emerald

The Jewelry Department of Maison Aguttes regularly features significant emeralds in its auction sales. The appraisal of a piece of jewelry set with a high-quality emerald may require a laboratory analysis, which we can arrange if necessary. This analysis will help determine the origin of the emerald and identify any potential treatments. Such information is essential for accurately valuing an emerald and selling it for the best price, potentially setting records, such as the €765,000 achieved in 2017 for an emerald.

The emerald is part of the family of "four precious stones." This vibrant green gem is a variety of beryl, its color due to its chemical composition, which includes chromium or vanadium. It is the most fragile stone in this family, very sensitive to shocks. A specific cut has been developed for it, known as the "emerald cut"—a step cut with rectangular facets and truncated corners to reduce the risk of damage during setting and wear. Imperfections and inclusions are common characteristics of emeralds. This stone is particularly prized for its color, with two main tones: yellow-green and blue-green. Historically, Latin cultures have preferred yellow-toned, lighter emeralds, while Anglophone cultures have favored more intense blue-toned emeralds. The most sought-after color is saturated blue-green.

The word emerald comes from the Greek "Smaragdos," which itself stems from the Old French "Esmeralde," meaning "green stone."

Coveted for its color, a symbol of hope and immortality in the Middle East, emeralds have been highly prized since antiquity for their rarity and purity. With the discovery of the New World, emeralds began arriving in Europe in significant quantities. Deposits are primarily found in the southern hemisphere: Colombia, Brazil, Australia, Zimbabwe, the Urals, Egypt, and India.

The Most Coveted Emeralds:

• Colombian Emeralds: Known as the "land of emeralds", Colombia has rich deposits that were once hidden to avoid plunder by invaders. Some scientists and jewelry experts believe that the finest specimens are found here. In the mid-16th century, the mines began to be heavily exploited, including one of the most important: Muzo, located north of Bogotá. Only a quarter of the emeralds extracted were suitable for use in jewelry. Due to the intensity of mining and the rarity of high-quality emeralds, the mines are depleting, and the market is highly competitive for these stones. The intense, warm, and vivid green of Colombian emeralds is highly sought after today.

• Brazilian Emeralds: Lighter than Colombian emeralds, these gems have yellowish hues and fewer pronounced inclusions. As the main supplier of both quantity and quality emeralds today, Brazil also produces rare specimens such as the Cat’s Eye Emerald.

The appraisal and sale of high-quality emeralds is a specialty of Maison Aguttes, which regularly achieves strong auction results in this field, with a large clientele of international buyers.

Our specialists are available to evaluate your precious and semi-precious stones, jewelry, bracelets, rings, necklaces, vintage creations, or signed pieces set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and fine pearls. They offer free and confidential appraisals by appointment. The team travels throughout France and to the house’s representative offices.

Feel free to contact us to discuss the purchase or sale of a piece of jewelry.