Emeralds are one of the most coveted gemstones in the world, known for their dazzling green color and rare beauty. Throughout history, they have been symbols of power, love, and wealth, adorning kings, queens, and magnates.

On the auction market, these gems fetch astonishing prices, reflecting both their historical and aesthetic value. In this article, we will explore the most expensive emerald ever sold at auction, its unique characteristics, the context of its sale, and other famous emeralds that have also captured the attention of collectors.

The Most Expensive Emerald Ever Sold at Auction: «The Rockefeller Emerald»

The most expensive emerald ever sold at auction is known as “The Rockefeller Emerald .” This extraordinary specimen has a provenance as fascinating as its final price. The emerald, which weighs 18.04 carats, is of exceptional quality, standing out for its intense green color and its almost perfect clarity. This gem was originally purchased by John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in history, for his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.

The emerald was mined in Colombia, a country known for producing some of the finest and most valuable emeralds in the world. This stone was then cut into a rectangular shape by renowned gemologist and jeweler Raymond Yard, who also mounted the gem in a platinum ring. Its Colombian origin and meticulous cutting work contributed to making this emerald a unique and highly sought-after piece in the world of fine jewelry.

The Sale of the Rockefeller Emerald

The Rockefeller Emerald was auctioned on June 20, 2017 at a sale organized by Christie's in New York. The auction was an event that attracted the attention of collectors and jewelers from around the world, eager to bid on a gem of such magnificence. In the end, the emerald was sold for a staggering $5.5 million , setting a world record for an emerald at auction. This price reflected not only the exceptional quality of the emerald, but also its illustrious provenance and impeccable faceting.

Other Famous Emeralds Auctioned

In addition to The Rockefeller Emerald, other emeralds have fetched extraordinary prices at auction, standing out for their history and rarity:

- The “La Gloria” Emerald : Weighing 887 carats, this rough emerald was auctioned by Bonhams in 2017. Although it did not fetch the price of the Rockefeller, its size and quality make it one of the most impressive emeralds ever sold

- The «Elizabeth Taylor Emerald» : This 23.46-carat emerald was part of the personal collection of the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor. It was auctioned in 2011 by Christie's, reaching a price of $6.5 million. Its value was not only due to its quality, but also to its association with the movie star.

- The “Patricia Emerald” : Weighing 632 carats, this emerald was sold by Sotheby's in 2015. Although it did not sell for a record price, its size and clarity made it one of the most outstanding emeralds on the auction market.

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 fine jewelry.

She currently works for one of the most important jewelry stores in Bogotá, Esmeralda by Love. This jewelry store has more than 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital of Colombia, located in the city center.