The Aga Khan Emerald, set in a Cartier brooch adorned with 20 marquise-cut diamonds, holds a storied past. Commissioned in 1960 for British socialite Nina Dyer, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan’s then-wife, the piece combines platinum and 18k yellow gold. After their separation, Dyer auctioned the brooch in 1969 to raise funds for animal welfare, a decision that marked the emerald’s entry into the auction world during Christie’s inaugural sale in Switzerland.

The emerald later passed through the hands of renowned jewellers, including Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston, cementing its legacy among collectors.

A New Benchmark for Emeralds

Max Fawcett, Christie's Head of Jewellery for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the rarity of such a gemstone: “Emeralds are hot right now, and this one ticks all the boxes. We might see an emerald of this quality come up for sale once every five or six years.”

The sale eclipsed the previous record-holder, a Bulgari emerald-diamond brooch sold in 2011 for $6.5 million during the auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewellery collection.

Emeralds in the Spotlight

Emeralds have seen a surge in interest and value, with their vibrant green hue and historical significance captivating collectors worldwide. The Aga Khan Emerald’s journey from royal hands to record-breaking status underscores the enduring allure of these precious stones.

The record-setting sale adds another layer of prestige to Christie’s Geneva auctions, reaffirming the city’s reputation as a global hub for luxury jewellery.