Large Emeralds with few if any inclusions are VERY Rare.
Emerlads of this caliber can often be traced back to the time they were mined from the Earth.
The Muzo Mines of Columbia have a history of producing some of the BEST Emeralds known to man.
In 1815 Columbia gained it's Independence and Emerald mining fell to the State. State run Emerald Mining fell into disarray and confusion, yet a large rough crystal was discovered and sold to the head of the Ruling Family of the Ottoman Empire-Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
The Sultan had the Stone cut and polished to be worn as the center piece of his Belt Buckle.
He spent his 33 years as a Dictator with an Iron Fist-Building Railroads, Reforming the Education System and Expanding the Telegraph System. However, the younger generations were not happy with his Rule. Noting the writing on the wall, the Sultan had his Emerald belt buckle, the Hope Diamond and other Jewels smuggled out of the Country and sold to finance his life after the impending over-throw. Sadly, for him , Sultan Abdul's younger brother caught wind of this plot and not only deposed him, but seized that cash.
Their story continues on, but here we follow the Emerald to Salomon Habib in 1908. It is kept quiet and hidden until 1950 where it makes it's Commercial Debut in a Christmas Catalogue by Tiffany. Restyled as a Brooch.
In 1955 it was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. Heir to Annenberg Publications-which owned TV Guide as well as Seventeen Magazine. She gave the Emerald it's name...
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| 75 ct Hooker Emerald |
In 1977, the Hooker Emerald was donated to the Smithsonian. This was Her First Large Jewelry Donation of many, resulting in the building of the "Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals" in Sept 1997.
Mrs. Hooker passed away just 3 months later.
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