AN IMPORTANT EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE AND EARCLIPS EN SU...

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€50,000 - €60,000

AN IMPORTANT EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE AND EARCLIPS EN SUITE The necklace composed of graduated curved pavé-set brilliant-cut diamond links, with collet-set brilliant-cut diamond accents, each motif claw-set with a graduated oval-shaped emerald, to a concealed clasp; together with a pair of matching earclips, mounted in 18K gold and platinum, diamonds approximately 25.00cts total, with green leather pouch, length of necklace 38.5cm, length of earclips 2cm Accompanied by a report from the SSEF laboratory in Switzerland, stating that the twenty-two emeralds are natural, of Zambian origin, with strong green saturation, minor to moderate (oil & wax). Dimensions from approx. 12.20x9.20x5.80mm to 6.85x5.20x3.60mm. Report number 144739, dated March 3rd 2025. Emeralds have captivated civilizations for centuries, from Cleopatra’s Egypt to the Mayans and the Mughals. The name “emerald” comes from the Greek 'smaragdos', meaning “green gem,” symbolizing life and renewal. Over time, the emerald became legendary, thought to hold powers of prophecy and truth-telling, solidifying its status as a revered gemstone. For centuries, Colombia has been the most famous source of emeralds, renowned for their deep green colour with rich undertones. Colombian emeralds owe their striking hue to the presence of chromium and vanadium. These stones are often described as having a “velvety” softness. However, they typically contain more inclusions, known as jardin, which are natural characteristics of the gem but can impact its durability. Despite these inclusions, Colombian emeralds are still highly sought after for their rich, saturated green tones. In contrast, Zambian emeralds, which gained recognition in the late 20th century, have carved out a prominent position in the global gemstone market. These emeralds are known for their intense bluish-green hue and exceptional clarity, which results from the presence of iron rather than chromium. Zambian emeralds typically have fewer inclusions, giving them a cleaner appearance and making them more structurally durable. This clarity has made them increasingly popular among jewellers who value both beauty and resilience in gemstones. The Kagem Mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, the world’s largest emerald mine, supplies around 25% of global emeralds. Notable finds include the 5,655-carat “Inkalamu” (2018), 1,225-carat “Kafubu Cluster” (2022), and 1,104-carat “Lion Emerald” (2017), cementing Zambia’s status as a leading source of large, high-quality emeralds with exceptional clarity. In recent years, Zambian emeralds have broken auction records, underscoring their growing value. A 56.87-carat piece by Chopard sold for over $1 million at Phillips Hong Kong in 2021, while a 17.43-carat emerald fetched £1.2 million at Bonhams London in 2022. Renowned jewellers such as Chopard, Graff, Boucheron, and David Morris have incorporated Zambian emeralds into their collections. High-profile figures like Julianne Moore at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Taraji P. Henson at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, and Ellie Goulding at the 2020 Green Carpet Fashion Awards, have all been spotted wearing them.