What Is the World’s Biggest Emerald?

To hear Regan Reaney tell it, a 57,500-carat emerald aptly named Teodora is the largest cut emerald in the world. In 2012, Reaney hoped to get at least $1.15 million for the amazing Brazilian find. Yet there was trouble with the stone before the gavel was even raised.

First and foremost, the record-breaking gem was mined in Brazil and then sent to India for cutting before Reaney ever owned it. Some thought it was unusual for miners to agree to the cutting of what could be largest emerald on record.

Next, there were some problems with the authenticity of the emerald. Gemologist Jeff Nechka appraised the gemstone but could not say with unequivocal certainty that the rock at hand was truly what it seemed to be. The stunning green color of the stone came – at least in part – from a dying process that made it impossible to ascertain the quality of the rock without chipping away at it. Reaney acknowledged that the emerald was not gem grade but commercial grade at best. Even so, the seller believed that it was the size that mattered.

Perhaps so, but the gemologist was firm in his belief that the rock consisted in part of emerald and in part of white beryl. It was unclear where one substance began and the other ended. Talking to the DailyMail, GIA West Coast Identification Services noted that they would only be comfortable to consider the rock a “beryl with zones of emerald.” This is a far cry from hailing the green piece the world’s largest emerald.

Then, there were some questions surrounding Reaney himself. The Globe and Mail announced that the gem seller was taking into custody because of “multiple fraud offenses” in Ontario. Although the allegations did not involve Teodora, the emerald failed to attract a single bid at auction. It is unclear what has become of Teodora in the aftermath of the unsuccessful attempt at auctioning it off.

In contrast, the Hooker emerald brooch is a bona fide piece of gem-quality emerald. Granted, it may only feature 75.47 carats, but the stone is surrounded with halo of diamonds and worked on by Tiffany & Co. Currently on display at the Smithsonian, this piece displays the beveled square emerald cut. Initially, the Hooker emerald came from Colombia in the 1700s. It is said to have been kept by Spanish explorers who sent it back to Europe for processing. From there, it changed hands until it became part of a belt buckle owned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

When the brooch that would eventually contain the emerald was donated to the Smithsonian in 1977, it was valued at about $500,000. It is unclear what it is worth in today’s dollars. This tale of two emeralds shows that size does not always matter. Sometimes, it is the ability to prove authenticity and the absence of dye that determines the real value of a green gem.

At Peter Suchy Jewelers, we are experts at vintage and estate jewelry and we hope you’ll stop by our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut where you’ll find many emeralds rings, necklaces, bracelets and more! Or head on over to our eBay store; we are a top-rated PowerSeller with over 5,000 transactions to date!

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