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Emerald Loose Gemstones

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Gemstone: Emerald
6.97 Carat Rich Green Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 6.97-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 11.90mm x 11.28mm x 9.16mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.84 Carat Intense Medium Green Colombian Emerald - Elongated Cushion Cut Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.84-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Intense Medium Green Measurements: 10.37mm x 8.86mm x 7.52mm Geographic Origin: Co...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

16.68tcw Rare Pair of Heart-Cut Colombian Emeralds Yellowish Green Matching
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 16.68-tcw Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 12.58mm x 14.15mm x 8.32mm // 12.55mm x 14.15mm x ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.41 Ct Emerald Asscher 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

2.43 Carat Yellowish Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.43-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Yellowish Green Measurements: 11.26mm x 7.72mm x 5.40mm Geographic Origin...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.42 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

Exquisite Punjshir Emerald Gemstone 2.35 Carats Emerald Gem Afghan Emerald
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exquisite Punjshir Emerald Gemstone of 2.35 carats from Punjshir,Afghanistan has a wonderful cut in a Cushion shape, incredible Light Green colour. Great brilliance. This gem is Incl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.54tcw 9x8 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Emerald Cut Genuine Loose Pair
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 5.54-tcw Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent to Semi Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Medium Green Measurements: 8.61mm x 7.60mm x 5.54...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

6.13 Carat 11.5x10.3 Earthy Pastel Green Colombian Emerald - Emerald Cut May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 6.13-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Medium Bluish Green Measurements: 11.47mm x 10.34mm x 6.90mm Geographic Origin: Co...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.83 Carat 11x11 Green Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.83-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Intense Green Measurements: 10.89mm x 10.63mm x 8.45mm Geographic Orig...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.98 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

0.95 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

1.58 Ct Emerald Round 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

1.71ct Vivid Bluish Green Asscher Cut Colombian Gem 7x7 Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.71-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Medium Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 6.82mm x 6.91mm x 5.90mm Geographic Origin...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.76 Carat Bright Yellowish Green Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Muzo May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.76-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Yellowish Green Measurements: 10.61mm x 10.17mm x 7.37mm Geographic Origin: Colomb...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.87 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

1.53 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

4.33ct Bluish Green Colombian Emerald 10x10mm Asscher Cut Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.33-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 10.32mm x 10.10mm x 6.22mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.05 Carat Forest Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop Loose May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.05-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Medium Dark Green Measurements: 14.69mm x 8.70mm x 5.77mm Geographic Origin: Colombia...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Loose Emerald - Oval Cut 3.30ct GIA Green Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Clarity Enhanced (F2) Carat(s): 3.30ct Cut: Oval Color: Green Origin: Zambia Certified by: GIA Report Number: 2235275875 Total Carats: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.19tcw 9x8 Matching Colombian Emeralds - Emerald Cut Genuine Loose Pair
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 5.19-tcw Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent to Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Yellowish Medium Green Measurements: 8.66mm x 7.62mm x 5.90...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.57 Carat Light Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.57-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Light Green Measurements: 14.06mm x 8.88mm x 8.12mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

5.33 Carat Earthy Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Genuine May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 5.33-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 10.83mm x 10.73mm x 7.49mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.37 carats Green Emerald Stone Emerald Cut Natural Gemstone from Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.37 carats Dimensions 12.2x5.6x5.0 mm Treatment none Origin Afghanistan Clarity SI Shape octagon Cut emerald This stunning 2.37 carat emerald stone, meticulously cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

Bluish Green Natural Emerald Ring, Pendant Loose Gemstone 10.75 Ct for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bluish Green Natural Emerald Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, Bracelet or any other Jewelry Setting-Step Emerald Octagon Cut!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Emerald ⚖️ WEIGHT: 10.75 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

3.34 Carat 9.5x9 Bluish Green Natural Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut Chivor May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.34-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 9.53mm x 8.82mm x 6.87mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tr...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.66 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

6.56 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

13.66 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

3.33 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

5.34 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

4.13 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

3.36 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

4.62 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

6.26 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

5.91 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

4.61 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

3.46 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

3.23 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

4.94 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

4.69 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

4.58 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

3.99 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

3.64 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

Rich Green Natural Tourmaline Ring, Pendant Gemstone 4.85 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: 4...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Tourmaline

2.84 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Bright Green 10x11 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.84-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 9.90mm x 11.30mm x 4.91mm Geographic Origin: Co...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

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

3.74ct Forest Green Colombian Emerald 9.6x9.2mm Asscher Cut Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.74-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Deep Green Measurements: 9.62mm x 9.24mm x 6.65mm Geographic Origin: Colombia...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.44 Carat Light Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Pear Cut Teardrop May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.44-carats Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent, Visible Carbon Specs Luster: Very Good Color: Light Bluish Green Measurements: 10.78mm x 8.04mm x 5.58mm Geog...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

0.94 Carat Elongated Cut Medium Green Colombian Emerald - Genuine May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 0.94-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Medium Light Green Measurements: 8.04mm x 4.3mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treatm...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.40 Carats Rare Loose Triplite Stone Emerald Cut Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.40 carats Dimensions 10.9x8.2x5.1 mm Treatment none Origin Shigar, Pakistan Clarity SI Shape octagon Cut emerald Presenting an exceptional 4.40 carats Rare Triplite ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.51 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

3.15 Carat Certified Vivid Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Elongated Cushion
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.15-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 9.40mm x 8.12mm x 6.17mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Tr...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

4.93 Carat Minor Oil 10.5x9.5 Vivid Bluish Colombian Emerald - Cushion Cut May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.93-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 10.37mm x 9.57mm x 7.85mm Geographic Origin: Colo...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.00 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a n...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.97ct Spready Muzo Green Colombian Emerald 8.5x8.5mm Asscher Cut May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.97-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Vivid Green Measurements: 8.44mm x 8.26mm x 4.03mm Geographic Origin: Co...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

7.13 Carat Vivacious Bluish Green Colombian Emerald - Chivor Cushion Cut Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 7.13-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Bluish Green Measurements: 12.68mm x 10.86mm x 8.56mm Geographic Origin: Colombia ...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

21.62 Carat Earthy Green Colombian Emerald - 19x17 Cushion Cut May Birthstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 21.62-carats Shape: Cushion Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Medium Green Measurements: 18.64mm x 16.85mm x 9.77mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

1.90 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. All our gemstones are natural & genuine. Certification can be provided on request at a n...
Category

2010s Zambian Emerald Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald

2.33 Carat Certified Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald Vivid Muzo Green 11x9 Gemston
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.33-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Vivid Dark Muzo Green Measurements: 10.76mm x 8.96mm x 4.92mm Geographic O...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern 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. 

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