Article: Aga Khan Emerald - The Most Expensive Emerald Ever Sold At Auction
Aga Khan Emerald - The Most Expensive Emerald Ever Sold At Auction
The 37-carat gemstone, celebrated for its deep green hue and exceptional purity, was mounted in a brooch created by the renowned jewelry house Cartier in the 1960s at the behest of Prince Aga Khan IV.
This exquisite brooch, which also doubles as a pendant, is adorned with 20 marquise-cut diamonds, making it one of the most prestigious creations in Cartier's illustrious history.
The brooch was presented by Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, to his then-wife, model Nina Dyer, as a gift.
This extraordinary piece has now become the most expensive emerald ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record set in 2011 by a Bulgari jewel—a 23.44-carat emerald purchased for $6.578 million.
History of the Cartier Brooch and the Aga Khan Emerald
The Cartier brooch featuring the "Aga Khan Emerald" first appeared at a jewelry auction in 1969, just a few years after the divorce of Nina Dyer and Aga Khan IV.It was subsequently acquired by the famed American jeweler Harry Winston, often referred to as the 'King of Diamonds' and celebrated as one of the greatest collectors of rare gemstones.
Max Fawcett, director of Christie's Geneva jewelry department, emphasized the rising demand for emeralds, stating, "Emeralds are increasingly sought after these days, and this extraordinary piece meets every criterion of excellence."
Fawcett described the emerald as "an extremely fine, flat stone" that appears to be a 50-carat gem despite its actual weight of 37 carats. He also highlighted that emeralds of such exceptional quality are rare and typically surface on the market "only once every five or six years."
Additionally, Fawcett pointed out the emerald's uniform green coloration—a rare trait in large emeralds, which often lose intensity in the center.
A Stone of Historical and Cultural Value
The "Aga Khan Emerald" holds not only immense material worth but also significant cultural and historical importance, deeply tied to the spiritual legacy of the Aga Khan, who leads a global Ismaili community of millions.Emeralds have long been symbols of status and prosperity, and this Cartier masterpiece, with its noble origins and connections to one of the world’s most prominent families, has solidified its place as the most expensive emerald ever sold at a public auction.
The sale of the "Aga Khan Emerald" highlights the growing fascination with emeralds and historic gemstones, setting a new benchmark in the luxury jewelry auction world.
Who Held the Previous Record?
The previous record for the most expensive emerald sold at auction was held by Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari emerald.
This iconic jewel, surrounded by diamonds, was a gift from actor Richard Burton to legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor during their famously publicized romance.
The emerald, set in a ring, was comparable in quality to the Aga Khan emerald but significantly smaller, weighing just 23.44 carats.
It was sold at a Christie's auction in New York in 2011 as part of Elizabeth Taylor's renowned jewelry collection, achieving a record price of $6.578 million, a record that has now been surpassed by the "Aga Khan Emerald."
