Record Breaking Emerald

I’m sure you all know by now, that here at Union Diamond we love diamonds and gemstones. They are all beautiful in their own ways, but the big ones are the most beautiful of all. Well, perhaps I spoke a bit prematurely on that count. You see, on Saturday, a record breaking emerald will be sold in Canada. This emerald is hailed as the largest, faceted emerald in the world. Called Teodora, or gift from God, the gem was mined in Brazil and cut in India. It weighs in at a mind-numbing 57,500 carats, or around 25 pounds, and is appraised at $1.15 million dollars. 

Photo : Western Star Auctions

Regan Reaney of Gems Canada is particularly enamored of the stone. “I’m still amazed every time I look at, pick it up, touch it. It is amazing” and “super rare” with a stunning aura. “It’s almost in the form of priceless because of the size of it. There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe this.”

Ok, so let’s come back to reality here for a moment as we gaze upon the wonderment that is essentially a dark green boulder. The stone is unfortunately, on its best day, just shy of opaque. However, to give credit where it’s due, it is a mammoth, around the size of a watermelon, which is in-and-of-itself, quite a marvel. And let’s also take a moment to ponder the fact that this stone is faceted. I have the strongest mental picture of a wizened Indian man lugging this huge green rock over to his cutting wheel and then scratching his head in bewilderment, wondering where to begin. I mean, it seems like a feat on par with clipping the toenails on an angry grizzly bear, which would be nearly impossible. So, I am impressed that the cutter was able to create any recognizable facet pattern out of the rough. And when you’re imagining yourself at the cutters wheel, remember, the rough most likely started out as a much larger, lumpier, and much heavier stone. 

Photo : Western Star Auctions

However, as impressed as I am with the sheer fortitude and probable insanity of the cutter; I just can’t get over the fact that all of the effort that went into polishing this stone is akin to putting lipstick on a frog. I can’t help but wonder how much more awe inspiring it would have been to see this specimen in its natural crystal form. Because at the end of the day, a stone this size is impressive, and exceedingly rare, worthy of a museum. But by faceting it, they have tried to make it something more than it is, and have created instead, little more than a novelty item. However, at the end of the day, if there is room in this world for diamond encrusted skulls, then perhaps there is room for a watermelon sized Emerald.

So in the name of fun and games, let’s think of a few uses for Teodora when she is purchased by her lucky new owners on Saturday.

1. Door Stop - At 25 lbs, this would keep open even the heaviest of doors in your opulent mansion with style.
2. 25 lb Dumbell - Have you heard of the recent craze using large cowbells as free weights? Well, enter the Teodora workout. It will become the envy of the rich and famous at 1.15 million dollars per set. (Celebrity trainer not included)
3. Stone Floor Medallion - Honestly! I think this would be stunning at the centerpiece to a stone flooring design.
4. Kick-Butt Necklace, Flavor Flave Style - Now Reaney claims that “obviously you can’t make a piece of jewelry out of something this big”, but in on he hasn’t met Flav, or for that matter Lady Gaga. I would LOVE to see what they could come up with

So tell us, if you had the cash, would you buy Teodora? If so, what would you do with it? Bonus points will be awarded for any photos of your ideas!