Christie’s is to offer the legendary Rockefeller Emerald in its June 20 Magnificent Jewels sale in New York.
The lot is among the finest Columbian emeralds on the market.
Industrialist John D Rockefeller acquired the extraordinary 18.4 carat stone in 1930.
The Rockefeller emerald weighs a huge 18.4 carats
Rockefeller was one of the richest people of all time. By 1913, he’d acquired a fortune of $392bn, equivalent to around 2% of the entire US economy.
Christie’s comments: “Due to its rarity, an emerald of this quality and significant weight is not readily found in the market, and it is ranked at the top of its class.”
It was the crowning jewel in a brooch Rockefeller had made for his wife.
After her death, the brooch passed to their youngest son, David Rockefeller.
He had this emerald set in a diamond and platinum ring designed by renowned jeweller Raymond Yard.
It’s valued at $4m-6m, putting it on course to challenge the $6.5m record for an emerald, set for a brooch owned by Elizabeth Taylor in 2011.
Tom Burstein, Christie’s US head of jewellery, said: “The Rockefeller Emerald is one of the best gemstones to ever be offered at auction and its superior beauty and quality are matched only by its historic name.
“Christie’s is especially proud to be offering this Raymond Yard ring in the heart of Rockefeller Center, in our New York Saleroom.”
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