What Is the Most Expensive Colombian Emerald Ever Sold?

Over the years, Colombian emeralds have taken center stage at historic auctions, graced high-end jewelry pieces, and become symbols of luxury for collectors and celebrities alike. Some, due to their size and exceptional quality, have reached seemingly impossible prices—solidifying Colombia’s reputation as the world’s premier source of emeralds.

But among all the precious stones extracted from the Colombian mountains, one stands out as the most valuable ever sold. An emerald that combines history and perfection, with a price tag that defied all previous records. In this article, we’ll tell you who bought it, how much it cost, and why it represents the pinnacle of the global emerald market.

Colombian emeralds are traded worldwide and have a diverse market. They are sold to high-end jewelers, collectors, museums, and prestigious auction houses. They are also highly sought after by jewelry designers working with public figures, royal families, and international celebrities.

• 1967 – “Gachalá Emerald”: Discovered in Cundinamarca, weighing 858 carats. Though never sold, its value is considered priceless. It was donated to the Smithsonian Institution.

• 2011 – “The Rockefeller Emerald”: 18.04 carats. Sold for over $5.5 million, setting a record price per carat.

• 2017 – “Stotesbury Emerald”: 34.4 carats. Auctioned for nearly $1 million.

• 2023 – “The Duke Emerald”: 70.5 carats. Sold to a private collector in Geneva for $6.5 million.

• Name: The Rockefeller Emerald

• Origin: Muzo Mine, Colombia

• Features:

  • Weight: 18.04 carats

  • Cut: Rectangular step-cut

  • Color: Deep, saturated green

  • Clarity: Exceptional, with no visible inclusions to the naked eye

  • Original setting: Platinum with diamonds

  • Certification: GIA

  • Sale price: $5.5 million (approximately $305,000 per carat), making it the most expensive emerald per carat ever sold at public auction. It was acquired by jeweler Harry Winston in 2017 at Christie’s, New York.

Where Is It Now?
Today, The Rockefeller Emerald is part of Harry Winston’s high jewelry private collection and has occasionally been exhibited at luxury fairs and exclusive shows. 

Emerald By Love: Museum-Quality Emeralds

At Emerald By Love, we bring you emeralds that meet standards rivaling the most iconic pieces in history. Our gems are hand-selected at the source, directly from Colombia’s most prestigious mines—Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. We guarantee transparency, ethics, and a level of quality that could easily belong in a museum display.
Whether you're looking for a collectible, a gift, or a treasured jewel, we’ll guide you with personalized advice to help you find a truly unique emerald—as special as you. Are you ready to discover a gem that could be the next great story in the emerald world? With Emerald By Love, your story can shine too.

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. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most important jewelers, Emerald By Love, which has over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in the heart of Colombia’s capital.