5-Carat Emerald Ring From 400-Year-Old Shipwreck Surfaces for Auction
Sotheby’s estimates the piece, pulled from the sunken Nuestra Señora de Atocha, could sell for $50,000-$70,000.
Sotheby’s has unveiled a 5.27-carat octagonal step-cut emerald ring that will appear in its New York jewelry auction next month, salvaged from the wreck of the Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
The Casa de Contratación, a Spanish government agency that tried to regulate the country’s exploration and colonization efforts, commissioned the Atocha. It was constructed in Cuba and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Spain in late 1620.
In March 1622, the Atocha joined the Tierra Firma fleet and departed Spain for the West Indies. In Cartagena, Colombia, and Portobelo, Panama, the belongings of the noble families and other passengers were loaded onto the galleon for the return journey to Spain.
When it set out in again in September 1622, it was the middle of hurricane season, and the Atocha only made it as far as the Florida Keys before hitting a squall and sinking along the reefs.
But the ship was far from forgotten—treasure hunters spent more than 300 years looking for it.
Mel Fisher, a diver interested in shipwrecks, started exploring the waters of the Florida coast in the 1960s in search of Spanish ships lost in the area, including the Atocha.
The lost ship was discovered in 1985, when Fisher’s team uncovered its main hull and, in it, a plethora of hidden treasure: about 180,000 coins and 24 tons of ingots made from Bolivian silver, as well as 125 bars of gold bullion from the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Andes, among many other items.
The ship’s detailed log also recorded 70 pounds of rough emeralds from Colombia, sourced at Chivor and Muzo.
As a patron of the Atocha recovery, the late agri-business pioneer Frank Perdue, founder of the eponymous poultry farming company, was given some of the treasures pulled from the shipwreck, including silver, gold coins, and gems.
Though he later donated most of the coins and other artifacts to Delaware Tech and the Smithsonian Institution, there was one jewel he kept—an emerald he had cut and mounted in a ring to propose to his wife, author and philanthropist Mitzi Perdue, in 1988.
The emerald heads to Sotheby’s straight from her personal collection. It’s expected to sell for between $50,000 and $70,000.
The ring will be offered at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale on Dec. 7 in New York—its auction debut—with proceeds from the sale supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
It joins many other notable jewels in the auction, including the 303.10-carat “Golden Canary” diamond, the largest flawless or internally flawless diamond ever graded by GIA.
Both will be on display at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning Nov. 30 as part of its “Luxury Week” sales series.
“I’m overjoyed to offer this extraordinary piece from my private collection. While I have cherished my beautiful engagement ring for over 30 years, I would like to use it now to benefit the great people of Ukraine,” Mitzi said.
“I am honored to partner with Sotheby’s in offering this jewel for auction this year, on the 400th anniversary of the Atocha Shipwreck, and I know my late husband, Frank Perdue, would share my desire to help those in dire need.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Dec. 8, 2022 to reflect a carat weight change from 6.25 carats to 5.27 carats, per an updated report from AGL, which also confirmed the emerald is of Colombian origin with minor, traditional treatment.
The Latest
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.