Rare Cache of Emeralds Up for Auction

Emeralds are both rarer and more valuable than diamonds.  Amanda Gizzi, a Jewelers of America’s spokesperson, explains, "Sought after for their rich color, regal history and identifiable look, emeralds are one of the most iconic gemstones in the jewelry industry." 

This month, the general public had the rare opportunity to buy some of the most valuable emeralds in the world when they were offered at auction by the Guernsey’s auction house in New York.  The offerings included 20 cut or raw stones as well as 13 magnificent pieces of emerald jewelry from the private collection of Manual Marcial de Gomar, a renowned emerald specialist.   

Some of the auction’s emeralds were recovered in the 1980s from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha that sank off the coast of Florida in 1622.   The auction catalog states that the shipwreck is considered by experts to be "the most valuable known shipwreck in history,” and the recovered gems are prized for their deep, clear green color.  The emeralds include nine rough stones totaling over 91 carats.  The “Nine Pillars of Andes” are expected to sell as a group somewhere in the neighborhood of $250,000 to $350,000.  Another stunner from the collection is the 4.39-carat emerald called the “Queen of the Sea.” Experts anticipate it will likely sell for $250,000 to $350,000. 

The La Gloria, an 887-carat emerald, which Guernsey reports to be one of the largest museum-quality emeralds in the world, should sell for around $4 to $5 million.  The once in a lifetime auction also includes the Marcial de Gomar Star Emerald that is believed to be the largest star emerald ever found and only one of 11 gem-quality star emeralds in the world. 

While our collection of emeralds at Padis Jewelry does not compete with the shipwreck stones from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, we think you will be thrilled with what you see.  Please visit our website to browse our emerald loose stones and jewelry along with all of our other collections, as well as to set up an appointment to visit to our showrooms.       

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We have one of the area’s largest inventories as well as an impressive selection of top name luxury brands.  So if you are a lover of beautiful jewelry, we encourage you to schedule a visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s best jewelry stores. 

Source: cnn.com/2017/03/16/luxury/guernseys-shipwreck-emeralds-auction/index.html