Key Takeaways:
– The Aga Khan emerald, an unusual square 37-carat green gem, has realized nearly $9 million at a Geneva auction.
– The jewel, set by Cartier in a diamond and emerald brooch, is now recognized as the world’s most valuable emerald.
– A gift from Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan is outdoing a piece of Bulgari jewelry that went to Elizabeth Taylor from Richard Burton.
– Van Cleef & Arpels purchased the gem at its initial sale, which subsequently was owned by Harry Winston, the famous “King of Diamonds.”
– Christie’s typically features emeralds of this caliber for sale about every five or six years.
A Breathtaking Auction Reinstates the Emerald’s Worth
In the resplendent city of Geneva, a historic event unfolded at the renowned Christie’s auction house. The Aga Khan emerald – a distinct, square-shaped jewel of 37 carats – was sold at an astonishing nearly $9 million. This stunning sale tagged the emerald as the most costly green gemstone, a title previously held by a piece of Bulgari jewelry.
Emeralds Outshine the Diamond
This particular emerald is set in a breathtaking brooch embellished with 20 marquise-cut diamonds. Cartier crafted this exquisite piece in 1960 under the commission of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan for British socialite and brief wife, Nina Dyer. However, in a surprising turn of events, Dyer auctioned the emerald in 1969 to support charity causes for animals.
Emerald Returns to Switzerland
The recent sale was a prodigious occasion for Christie’s, marking a full circle journey for the Aga Khan emerald. The gem’s first sale took place on the shores of Lake Geneva, making it Christie’s inaugural event in Switzerland. This recent sale occurs at the 110th edition of this auction, marking the gem’s grand return.
The Precious Gem’s Journey
Following its first sale, the emerald was purchased by the elite jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels. However, its ownership subsequently shifted into the possession of Harry Winston, often dubbed the “King of Diamonds.”
Max Fawcett, Christie’s EMEA Head of Jewellery, commented on the rare sale, stating, “Emeralds are hot right now, and this one ticks all the boxes.” The exquisite quality of such emeralds typically turns up only once every five or six years at auctions.
Outpacing Previous Records
The previous record holder for the world’s most valuable emerald was another gem adorned with diamonds in a piece of jewelry sold at $6.5 million. This was part of Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor’s famed jewelry collection auctioned off in New York. The recent sale of the Aga Khan emerald, however, surpasses this by a sizeable margin, making a resounding statement about the value and timeless appeal of emeralds.
Conclusion
This extraordinary sale underscores the undulating popularity and high value of emeralds in the global jewelry market. With the Aga Khan emerald fetching nearly $9 million, collectors are redirected to the enduring allure of this green gemstone. Whether donned as a brooch or a pendant, this piece of jewelry’s legacy continues with its new unidentified owner, invariably adding to the lore of the world’s most cherished gemstones.