The 5 Most Expensive Rings with Colombian Emeralds

In the world of high-end jewelry, Colombian emeralds hold an undisputed place for their beauty and quality. Their intense green hue has made them symbols of luxury, exclusivity, and elegance.

In this article, you'll discover the five most expensive rings featuring Colombian emeralds, their prices, owners, and the fascinating stories behind them.

Why Are Colombian Emeralds So Famous?

The fame of Colombian emeralds lies in their unmatched quality. Their deep green color, exceptional clarity, and brilliance are rarely found elsewhere in the world.
Moreover, the combination of a rich mining tradition, unparalleled quality, and growing international presence has further elevated their global prestige.

The 5 Most Expensive Rings with Colombian Emeralds

“Rockefeller Emerald” Ring – USD 5,511,500

• Owners: John D. Rockefeller Jr. (Rockefeller family); acquired in 2017 by Harry Winston.

• Story: Rectangular 18.04 ct emerald set by Raymond Yard. Auctioned at Christie’s New York on June 20, 2017, for $5,511,500—a record price per carat for an emerald at the time.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Ring – USD 3,330,500

• Owner: Elizabeth Taylor (gift from Richard Burton; part of the iconic “Bulgari Emerald Suite”).

• Story: Bulgari ring featuring emerald and diamonds (the ring piece from the suite). Sold at Christie’s during the auction of her collection on December 13, 2011, for $3,330,500.

Cecile Zilkha’s Cartier Ring – USD 3,650,000

• Owner: Cecile Zilkha, New York philanthropist.

• Story: Cartier ring with a 21.86 ct square emerald (origin: Colombia), auctioned by Sotheby’s New York in December 2020 for $3.65 million, far exceeding estimates.

Heidi Horten x Harry Winston – CHF 1,799,500 (~USD 1.98 M)

• Owner: Heidi Horten (collector and philanthropist).

• Story: Harry Winston ring with a 17.43 ct Colombian emerald, sold at Christie’s Geneva on May 10, 2023, for CHF 1,799,500 during the auction of her collection. Catalog confirms origin: Colombia.

“Stotesbury Emerald” – USD 996,500

• Owners: Evalyn Walsh McLean (owner of the Hope Diamond), Eva Stotesbury; later redesigned by Harry Winston.

• Story: Legendary 34.40 ct emerald (Muzo/Colombia, “Classic Colombian” per Sotheby’s), mounted by Harry Winston in a ring. Sold at Sotheby’s New York on April 25, 2017, for $996,500.

Emerald By Love: High-Quality Fine Jewelry

At Emerald By Love, you’ll find one-of-a-kind jewelry crafted with the finest Colombian emeralds, carefully selected for their unmatched brilliance, color, and clarity.
We pride ourselves on offering the best quality at the best price, bringing you the luxury of Colombian emeralds with no middlemen. At Emerald By Love, each piece is a secure investment and a unique jewel.

Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and national high-end jewelry. Currently works for one of Bogotá’s leading jewelers, Emerald by Love. The company has over 40 years of experience in emeralds and operates two physical stores in the heart of Colombia’s capital.