THE LEGENDARY ORIGINS The Hooker Emerald, originally mined in Colombia, embarked on its remarkable journey in the 16th or 17th century, finding its way into the hands of European royalty and ultimately the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Abdul Hamid II, renowned for his opulent lifestyle, famously adorned the 75.47-carat gem as part of his belt buckle, symbolizing power and wealth during his reign from 1876 to 1909.

A TURBULENT HISTORY In the tumultuous year of 1908, amidst fears of a revolution, the emerald was covertly sent to Paris, hoping to secure a future for the Sultan in exile. Despite his efforts, the proceeds from the sale never reached him, instead, they were absorbed by the new regime following the Young Turk Revolution.

TIFFANY & CO.'S MASTERPIECE Acquired by Tiffany & Co. at an auction in 1911, the emerald was initially showcased in a tiara at the 1940 World's Fair but remained unsold for decades. In 1950, Tiffany reimagined the gem into a magnificent brooch, now set against 109 brilliant and 20 baguette cut diamonds in an open-ended platinum design, exuding timeless elegance.

JANET ANNENBERG HOOKER: A LEGACY OF GENEROSITY In 1955, the brooch found its patron in Janet Annenberg Hooker, a philanthropist and publishing heiress, who later donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1977. Valued at $500,000 at the time of the donation, this gesture marked the beginning of her extensive contributions to the museum, culminating in a $5 million donation to establish the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.

A JEWEL OF THE SMITHSONIAN Today, the Hooker Emerald Brooch resides in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where it continues to captivate visitors with its vivid green hue and storied past. Its estimated current value stands at an impressive $5 million, a testament to its historical significance and breathtaking beauty.

The Hooker Emerald not only represents a remarkable piece of gem history but also embodies the legacy of its benefactors and the artistry of its settings throughout the centuries.

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