In the world of gems, the emerald is among the rarest and most precious of all. First discovered during the Late Classical Antiquity, the emerald has been coveted around the world because of its rich green color.
From West to East, the emerald trade created strong commercial and cultural bonds. In European representations, the emerald was a gem associated with the East. But for Chinese people, emerald was a gem from the West until the official discovery of emerald deposits in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and, finally China, from the 20th to the 21st century.
During this talk, we will explore the historical emerald deposits, trade routes, and its use in precious arts before exploring the specificity of emerald deposits in Asia.
Photo:
Mughal Engraved Emerald
Formerly in the collection of Prince de Polignac
36.29 carats
Probably 18th century
Faerber Collection