In preparation for our exciting Emerald Event with MME Agency and Bespoke Matches tomorrow night, we thought we'd discuss one of the most expensive emeralds to ever be sold in the world. From where it's mined to the carat weight, we'll give you the complete lowdown on this fabulous stone!
In preparation for our exciting Emerald Event with MME Agency and Bespoke Matches tomorrow night, we thought we'd discuss one of the most expensive emeralds to ever be sold in the world. From where it's mined to the carat weight, we'll give you the complete lowdown on this fabulous stone!
Although the "Rockefeller Emerald" may not hold the title for the world's largest emerald, it proudly claims the title of being the largest flawless emerald in the world. The quality of this emerald meant that it was not only well known and thus well sought after, but that it could be sold at a staggering price of $5.5 million USD, making it the most expensive emerald in existence.
Initially, in 1930, when John D. Rockefeller Jr. first purchased the emerald it was the centrepiece of a dazzling Emerald Brooch, which was adorned with multiple smaller emeralds that all complimented the larger stone. However, upon the death of his wife, Abigail, Rockefeller met with Raymond Yard and asked him to disassemble the brooch, bestowing to his children the emeralds and entrusting David Rockefeller, the youngest of his children, with the 18.04 carat Emerald.
After being gifted the "Rockefeller Emerald" David Rockefeller met with Yard once again and commissioned him to mount the emerald into a breathtaking statement ring. The result was nothing short of spectacular – a ring that stood as one of Raymond Yard's most significant private commissions characterised by an elegantly understated setting featuring diamonds and platinum. This remarkable stone exemplifies the intense colour and distinctive saturation synonymous with Colombian emeralds.
Speaking of colour, we wanted to discuss the other of the 4 C's, clarity, cut and carat. As mentioned above, this stone is a huge 18.04 carats, given its selling price for $5.5 million, which means the stone is worth $304000 per carat. In terms of the clarity of the "Rockefeller Emerald" is unlike any other emerald of this size and weight, meaning it's the best in its class hence the high price and desirability of the stone. The stone is "step-cut" which means the emerald has is flat with steps, or rows, of four-sided facets parallel to the girdle (the stone's widest part). Given how highly this stone ranks in all of the 4 C's provides an explanation as to why this stone was so expensive.
At Augustine Jewels we've worked with some expensive stones but we've never handled a stone quite as valuable as the "Rockefeller Emerald" However, our Luxury Bespoke Service has produced some extraordinary pieces of jewellery featuring some truly magical gemstones! If you're interested in commissioning your own bespoke piece of jewellery, whatever the budget, as high as the Rockefeller Emerald or lower, we'll be able to create something spectacular! Simply visit our Book a Consultation Page today and start your bespoke journey!
Below is an example of one of our many Bespoke Rings, featuring some fabulous Emeralds too!
