Courtesy: Sotheby's
On November 8, 2023 at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels, a round 2.76 no clarity enhancement Colombian emerald sold for almost US$100,000 at Sotheby's. The exact amount was slightly over US $98,500 total or over $35,000 per carat. These prices used to be reserved for larger stones, but indicates the no treatment Colombian market continues to rise during these inflationary times.
The stone only had a SSEF Gemstone Report stating the stone was a natural emerald, from Colombia and no indications of clarity enhancement in the tissues at time of testing. Possibly because the auction was in Geneva, it might make sense to have this grading report. Of course, we would feel comfortable with a second opinion from the AGL. Who really knows what happens to these stones after testing? We have seen these supposedly not treated stones only to discover to be retreated after the fact. As Reagan said, "Trust but verify"
The best carat sizes treated Colombian emerald wholesale for $10,000 per carat. This is a 3.5 times premium, well within the 300%-500% price range for untreated Colombian emeralds. This is a nice stone and pretty clean for an emerald, We just wish it had better lab paper.
