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Spring Auctions Showcase Part 5: Emeralds
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and May’s birthstone – emerald – perfectly symbolizes this renewal of life. It comes as no surprise, then, that emeralds have been such a focal point of auctions this spring.
Christie’s auctioned a stunning emerald and diamond ring on May 15 in Geneva. The platinum ring is set with an exceptionally large cushion-shaped Columbian emerald weighing approximately 23.28 carats, and diamond line shoulders. The estimated value of the piece was $1,300,000 to $1,800,000; however, since a natural emerald from Columbia of this size is so rare, it could sell for significantly more.
23.28 carat cushion-shaped emerald and diamond ring. Image courtesy of Christie’s Images LTD. 2013
Christie’s New York auctioned a fancy color diamond, emerald and white diamond ring on April 16, ultimately selling for over three times its estimated value. This special ring features a 9.72 carat cushion-cut Fancy Intense yellow diamond surrounded by pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds, mounted in gold and platinum. The piece, which had an estimated value of $180,000 to $220,000, sold for $699,750.
GIA quality analysis: The diamond weighs 9.72 carats and is Fancy Intense yellow; natural color; VS1 clarity; accompanied by a working diagram indicating that the clarity may be improvable.
Fancy Intense yellow diamond, emerald and diamond ring. Image courtesy of Christie’s Images LTD. 2013
On April 17 in New York, Sotheby’s auctioned a platinum, gold, diamond and emerald necklace circa 1910. The piece is set with 18 marquise-shaped diamonds and 18 emerald-cut emeralds. It sold for $1,385,000, significantly more than the estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000.
GIA quality analysis: Three of the diamonds in this necklace were graded by GIA. Total carat weight for the diamonds is approximately 47.00 carats and the emeralds add approximately 11.00 carats. .
Platinum, Gold, Diamond and Emerald Necklace, circa 1910. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Emeralds are regal stones with mass appeal. Whether a buyer is looking for something to withstand the tests of time or something elegant and reflective of Spring, auction houses know that emerald pieces are desirable.
Interested in learning more about why emeralds are treasured? Visit the Emerald page of our Gem Encyclopedia or you can check out one of our articles on May’s birthstone “May Birthstone: The Brilliant Green Emerald”.