57,500-carat stone could fetch upwards of $1 million (€761,846.7)

Jan 27, 2012 19:21 GMT  ·  By
Teodora, the 57,500-carat, 11.34kg (25 pound) cut emerald expected to fetch $1 million (€761,846.7)
   Teodora, the 57,500-carat, 11.34kg (25 pound) cut emerald expected to fetch $1 million (€761,846.7)

A stone branded the “world's largest cut emerald” is going up for auction in Canada while, at the same time, causing heated debate among experts on whether it's really worth upwards of $1 million (€761,846.7), its estimated value.

Teodora (meaning “gift from God”) was discovered in Brazil and was cut in India. It is now in the possession of gem wholesaler Regan Reaney, who insists it's the most exquisite gem he's ever laid his eyes on.

Speaking strictly weight and size, Teodora is definitely very impressive, as Jeweller Magazine also notes.

It has 57,500 carats, weighs 11.34 kilograms (25 pounds) and is one of the biggest stones of the kind ever found in nature.

However, experts cited by JM stress, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's the most valuable too or, come to think of it, that it will fetch the kind of money it's estimated to be worth.

“[It's a] novelty stone. The size doesn’t mean anything, don’t judge the stone based on size rather its quality, color and clarity. Because it’s got the word ‘world’s biggest’ it sparks peoples’ interest,” gem specialist Brendam McCreesh says.

The stone is cracked and this certainly brings its value down.

“The stone has veins of inclusion and many surface cracks. I guarantee you this will not sell for anywhere near $1 million,” McCreesh says.

He's not the only expert to contest the value of the stone because of its quality. The fact that it's a pure emerald has also been brought into question.

“[It's] slightly tainted. It has definitely been treated but we are not sure how much it has been treated. It’s impressive someone was even able to cut something like that,” gemmologist Jeff Nechka says for the same publication.

Gem and jewelry expert Antoinette Matlins also points to the many “fractures” in the stone, most of each reach the surface, as well as to areas that seem to have been dyed.

Teodora may be an impressive stone, but it's definitely not a gem, Matlins stresses.

Below is a video of the “controversial” emerald. Check it out.