Emerald Jewelry That Mysteriously Disappeared in History

Throughout history, emeralds have been at the center of incredible stories—from looting and shipwrecks to thefts and legal battles—that have turned certain gems into legends. Some were found again, while others vanished forever, continuing to fuel mysteries and treasure hunts to this day.

In this article, we look at several jewels and emeralds whose whereabouts remain unknown. For each case, we explain its origin, main characteristics, and how it was lost or became shrouded in mystery.

Why Colombian Emeralds Are So Highly Valued Around the World

Colombian emeralds are considered the global standard for their vivid green hue and exceptional clarity. Historical collections and luxury markets have long favored Colombian emeralds for these unique qualities.

Their prestige also stems from history: many ancient trade routes relied on Colombian emeralds as royal jewels and religious relics. This combination of quality and historical significance has turned many Colombian emeralds into museum pieces and coveted treasures.

Jewels and Emeralds That Mysteriously Vanished

Note: In some cases, the pieces were stolen, in others they were lost in shipwrecks and later recovered, and in others, their whereabouts remain uncertain (private sales, dismounting, legal disputes, or theft). All stories are documented from public sources.

• Bahia Emerald (the Brazilian "Mega-Emerald")

  Origin: A colossal emerald discovered in Brazil (Carnaíba/Bahia), attributed with a weight of hundreds of kilograms and extravagant valuations.
  How it disappeared: After being mined in 2001, the stone passed through many hands, was transported to the U.S., and became involved in thefts, legal claims, and lengthy court cases over its ownership. For years, it had "no clear owner" and remained in police custody while its return to Brazil was contested. This is a classic case of a gem entangled in kidnappings and legal turmoil.

• The Devonshire (Duke of Devonshire Emerald) — Murky Whereabouts in the 20th Century

  Origin: A giant rough emerald crystal from Muzo, Colombia, weighing approximately 1,384 carats, famous for its historical size.
  How it disappeared: Historical records mention it being loaned to the British Museum of Natural History in 1936. However, later accounts suggest that the museum only had a wax model, raising doubts about the real crystal's location and custody during the 20th century.

• Tucker’s Cross (The Emerald Cross of Bermuda)

  Origin: A colonial-era gold cross found in 1955 by diver Teddy Tucker, set with seven high-quality emeralds, considered one of the area’s most valuable finds.
  How it disappeared: After becoming part of a local museum collection, it was stolen (replaced with a replica) in the 1970s just before a royal visit and was never recovered. Its theft and mysterious disappearance turned it into one of the most iconic lost underwater treasures.

• The Emeralds from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha Shipwreck

  Origin: Emeralds mined in Colombia and shipped to Spain in the early 17th century; among them, notable pieces like the “Atocha Star.”
  How they disappeared: The Atocha galleon sank in 1622, leaving its emeralds at the ocean’s bottom for nearly 350 years. Many were recovered by Mel Fisher between 1985–1990, but several items have since been stolen, lost, or entangled in legal controversies. The mystery lies in the route these gems took over the centuries.

• Isabella Emerald (A Galleon Gem)

  Origin: A large historical emerald (hundreds of carats, according to different sources), linked to colonial fleet shipwrecks.
  How it disappeared: Submerged for centuries, it was lost at sea until rediscovered in modern explorations. Its story highlights how significant jewels vanished in shipwrecks and reemerged much later—often surrounded by ownership disputes.

• Emeralds Looted from Kuwait During the 1990 Invasion

  Origin: Pieces from Kuwait’s national collection and treasures (including a 234-carat emerald mentioned in reports).
  How they disappeared: During Iraq’s 1990 invasion, numerous treasures from the National Museum and private collections were stolen or vanished. Some of the looted items remain unrecovered, and their whereabouts are still unknown.

• Emeralds Cut and Dispersed After Thefts of European Collections

  Origin: European princely and royal collections (like the House of Hesse or other aristocratic families) included emerald necklaces and brooches.
  How they disappeared: After World War II, some collections were partially looted or stolen. The gems were dismantled and sold in pieces. Many emeralds ended up dispersed across markets and have never been reunited.

• The Uncertain Fate of the “Cambridge Emeralds” (British Royal Jewelry)

  Origin: A historic set of large cabochon emeralds that became part of various British royal pieces (parures, necklaces—including the Delhi Durbar Parure worn by royalty).
  How they disappeared: Over the centuries, the collection was reshuffled, redesigned, and at times nearly lost to private hands. Some pieces “almost disappeared” before returning to the Royal Family. While many have resurfaced, their history includes periods of disappearance, private sales, and origin-related mysteries.

• Emeralds from Pre-Columbian Civilizations and Legends (El Dorado / Incan Treasures)

Origin: Historical accounts describe emeralds and precious artifacts from pre-Columbian America and the time of conquest—often pieces of extraordinary size and quality.
How they disappeared: Many items were lost through looting, shipwrecks, or melted down into private collections after the conquest. The myth of “El Dorado’s lost emeralds” persists—some pieces have been found, others remain lost in legend or terrain, and some alleged finds still face disputed origins.

Emerald By Love: The Magic of Colombian Emeralds in One Place

At Emerald By Love, we celebrate the history, ethics, and beauty of Colombian emeralds. If you're looking for certified pieces with full traceability and high-jewelry designs featuring genuine emeralds, you’ll find expert guidance here to buy with confidence and style. Protect your investment—work with professionals who understand both the science and the story behind every gem.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about learning constantly about precious gemstones and national high jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most important jewelry houses, Emerald by Love, which has over 40 years of experience with emeralds and two physical stores in Colombia’s capital, located in the city center.