History of the Duke of Devonshire's Colombian emerald
Among the gems that have left an indelible mark on the history of gemology, the Duke of Devonshire's Emerald stands out as a venerable treasure. This precious stone, with its magnificent green color and rich history, takes us through the corridors of time to a world of opulence and distinction.
This emerald, of Colombian origin, has had a history worthy of commemoration due to its origin and characteristics. That's why today we're going to tell you the background to this emerald, why it was given that name and where it is today.
The story of Duke Devonshire's emerald
One of the world's largest emeralds - Devonshire Emerald, which was named after the sixth Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish. He was found in Colombia's famous mines and gifted to the Duke by Brazil's first emperor and king of Portugal Pedro I, although according to another version, the Duke bought him this crystal.
The Duke of Devonshire's emerald, allegedly carved in the form of a pear, would have adorned the nobility's hands for generations. This gem has witnessed sumptuous banquets, dances in majestic lounges and momentous moments in the life of the British aristocracy.
Features of the Devonshire emerald
| Type of stone | Natural emerald |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1,383.93 ct (276,786 (g) |
| Color | Emerald crystal green |
| Cut | No size, emerald raw |
| Country of Origin | Colombia |
| Mind of Origin | Muzo, Boyacá |
| Discovery | Unknown |
| Original owner | William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire |
| Current owner | Natural History Museum, London, England |
Devonshire emerald today
This jewel was presented to the public at the Great Expo in London in 1851, captivating the audience with its exceptional splendour. Following a tradition of highlighting its magnificence, the emerald was also most recently exhibited at the Museum of Natural History in 2007, allowing current generations to admire its beauty and immersed themselves in the history it has witnessed over the years.
Today, the Duke of Devonshire's Emerald continues to be a revered gem, part of the family's illustrious collection. Its specific location is kept secret, safeguarding its splendour and allowing its legacy to transcend time. The emerald remains an emblematic jewel that evokes the greatness of past ages and the continued influence of the nobility in the world of high jewelry.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
