Emeralds, with their vivid green brilliance, have long symbolized luxury and status. As we explore the world’s priciest emeralds, each gem tells a unique story of opulence and intrigue.
The World’s Most Expensive Emeralds
1. Bahia Emerald – $400 Million
Weighing approximately 752 lbs (341 kg), the Bahia Emerald is one of the largest ever discovered. Valued at around $400 million, this gem consists of eight crystals, including the largest single shard ever found. Its origins are in Bahia, Brazil, and despite its immense value, it has been the center of numerous legal disputes and remains in a secure vault.
2. Elizabeth Taylor Emerald – $6.5 Million
Elizabeth Taylor’s 23.46-carat Colombian emerald, set in a Bulgari brooch, is iconic. Purchased by Richard Burton for Taylor during the filming of Cleopatra, it was later sold for $6.5 million at Christie’s in 2011. The suite also included a ring, necklace, and bracelet, all celebrated for their exquisite design and historical significance.
3. Rockefeller Emerald – $5.5 Million
This 18.04-carat Colombian emerald is renowned for its exceptional clarity and vibrant green color. Originally set in a Van Cleef & Arpels brooch, it was purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. for his wife. In 2017, the emerald was sold for $5.5 million, highlighting its superior quality and historical legacy.
4. Catherine the Great’s Emerald Necklace – $4.5 Million
Featuring a stunning 75.61-carat emerald, this necklace was a wedding gift from Tsar Alexander II to Grand Duchess Vladimir in 1874. The necklace changed hands through notable collectors, including jeweler Pierre Cartier, before being auctioned for $4.5 million.
5. Mogul Mughal Emerald – $2.2 Million
Weighing 217.80 carats, this emerald dates back to 1695 and features intricate Islamic inscriptions and floral carvings. Originating from Colombia and shaped in India, it was sold at Christie’s in 2001 for $2.2 million and is now housed in the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.
These emeralds are not only valuable for their size and clarity but also for their rich histories and unique craftsmanship, securing their places as some of the most coveted gemstones in the world.
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