sold at auction.
