Emeralds are prized for their vivid green colour, rarity and enduring allure, with notable sources including Colombia, Zambia and Brazil. Celebrated since antiquity, emeralds were supposedly described by Ancient Roman nobleman Pliny the Elder as ‘no gem in existence more intense than this’. Favoured by Cleopatra and later Elizabeth Taylor, emeralds have long signified power and prestige. They are cut in various forms, from the classic rectangular emerald cut, to beads and cabochon styles. In 2024, Christie’s sold the Aga Khan emerald for CHF 7.7 million.
AN ASIAN EMERALD DOVE ( CHALCOPHAPS INDICA ) ON A CITRUS TREE
COMPANY SCHOOL LUCKNOW OR CALCUTTA, INDIA, CIRCA 1775-85
A MAGNIFICENT MUGHAL RUBY AND EMERALD INSET GOLD AND SILVER LINED AND INLAID JADE COVERED FLASK
NORTH INDIA, FIRST HALF 17TH CENTURY
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966)
Emerald Isle
A MAGNIFICENT EMERALD, GOLD AND ENAMEL WINE CUP
MUGHAL, PERIOD OF JAHANGIR (1605-1627 A.D.)