Lot 733. Natural untreated Colombian Muzo emerald and diamond necklace and pair of matching earrings, total weight of emeralds weighing 19.80 carats. Estimate: HKD: 2, 300, 000 - 3, 000, 000 (USD: 294, 900 - 384, 600). Auction Result: HKD 2,690,400. © Guardian Hong Kong.

Set to the front with seven step-cut emeralds, embellished with variously-shaped diamonds； and pair of matching earrings, the emeralds totalling 19.80 and the diamonds totalling approximately 43.45 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Length approximately 390mm. 

GRS numbered GRS2017-042568, 21 April, 2017, stating the emeralds are 2.337, 1.232, 2.313 and 1.380 carats, Green to Vivid Green colour, Colombian origin, with no clarity enhancement； along with an appendix stating ‘these vividly saturated emeralds of （2.33 and 2.31 carats） are reminiscent in hue of the varieties displaying the legendary colours found in the world renowned Muzo mines. They are formally described as “Muzo Green” and commonly known in the trade as “Old Mine” emeralds’； 

GRS numbered GRS2017-042569, 21 April, 2017, stating the emeralds are 1.437, 1.767, 2.057, 2.085, 1.881, 1.720, 1.600 carats, Green to Vivid Green colour, Colombian origin, with no clarity enhancement. 

Note: “An emerald hung from the neck or worn in a ring will prevent the falling sickness.” stated by Aristotle. Emeralds are ancient jewels that symbolizes kindness, peace and happiness. The gem is a fascination in many cultures for over six thousand years. The Babylonians dedicated the emerald to the goddess, the ancient Egyptians and the ancient Greeks believed that wearing an Emerald would improve one’s memory and intelligence. The green gems were favored by the nobles from Ming and Qing Dynasties in China and is recognized as the king of emeralds. For many years, Colombia has been the largest emerald producers. Top-quality emeralds were found in the region of the Muzo mining district in Colombia, which was founded by Luiz Lancheron in 16th century. Emeralds from Muzo exhibited a saturated, luscious and a mysterious allure of green colour.

The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Most emeralds are referred to as the “Jardin” by gemologists, unlike other gems. With complex internal crystal structures, feathers and fissures are a very common inclusion in emeralds. In order to enhance its clarity, coloured oil or non-coloured oils are used on the emerald. Only the finest of emeralds can be named as “no oil” emeralds, which is not common even in the auction market, thus always attract discerning collectors from all over the world.