12 Carat Zambian Emerald

Find the exact 12 carat zambian emerald you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and white gold — can elevate any look. Finding an appealing 12 carat zambian emerald — no matter the origin — is easy, but Royaal Stones Ltd each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A cabochon version of this piece has appeal, but there are also rose cut and cushion cut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 12 carat zambian emerald, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

Prices for a 12 carat zambian emerald can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,350 and can go as high as $685,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,600.

No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”

There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!

There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.