Experts consider the Dom Pedro the most beautiful aquamarine ever found. It came from Brazil and was once owned by the country’s first 2 emperors Dom Pedro and his son.
Weighing 26 kg, it was cut in 1992 by Idar-Obestein gemstone artist Bernd Munsteiner, the “Father of Fantasy Cut,” making it the largest ever cut aquamarine.
The obelisk stands 14 inches tall, measures 4 inches across the base and weights 10,363 carats or 4.6 pounds. A pattern of tapering “negative cuts” faceted into the reverse faces of the sea-blue obelisk serves to reflect the light within the gem, giving the piece surprising brightness and sparkle. With proper lighting, the remarkable sculpture appears to be illuminated from within.
Donated by Jane Mitchell and Jeffrey Bland, the Smithsonian will permanently display the Dom Pedro Aquamarine effective from Dec 2012.
Dom Pedro will join other famous gemstones already on exhibit in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals such as the Hope Diamond and the Marie Antoinette earrings.
Image credit: Smithsonian
Jem Boxx 