Emeralds found on shipwreck are worth millions. © 2017 Guernseys.com

Guernsey’s, the New York City-based auction house, is delighted to announce the auction of the Marcial de Gomar Collection of rare emeralds on April 25th. The event will be conducted live at the Americas Society at 680 Park Avenue with online bidding at www.liveauctioneers.com.

The Marcial de Gomar Emerald Collection consists of more than twenty loose emeralds (both cut and rough) plus thirteen pieces of emerald jewelry. These spectacular emeralds were collected by Manuel Marcial de Gomar over a 62 year long career spent both in the United States and in the jungles of Colombia, where he started at the Chivor mines as an interpreter for Russ Anderton and then proceeded to independently mine the Guavio, Gachalá, Somondoco, Boyacá and Muzo regions on horseback, widely known for producing the world's finest emeralds. Mr. Marcial's firsthand knowledge and experience with rare emeralds including shipwreck origin emeralds, has placed him in demand as an author, lecturer and consultant, and while his family continues in their involvement with rare emeralds, it is Manuel's lifelong personal collection that is being sold.

Featured lots in the Marcial de Gomar Collection include La Gloria, which, at 887 carats, is one of the largest museum-quality emeralds in the world; the Marcial de Gomar Star, the largest recorded star emerald (among only eleven in the world, according to experts) and perhaps the first of its kind as a double-sided star emerald; and the Tears of Fura, an impressive matched pair of extremely large teardrop-shaped Muzo emeralds. Importantly, the Collection also includes the largest assemblage of cut emeralds from the famed Nuestra Señora de Atocha sunken galleon and, among these, the single largest cut emerald recovered from that ship, considered the most important wreck site yet discovered. 

Decades ago, Mr. Marcial was selected from many experts by Mel Fisher, the famed treasure hunter, to be the independent appraiser of all emeralds recovered from the Atocha. As payment for his expert services, Marcial received a selection of these fine stones from the world-famous wreck. Collectors and enthusiasts of sunken treasure will also be excited to learn that the Collection features, in addition to this unprecedented assemblage of Atocha emeralds, a number of historic gold coins from the 1715 Fleet. All of these items were privately owned and will be presented to the public for the very first time at the auction of the Marcial de Gomar Collection. 

Lot 0004. Corona de Muzo. A stunning 24.34 carat emerald cut Muzo emerald from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha set in a 22 karat and 18 karat gold necklace with crown details, featuring additional baguette and round cut diamonds and round cut emeralds. Estimate $5,000,000-$6,000,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

If ever there was an emerald from the Muzo mine that carried a unique historical provenance associated with the Spanish crown, it uniquely belongs to the "Corona de Muzo." A magnificent 24.34 carat untreated, emerald cut emerald, it holds the title as the largest known cut emerald from the world famous Atocha galleon that disappeared in a September hurricane in the Florida Keys in 1622. Worthy of note is the observation that any emerald over and above one to three carats in size and weight is uncharacteristically large. This emerald, intended for royalty, was cut from a 64.46 carat rough emerald that had been lost to the world in ocean reefs for nearly four centuries. Its deep saturation of emerald green has mesmerized connoisseurs, who may have seen it featured in the Gemological Institute of America's first article on the Atocha galleon, published in 1989. A museum quality emerald, it is displayed in a stunning setting crafted by Marcial de Gomar, containing tapered baguette and round cut diamonds and round cut emeralds set in 22 karat and 18 karat gold on a custom 22 karat chain link especially designed for this particular pendant. 

The mounting bears the words "PLUS ULTRA," or "Further Beyond," a motto dating to the time of Charles I of Spain that captures the spirit of the era of Spanish conquest and discovery. To convey the element of majesty in both the link and the pendant, Marcial transported himself back in time to the powerful and unique person of Queen Isabela of Spain. Her modus vivendi was: "Tanto Monta, Monta Tanto"—meaning she was no less than an equal to her husband King Ferdinand. The link is faithful to the royal personality of Queen Isabela and is named the "Isabela link" after her. 

The GIA Notable Letter that accompanies this lot’s extraordinary Atocha emerald notes that “the exceptional color and size of this emerald are distinctive. Most faceted emeralds have many inclusions and fractures which are clarity enhanced. To have the further distinction of being untreated makes this Colombian emerald a rarity.” 

Accompanied by GIA Report 2181154014 of February 24, 2017 and GIA Notable Letter of February 24, 2017, GIA Report 2431862 of October 19, 1989, and Treasure Salvors, Inc. Certificates of Authenticity (Emerald Numbers 85A-E122/Rough and 85A-E122A/Cut).

Lot 0016. La Gloria, 887 carats. Incredibly large and fine museum-quality rough emerald from Muzo. Estimate $3,000,000-$5,000,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

La Gloria is a queen of gems. This stunning 887 carat gem emerald comes from none other than the world's most famous emerald mine - the Muzo mine (also the source of the emeralds recovered from the sunken Atocha galleon). Larger than the famed specimen in the Smithsonian from the Gachala mine, she is believed to be the largest rough gem quality Colombian emerald in the United States. With her classic blue green Colombian hues and identifying matrix material, she bears all the looks and qualities of royal beauty, splendor and grace suited to crown any museum or discerning private collection. 

La Gloria has a small surface calcite matrix, which not only evidences its provenance but can further indicate with general specificity the area of the mine in which it originated. The Muzo mine is well-known for producing some of the largest crystals of emeralds found anywhere in Colombia. La Gloria is larger than the Colombian emerald from Gachala in the Smithsonian, which is 857 carats, and also larger than the "Patricia" emerald from the Chivor mine, now in the Museum of Natural History in New York (632 carats). 

This remarkable emerald is most impressive as a rough stone of unbelievable weight; should it ever be cut and polished, however, it should yield a gem of about 300 to 400 carats.

Accompanied by GIA Report 1186154010 of February 21, 2017

Lot 0019. The Marcial de Gomar Star. Superb one-of-a-kind 25.86 carat cabochon double star emerald—largest known specimen in the world. Estimate $2,000,000-$3,000,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

There were no recorded specimens of asterism in emerald beryls until the late 20th century; up until the publication of John Sinankas' "Emeralds and other Beryls" in 1981, it was noted that there was no record of any such specimens even after a ten year investigation undertaken at that time by GIA. The 25.86 carat "Marcial de Gomar Star Emerald" represents an almost unknown phenomena in the world of emeralds, making gem history as an incredibly large and double sided star emerald.

This museum quality specimen was featured recently by GIA in their prestigious "Gems & Gemology" publication and has been noted by some experts as the largest and the eleventh known recorded specimen to date. This mesmerizing gem has a story as unique as its gemological properties. Selected from a parcel of rough purchased in 1997 from an African emerald dealer from Madagascar, the uncut emerald was finally pulled from the safe sometime in 2001 to be examined for possible faceting by Marcial de Gomar. Recognizing that there might be some chatoyancy, possibly in the form of a cat's eye, Marcial sent the stone for cutting to his longtime expert emerald cutter with instructions to cut the stone in a double cabochon style instead of the typical style, which features a single curved dome only. Once returned, the result was a remarkable specimen that was at first baffling, as it did not behave optically in the typical manner of the cat's eye phenomena in gems (a defined solid line moving laterally from side to side). Instead, this specimen had a play of light that moved in all directions under the same lighting conditions as used when viewing cat's eye gems.

Having never seen a star emerald before, and with the gem's chatoyant properties not showing a clear star (as would be well known in ruby or sapphire and other beryls), Marcial therefore never considered it to be present in this particular specimen, and assuming it may have just been an unusual form of cat's eye phenomena, decided to place it away safely in his personal safe until a further opportunity to re-examine it more closely was warranted. The star emerald lay untouched in the far corner of a McGunn safe for another nine years until the decision was made to assemble a one-of-a-kind collection representing the 60 years of Marcial's life in the emerald and precious gem industry, to be made available for collectors and the world. Over the next three years as this project was developed, the gem was re-examined closer by renowned gemologist and appraiser Martin Fuller of Martin Fuller & Associates. Having examined such famous gems as the Hope Diamond in the Smithsonian, he immediately recommended the gem be sent to Gemological Institute of America for identification after realizing that it had asterism which only showed up under specific lighting conditions. 

On July 16th 2013, the star emerald was certified and took its place in gem history as the largest recorded of perhaps less than a dozen other known star emeralds. From the Star's initial journey in 1997 to its certification in 2013 and subsequent exposure to the world in 2015 in the journals of GIA, the 18-year journey marks a crowning achievement in the life of Manuel Marcial de Gomar and in the history of rare gems. The Marcial de Gomar star was recently sent back to GIA for re-examining the reverse side of the gem and it has now been confirmed to be a double sided star emerald – a first in the world we believe! This further adds to its uniqueness already as perhaps one of the rarest specimens in the world to date!

The GIA Notable Letter that accompanies this remarkable lot notes that “the exceptional color and the further distinction of being one of the largest star emeralds in the world, makes it a truly notable gemstone.” 

Accompanied by GIA Report 2185154008 of February 24, 2017 and GIA Notable Letter of February 24, 2017. 

Lot 0026A. The Eyes of Muzo. At 74.52 carats, this stunning pair of Colombian trapiche cat’s eye emeralds have been described as quite possibly the world’s largest. Estimate $2,000,000-$3,000,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

The Marcial de Gomar Collection is proud to offer to the world this one-of-a-kind pair of matching cat’s eye emeralds. These remarkable gems are a befitting addition to what is already an irreplaceable collection of some of the rarest emeralds in the world.

Originally cut from a single 370 carat trapiche emerald from the world renowned Muzo region, these two remarkable stones with a combined weight 74.52 carats (36.17 and 38.36 carats respectively) possess fascinating and eye-catching cat’s eyes. They are believed to be the largest existing matched pair of Colombian cat’s eye emeralds in the world. The emerald from which they were cut is found only in the Trapiche mine in the Muzo region of Colombia. Even trapiche emeralds bereft of the elusive cat’s eye phenomenon in sizes of even only a few carats have become highly coveted collectibles – how much more so this extraordinarily large pair with prominent cat’s eyes, now a part of Marcial de Gomar’s legacy. The cutting process of these gems has been carefully documented and featured by GIA in an article describing the process of unveiling the cat’s eye phenomenon in these two emeralds. The Eyes of Muzo present a rare opportunity to possess a significant pair of emeralds of unprecedented size and exceptional beauty. 

Accompanied by GIA Report 5182296049 of April 7, 2017 and GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) Report GRS2015-108671 of October 28, 2015.

Lot 0005. The Tears of Fura. 95.51 carats (total weight). Extremely large and well-matched pair of gem-fine teardrop shaped Colombian emeralds from Muzo mines. Estimate $2,000,000-$3,000,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

The name of these breathtaking twin gems (and the title of Marcial de Gomar's autobiography), honors the two Colombian mountain peaks of Fura and Tena, considered sacred by the Muzo people and named after the two progenitors of humanity, Fura (woman) and Tena (man). Muzo belief states that, at their death, Fura's tears became emeralds that took on the green of the jungles and the fire of the lightning bolt. 

In the Bogota emerald market, it has always been accepted that a fine quality emerald over one carat and as much as three carats is a very large emerald, unlike other precious and semi-precious stones which are frequently found in large sizes. Emeralds usually do not occur in large crystals, and when they do, they often lack a deep green color or have little or no fire. Additionally, even when a long sought after larger rough emerald is finally recovered, the average loss in faceting it into an emerald cut is 66 percent. The loss will be even greater if a different cut, such as a pear shape or a round, is desired.

For all of these aforementioned challenges, the presentation here of not only one, but two unusually large emeralds is a treasure for the eyes. A visually matching pair of teardrop shapes such as these Tears of Fura is an occurrence that may take many centuries to replicate. The largest emerald recoveries from the Muzo mines went from the Spanish Crown in the 16th and 17th century to the grand collections of Catherine the Great in Russia, and the Shah of Iran. According to Mr. Marcial, who has personally seen both Collections, splendid as they are, neither has a pair of teardrop shaped emeralds to equal the exquisitely matched Tears of Fura, in which the intense green of the Muzo jungles and the fiery lightning of the Andes are ever present. Adding further to their unique status, this pair was chosen to receive the standard clarity enhancement (a common practice for Type III gems, employed as far back as the reign of Cleopatra) using the patented Excel process, considered by many to be a lasting and more stable yet reversible clarity enhancement, perfected by Arthur Groom & Co. 

The GIA Notable Letter that accompanies this lot notes that “the exceptional color and size of these emeralds are distinctive. The further distinction of being a well-matched pair of considerable size makes these two Colombian emeralds a rarity.” 

Accompanied by GIA Report 2185154015 of February 24, 2017 and GIA Notable Letter of February 24, 2017.

Lot 0015. The Empress of Spain. Estimate $200,000-$300,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

A beautiful and elaborate 20in. necklace of 18 karat and 14 karat gold featuring at its center a large 9.48 carat teardrop cabochon emerald and five smaller briolette teardrop emeralds of a combined 12.76 carats. Framed by 74 round brilliant diamonds and three tapered baguette diamonds, plus 60 round brilliant diamonds in the chain, collectively weighing 7.44 carats. Chain further includes 120 prong set round cut emeralds of 7.25 carats (total weight), finishing with a lovely oval cabochon Colombian cat's eye emerald of 2.03 carats, set in the 18 karat white gold clasp and framed by 16 round brilliant diamonds of 0.50 carats (total weight). Total combined gem weight (emeralds and diamonds) of approximately 39 carats. 

This 20in. 18 karat and 14 karat gold necklace created by Marcial de Gomar is an original showpiece inspired by his fusion of Spanish and Native American art. With personally selected fine natural Colombian emeralds directly from the Muzo region of Colombia, "The Empress of Spain" centers the eye on an uncommonly large, fine quality teardrop cabochon emerald (9.48 carats), as is sometimes found in the royal jewelry of the Habsburgs, Romanovs, or Pahlavi's, accompanied by five beautiful swaying briolette teardrop emeralds enjoying a combined approximate weight of 12.76 carats. The center emerald is framed by 74 prong set round brilliant diamonds plus three tapered baguette diamonds in the crown and a further 60 round brilliant diamonds in the chain for an estimated total weight of 7.44 carats. The gold wave necklace is inspired by the sea wave at the foot of the "Plus Ultra" sign of the Pillars of Hercules, heralding the sea distances to be encountered during the Spanish voyages of discovery. 

The necklace further contains 120 prong set round cut natural emeralds with an approximate total weight of 7.25 carats that culminate in yet another splendor of this necklace, the extremely rare, fine quality oval cabochon cut natural Colombian cat's eye emerald, weighing 2.03 carats. This well-defined cat's eye emerald is set within an 18 karat white gold clasp embraced by sixteen round brilliant diamonds in the halo weighing approximately 0.50 carats. In total, this creation contains 127 natural emeralds mined in Colombia and 153 diamonds with a combined gem weight of nearly 39 carats all together. This marriage of New and Old World design thinking yields a flowing harmony that is regal and unique, and will only enhance the beauty and grace of its wearer.  

Accompanied by GIA Report 1182154585 of February 23, 2017 

Lot 0010. Reina del Mar. Large 4.39 carat round cut emerald from Muzo via the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Estimate $250,000-$350,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

The "Queen of the Sea" is a name that befits this 4.39 carat fine, round-cut treasure emerald from Muzo, initially discovered in the largest find of emeralds ever recovered by the Spaniards during the years between 1620 and 1622. Selected by Marcial as payment for services rendered to Mel Fisher almost 30 years ago, this gem was originally cut from a 13.63 carat rough emerald in 1997. 

Whosoever wins this emerald, which lay on the bottom of the sea for almost 400 years, will become the possessor of a treasure that was intended for King Felipe IV of Spain. This "Queen" has the unique distinction of being the largest round cut emerald among those cut from the rough emeralds recovered from the sunken galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. There is no larger fine quality round Colombian emerald from the wreck of any Spanish galleon that we know of to date. To put into perspective the unique size and shape of this gem: Even in non-treasure emeralds, a 1.00 carat round cut emerald is considered large. Incomparable then, is one over four times that size of fine quality, from the most famous treasure galleon, lost to the world in not one but two hurricanes in 1622.  

Accompanied by GIA Report 1182154024 of February 17, 2017 and Mel Fisher’s Motivation, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity (Emerald Number 95A-26360). 

Lot 0007. Muzo Marino. 2.98 carat emerald cut Colombian Muzo emerald recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Estimate $200,000-$300,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

This 2.98 carat long, large emerald cut emerald, represents some of the finest gem material Colombia has to offer. It has the typical shape referred to as "Canutillo" in Colombia, cut from an elongated C-axis crystal. Lost deep within ocean sands for 363 years, it was recovered from the remains of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha in the Marquesas Keys, Florida, and cut from a 12.01 carat rough crystal revealing the highly treasured green fire typical of Colombian emeralds from the world renowned Muzo mine. 

In gem cutting, particularly when working with such rare material, a good measure of risk is often taken to produce the right cut and reveal the emerald's beauty. It has been a source of great delight that each of the historic Atocha rough emeralds selected for cutting by Marcial de Gomar (under his supervision) have been successfully and beautifully cut, maintaining the classic Spanish style of the time, and doing great justice and honor to these treasures'remarkable history.  

Accompanied by GIA Report 6187154028 of February 17, 2017 and Treasure Salvor's, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity (Emerald Number A85-E25). 

Lot 0020. Conquistadora.A splendid tiara that converts into an elegant and regal necklace, featuring 14.27 carats (total weight) of pear shape and emerald cut Muzo emeralds and 7.86 carats (total weight) of round brilliant diamonds, set in 18 karat white gold. Estimate $150,000-$250,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

Marcial de Gomar is proud to offer this incredible work of wearable art in celebrating his life's work. This natural Colombian emerald and diamond tiara that transforms beautifully into a necklace is masterfully crafted in 18 karat white gold and features 889 round brilliant diamonds of VS/SI and F/G quality, weighing 7.86 carats total weight, and 35 mixed cut natural Colombian emeralds of pear shape and emerald cut from the Muzo region, weighing 14.27 carats total weight. 

The concept of a tiara that converts into a necklace has existed since the late 18th century, and was eventually realized by a new approach in mastering the construction of the tiara. This design, it is believed, will be the first of this kind in the Americas. Because of the delicate and complicated nature of the convertible tiara, it took 13 months to complete this masterpiece, in addition to the time it took to collect and acquire the matching emeralds from the Muzo and Chivor regions of Colombia. 

Accompanied by GIA Report 6183148231 of January 31, 2017. 

Lot 0027. The Lady. Elegant necklace of two queen conch pearls at 45.71 carats (total weight) and a fine quality 1.00 carat trillion cut Colombian emerald in 18 karat gold setting and chain. Estimate $75,000-$100,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

Inspired by Marcial de Gomar's wife of 53 years, Inge, "The Lady" beautifully captures the elegance and grace of the feminine and the harmony of the emerald and conch pearl, the two rare gems that are intimate partners in Marcial's life. The speedily diminishing numbers of queen conch, which presently leaves about one pearl in every fifteen thousand conchs, portents an even greater paucity of these gems in the marketplace of the near future. This incredibly rare, one-of-a-kind suite of snow and lavender color queen conch pearls adds further to the uniqueness of the Marcial de Gomar Collection at an extraordinary combined size of 45.71 carats accented with a fine quality 1.00 carat trillion cut Colombian emerald with marvelous green-fire, all artfully set in a simple contemporary 18 karat yellow gold Marcial de Gomar design that truly shows off these magnificent and rare pearls.  

Accompanied by GIA Report 1186154012 of February 21, 2017 (Emerald) and GIA Report 2185154011 of February 21, 2017 (Pearls)

Lot 0026. Luz de las Marquesas. 2.03 carat round cut Muzo emerald from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha set in a 22 karat gold ring. Estimate $90,000-$120,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

The "Light of the Marquesas" is beautifully captured in the third largest round cut emerald from the world-famous Nuestra Senora de Atocha. This fine quality emerald, weighs 2.03 carats and has been set by Manuel Marcial de Gomar in a 22 karat gold mounting inspired by the classic Spanish Mudéjar style. The appellation "Mudéjar" sends us back into a time of great civilizing advancements when, for 700 years, Islamic Spain was a light to the world prior to Queen Isabela. This fusion of Christian and Islamic art evolved from a pattern of religious and racial harmony that fostered new thinking.  

The ring features a magnificent emerald from Muzo, Colombia, saved from the peril of extinction in the ocean depths by famed treasure diver Mel Fisher. Phillip IV, the King of Spain, was entitled by Crown law to keep only 20% of all gems and gold recovered, known as "el Quinto Real," or the Royal Fifth. The new owner of the "Luz de Las Marquesas," by virtue of historical occurrence, will luckily enjoy one hundred percent of this treasure! As with all her sister gems wrested from the remains of the Atocha galleon and brought to the designing hand and eye of Marcial de Gomar, the fortunate owner will enjoy the richness of its matchless splendor. 

Accompanied by GIA Report 6187154220 of February 17, 2017 and photocopy Treasure Salvors, Inc. Certificate (Emerald Number A85-E380) 

Lot 0025. La Reina. 1.38 carat round cut Colombian emerald from Nuestra Senora de Atocha set in 22 karat gold ring. Estimate $50,000-$70,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

Designed in the classic Spanish Mudéjar style, this original design by Marcial de Gomar features a 1.38 carat fine quality round cut Colombian emerald originally cut from a 3.40 carat rough crystal recovered by divers from the sunken Atocha galleon. It is crafted in 22 karat gold in the cire perdue method. From anecdotal revelations of family history relating to his Spanish background, Marcial became familiar with the art and design of Spain during its period of Islamic rule of some seven hundred years. The contributions resulting from this fusion of Christian and Islamic art known as Mudéjar have largely gone unrecognized. Since both gold and emeralds from Colombia filled the treasure coffers of Spanish Kings, Marcial wished to restore in some measure this unique and beautiful style, incorporating both those elements into this unduplicated and exceptionally singular ring. 

Accompanied by GIA Report 2185154549 of February 17, 2017 and Mel Fisher's Motivation, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity (Emerald Number 94A-29313). 

Lot 0009. Epiphany. A contemporary style platinum cross designed and set by Marcial de Gomar featuring seven fine quality rare fancy kite cut Colombian emeralds with an approximate weight of 5.25 carats, accented by round brilliant and tapered baguette cut diamonds with an approximate combined weight of 1.00 carat. Estimate $30,000-$50,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

The shape of these cut emeralds reflects a geological aspect of the natural irregular shapes of the majority of rough emeralds recovered from the Buena Vista mine. Their faceting lends itself to this particular shaping, which allows the natural beauty and color to stand out while also retaining maximum size. All seven have the exceptional brilliance typical of emerald bearing areas in the Chivor Region. Here however, it is important to note that achieving the type of parity of color and fire present in this cross, in a single emerald recovery, is a rare, heavens-opening occurrence that gives this piece its name "Epiphany." 

It is at that precise moment of discovery that the imagination unfolds the ultimate design in which to place the stones, the emeralds voicing to Marcial de Gomar the manner in which they should be set. The symbol of the cross into which these stones have been set celebrates the unity within mankind's many faiths through the words "Universality is of God and all limitations earthly." It can, thus, be worn in all its splendor by a person of any belief system.  

Accompanied by GIA Report 2181154030 of February 16, 2017 

Lot 0028. Gold Coin Pendant. A fine-grade 22 karat gold eight escudo coin in an 18 karat gold pendant with 22 karat gold baht chain, featuring 1 carat Colombian emerald. Estimate $25,000-$35,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

This 18 karat gold pendant and 22 karat gold baht chain are a handmade Marcial de Gomar design with a fine quality emerald cut Colombian emerald weighing approximately 1 carat set in the bail. The pendant's coin is framed on a precise angle so that it swivels to show both sides in a vertical position, showcasing the cross and the pillars in upright positions (these markings vary from coin to coin). 

This coin was given to Marcial de Gomar personally by Mel Fisher; it is a fine-grade 22 karat gold 1711 eight escudo coin, minted in Lima during the reign of Philip V. Weight: 26.8g. Assayer: M. 

Accompanied by original Treasure Salvors, Inc. Certificate (Coin Number GS 965) 

Lot 0008. Emerald Dragon. Elaborate 18 karat green gold belt buckle with Imperial Dragon design, featuring a 2.69 carat Colombian oval cabochon emerald and diamond accent. Buckle measures 2 ½ x 1 ¾in. Estimate $20,000-$25,000. © 2017 Guernseys.com

In his days of military service in the U.S. Coast Guard while stationed in Hawaii, a young Marcial de Gomar designed and incorporated dragon motifs into the concealable cuffs of his military tunic sleeves. This truly one-of-a-kind Marcial de Gomar Emerald Dragon captures the mystical symbolism he so appreciates in dragon imagery. A solid 63.7 grams of 18 karat green gold, this belt buckle design features a fabulous 2.69 carat fine quality Colombian oval cabochon emerald, with a diamond accent in the dragon's eye. Worthy of note is that, far from just any dragon, this buckle is decorated with an Imperial Dragon distinguishable by its five toes instead of four, as lesser dragons are known to display.  

The buckle is very stable and strong, with no moving parts, and works very securely. In place of the conventional pearl in the Dragon's grip, Marcial de Gomar placed a fine, dark green cabochon emerald from Muzo mine, making it perhaps the first time the Imperial Dragon has ever been depicted with an emerald rather than a pearl. 

Accompanied by GIA Report 6187154244 of February 17, 2017.