JUST FOUND: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EMERALD COLLECTION EVER
The most incredible collection of rare emeralds were recently found on 400-year-old shipwreck. These emeralds are far more valuable than diamonds. The collection fetched millions of dollars at the Guernsey auction.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Collection of rare emeralds.
Famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher, scored big time. More than 70 lbs. (32 kg.) of deep clear green emeralds were recovered from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a galleon bound for Spain in 1622 which sank off the Florida Keys while heavily laden with precious metals, gems, & tobacco. The ship had sailed from Cartagena and Porto Bello, in what is now Colombia and Panama, respectively, and Havana, Cuba.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emeralds.
In 2014, the Atocha was added to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most valuable shipwreck to be recovered. Fisher was paid in gems for his work.
Members of the beryl family of minerals, emeralds obtain their rich green color through chromium, vanadium or iron deposits in the mines.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald.
While the best emeralds, like the best diamonds, are "clear," or inclusion-free, emerald connoisseurs generally also appreciate some inclusions, which they refer to as "jardins," French for "gardens."
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald.
Prior to auction, this collection, owned by Marcial de Gomar, consisted of more than 20 loose emeralds (both cut and rough) plus 13 pieces of emerald jewelry.
The star of the collection is an extremely rare 887-carat “La Gloria” emerald, which Guernsey's billed as "one of the largest museum-quality emeralds in the world." It was estimated to fetch between $4-5 million at recent auction, although it failed to sell.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald.
Another important emerald in this collection is the “Marcial de Gomar Star,” the largest recorded star emerald (1 of just 11 in the world) and the 1st double-sided star emerald.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald collection.
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald collection.
Other collection stars include the “Tears of Fura,” an opulent matched pair of super-large teardrop-shaped Muzo emeralds, as well as the “Nine Pillars of Andes,” a group of 9 rough stones totaling over 91 carats and carrying an estimated price of $2.5 million to $3.5 million, and the 4.39 carat “Queen of the Sea.”
Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald.
Want to see more incredible gemstones? Check out Gorgeous Green Crystal & Creatures.
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Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emeralds.
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Image: Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Rare emerald collection.
IMAGE CREDITS:
All Images are Courtesy of Guernsey’s. Marcial de Gomar Emerald Collection.
