The historic Rockefeller Emerald could be yours in a month

The Rockefeller Emerald was originally part of a brooch, and is now placed in a ring set by jeweller Raymond C Yard. Courtesy Christie’s

The 18.04-carat emerald, which will be offered for sale at Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction, will make for a fascinating addition to any jewellery collection, not only for its size and quality, but also because of the heart-warming stories it has been part of.

The emerald was acquired by American financier and philanthropist John D Rockefeller Jr in 1930. It was part of a Van Cleef & Arpels brooch that he gifted his beloved wife, the prominent art collector and socialite Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. After her death, the stones from the brooch were divided among their five children, and this emerald – the centrepiece of the jewel – was bequeathed to their youngest son, David, the Rockefeller patriach died earlier this year at the age of 101.

David sought the services of famed jeweller Raymond C Yard to design a setting that would highlight the beauty of the heirloom. Yard, who has worked with high-ranking members of New York society, including the Vanderbilts, DuPonts and Woolworths, set the Colombian emerald in a platinum ring, flanked by diamonds.

Such is the timeless appeal of Yard’s design nearly 70 years ago, that the stone still sits in the same setting. Its current owner, who acquired the step-cut octagonal emerald a decade ago, has retained both its storied moniker and striking setting.

The Rockefeller Emerald will be part of Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction on June 20, and is estimated to fetch between US$4 million and $6 million (up to Dh22 million). Bids can be made in person, on the phone or online.