More Faceted Emeralds from NC!

The quality of North Carolina emeralds rivals that of the best emeralds in the world.  The color and clarity can be unsurpassed.  Unfortunately, photos generally fall far short of capturing the true beauty of the gems.  In fact, emeralds are one of the hardest crystals in the world to photography properly.  You have to see it to appreciate it---beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!  These photos clearly show the challenge of photography.

Carolina Prince 7.85 cts.

Cut from 71 ct crystal found by Jamie Hill at the NAEM mine in 1998.  Sold in diamond setting in 2007 for $500,000 ($610,000 in 2017 dollars). NAEM photo. 

Carolina Queen 18.8 cts.

Cut from same 71 ct crystal as Carolina Prince.  Valued at more than $2,000,000.  NAEM photo.

Heart of Carolina 3.40 cts.

Faceted by Manuel Marcial de Gomar of Emeralds International

from crystal found by Jamie Hill at the NAEM mine in 1998. Emeralds International, Inc. photo.

Larger gem is the June Culp Zeiter 15.47 cts.

Cut perpendicular to the C axis of the original crystal so the 6 edges of the cut gem mimic the prism faces of the original 142.25 ct. crystal.  Found in 1974 at the Rist mine (currently the NAEM mine).  Lapidary Journal photo.

Tiffney Emerald (aka Carolina Emerald) 13.14 cts.

Cut from original 59 ct. crystal found in 1969 by Wayne Anthony at the Rist mine (currently the NEAEM mine).  For many years considered the finest North America cut emerald; valued today at $590,000.  LKA International, Inc. photo.