VIVID GREEN JUNGLE JEWEL
07.03.17
The magnificent and highly coveted 887 carat ‘museum quality’ emerald rough called La Gloria will be auctioned by Guernsey’s at the Americas Society in New York from the rare emerald collection of Marcial de Gomar on April 25. It is believed to be the 4th largest known Colombian rough emerald from the Muzo Mine!
Marcial de Gomar’s auction portfolio includes 20 loose emeralds, both cut and polished as well as 13 pieces of jewellery, all combined totalling 2,000 carats and a selection of rare coins. Many of the jewels will have their first debut in the market, even though La Gloria has previously been featured at show in the Smithsonian Institute, many enthusiasts, collectors and experts are very excited!
Marcial de Gomar is an emerald connoisseur in particular with rare emeralds from his 50 year career in the emerald business, spanning from the legendary Muzo mines which is famous for yielding the world’s finest emeralds to the US retail market.
An interesting fact about the emerald rough: La Gloria is named after de Gomar’s attorney who represented him in the litigation over the Atocha. A quick history lesson: Neustra Senora de Atocha is the famous fleet of Spanish ships which sank in 1622 in the Florida Keys. The vessels carried treasures of copper, silver, gold, gems and tobacco bound for Spain. After a sixteen and a half year hunt for the Atocha ships on the sea bed, Mel Fisher (a renowned treasure hunter) and Finley Ricard found the treasures in the ships in July 1985. de Gomar was selected for his expert knowledge as an independent appraiser for the emeralds recovered and as payment he received a selection of fine gems.
Originally, la Gloria is from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia, however it was discovered in the wreck of Atocha, alongside 17 other emeralds. The spectacular emerald rough features a tiny piece of calcite on the top, which is very significant according to de Gomar as it serves as a clue to indicate which country and mine the gem originates from. He wishes the emerald rough to be placed in a state museum and believes the rough shouldn’t be cut even though it is expected to cultivate an impressive 400 carat polished stone!
La Gloria is estimated to fetch $4 to $5 million and the total collection is expected to yield $15-$20 million! Check out our blog on April 25 and we will publish the auction results on ethereal jungle green dream jewel!
Dipika @ IGR London
