Skip to main content

Emerald Loose Gemstones

to
89
2,355
1,739
1,700
1,466
887
to
478
271
237
230
146
1,698
2
1
2
7
1,690
1
1
986
712
2
10
5
5
4
2
1,284
770
105
36
7
3
1
1
8
4
4
2
2
Gemstone: Emerald
5.21 Carat 12x10 Yellowish Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.21-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 12.17mm x 10.31mm x 7.46mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.44 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.15 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.32 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.32 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.18 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.09 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.39ct Bright Spring Green Chivor Emerald Emerald Cut Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.39-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Spring Green Measurements: 9.61mm x 6.35mm x 5.02mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tr...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.26 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.17 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.72 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.99 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.75 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.41 Carat 9x8 Astrological Green Colombian Emerald - Emerald Cut VS Jyotish Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.41-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 8.82mm x 8.00mm x 7.30mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tr...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.77 Carat 11x8 Bubbly Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.77-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 11.42mm x 8.11mm x 5.86mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.55 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Vivid Muzo Green Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.55-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent, Carbon Specs Luster: Very Good Color: Vivid Dark Muzo Green Measurements: 7.52mm x 9.38mm x 4.46mm Geographi...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

14.72 Carat 17.4x13.3 Grassy Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 14.72-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Medium Green Measurements: 17.42mm x 13.33mm x 10.54mm Geographic Ori...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.86 Carat 15.5x9.5 Spring Green Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.86-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 15.50mm x 9.47mm x 7.08mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Natural Citrine 6.83 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This exquisite 6.83 carat Natural Citrine features a refined emerald cut, enhancing its clarity and depth with mesmerizing step-cut facets. Exhibiting a rich golden-yellow hue, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Citrine, Emerald

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

3.10 Carat 13x7 Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut May Birthstone Gemston
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.10-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Bright Bluish Green Measurements: 13.25mm x 7.23mm x 6.40mm Geographic Orig...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.79 Carat Vivid Muzo Green Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.79-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 10.90mm x 6.76mm x 4.66mm Geographic Origin:...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

7.60tcw 15x8 Pear-Cut Matching Colombian Emeralds - Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 7.60-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 15.69mm x 8.17mm x 7.09mm // 15.06mm x 8.00mm 5.05mm Ge...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.34 Ct Emerald Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.46 Carat Rich Green Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine Emerald May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.46-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 10.62mm x 9.55mm x 7.30mm Geographic Origin: Colom...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.71 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.57 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.68 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.05 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.25 Ct Emerald Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.47 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.62 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.67 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.39 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.27 Ct Emerald Octagon Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.66 Ct Emerald Pear Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.0 Carat 8x5.5 AAA+ Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.0-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 7.98mm x 5.51mm x 4.56mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.84 Carat 9x9 Vivid Muzo Green Loose Colombian Emerald - Asscher Cut May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.84-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 9.01mm x 8.87mm x 5.77mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.52 Carat Vibrant Green Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.52-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 12.43mm x 7.87mm x 4.73mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Trea...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.25cts Natural Emerald Square Shape 6mm CERTIFIED Stone.
Located in Chicago, IL
1.25cts Natural Emerald Square Shape 6mm CERTIFIED Stone. Carat Weight: 1.25 cts. Size : 6mm T1#AJSTT,CJSTTMPPE29
Category

2010s Indian Retro Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

7.48 Carat GRS Certified Pear Shape Colombian Emerald Pair
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This extraordinary pair of Colombian emeralds, certified by GRS (GemResearch Swisslab), embodies the pinnacle of natural beauty and craftsmanship. Weighing a total of 7.48 carats, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

7.49tcw 11x9 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Oval Cut Genuine Loose Gems
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 7.49-tcw Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 11.44mm x 8.98mm x 4.90mm // 11.40mm x 8.98mm x 6.97mm G...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.80 Carat Certified Fine Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Chivor Cushion Cut
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.80-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 11.66mm x 11.01mm x 7.20mm Geographic Origin:...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Rich Green Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Gemstone 5.60 Ct Emerald Cut-Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rich Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar Afghanistan!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Tourmaline ⚖️ WEIGHT: 5...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Emerald

7.51ct Deep Forest Green Emerald Cut Colombian Gem 13.5x11 Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 7.51-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Deep Forest Green Measurements: 13.46mm x 11.23mm x 7.54mm Geographic Origin:...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

12.66 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald - 14x14 Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 12.66-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.82mm x 13.83mm x 11.36mm Geographic ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.27 Carat 8.5x8.5 Natural Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine Gem May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.27-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent, Visibly Imperfect Luster: Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 8.49mm x 8.34mm x 6.0mm Geographic O...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

12.50 Carat Stunning Green Colombian Emerald - 15x13.5 Cushion Cut May Birthston
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 12.50-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Intense Green Measurements: 15.22mm x 13.53mm x 10.02mm Geographic Origin:...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.81 Carat 10x6 AAA+ Fine Green Natural Loose Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.81-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 10.04mm x 6.19mm x 5.36mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.72ct Spready Bluish Green Asscher Cut Colombian Gem 11x10 Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.72-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 11.25mm x 10.17mm x 5.73mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

9.40 Carat 17.5x12 Fine Quality Colombian Emerald - Pear-Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 9.40-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Muzo Green Measurements: 17.57mm x 12.29mm x 8.51mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

6.89 Carat 13.6x11 Muzo Yellowish Green Colombian Emerald - Oval May Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 6.89-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Muzo Yellowish Green Measurements: 13.60mm x 11.03mm x 7.98mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.75 Ct Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone Neon green color eye clean
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA125 Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone Neon green color eye clean quality GEM DESCRIPTION Species: Natural Beryl Variey: Natural Emerald Weight: 2.75Cts Color: Neon gree...
Category

2010s Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.68 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald AAA+ Vivid Green 10x10.5 Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.68-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 9.76mm x 10.50mm x 5.34mm Geographic Origin: Colombia...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Emerald and Pear-Shaped Emeralds Cts 7.14
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A captivating set of four natural emeralds, featuring three classic emerald-cut stones and one elegant pear-cut gem, totaling 7.14 carats. Sourced from Colombia, these emeralds dis...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.69ct Seafoam Green Emerald Cut Muzo Colombian Gem Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.69-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 10.7mm x 7.90mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treatment: N...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.70 Carat Bright Spring Green Colombian Emerald Oval Cut - May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.70-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 10.04mm x 7.76mm x 6.15mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Trea...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.64 Ct Emerald Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. Explore vibrant collection of Emerald, Ruby & Sapphires in our store available as a loo...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Natural Citrine 6.83 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This exquisite 6.83 carat Natural Citrine features a refined emerald cut, enhancing its clarity and depth with mesmerizing step-cut facets. Exhibiting a rich golden-yellow hue, this ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Citrine, Emerald

2.15 Ct Emerald Octagon Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
With a vibrant green color hue, the birthstone for May is a symbol of renewed spring growth. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a n...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Creating Custom Jewelry? Find Loose Natural Emeralds and Other Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary selection of emeralds and other loose gemstones to help you create your own custom jewelry.

Unless you're a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment, you're probably looking for loose gemstones because you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation. 

A piece of custom emerald jewelry, created by you, would certainly make a great gift.

There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle.

Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set it into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.

No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.”

According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”

Find a collection of emeralds and other loose gemstones today on 1stDibs. 

Recently Viewed

View All