Origin of name
The 18.88-carat pear-shaped "Carolina Queen Emerald" is said to be the
largest, finest and most significant emerald ever found in North America,
which can rival the finest of the fine emeralds of Muzo and Chivor mines of Colombia,
the international standard for quality in emeralds. The emerald discovered
by James K. Hill, president and CEO of North American Emerald Mines, in his
94-acre family estate in Hiddenite, North Carolina, in 1998, was named
"Carolina Queen" to reflect the state of origin of the emerald as well his
intention to start a series with royal names. Thus another 7.85-carat
cushion-cut emerald, cut from the same rough stone as the "Carolina Queen
Emerald" was named as the "Carolina Prince," and a
3.37-carat oval-cut was known as the Carolina Princess. A larger 858-carat rough
emerald crystal uncovered at the same time was christened the "Empress
Caroline."
The Carolina Queen Emerald (Above)
Photos from
North Carolina Emeralds.info
The Carolina Prince Emerald (Above)
The Rough Emerald that produced the Carolina Prince and the Carolina Queen
Emerald's
Characteristics of the gemstone
The 18.8-carat "Carolina Queen Emerald" was cut from an 71-carat rough
emerald crystal, that was one of a pocket of emerald crystals totaling 3,300
carats that was discovered by James K. Hill in Hiddenite in 1998. The color
of the stone as seen from the photographs is deep bluish-green,
characteristic of the emeralds produced in the historic Chivor mines of
Colombia or the Zambian emeralds, whose discovery changed the perception of
the accepted qualities of emeralds.
The clarity of the emerald is also exceptional with the minimum of
inclusions (jardin). Inclusions are commonly seen in most emeralds and
accepted as normal, until the discovery of the inclusion-free Zambian
emeralds. The diaphaneity of the stone which is a function of its clarity is
also exceptional, being exceptionally transparent with the interior of the
stone clearly visible.
Closely related to an emeralds clarity is its brittleness. When a stone is
heavily included with faults such as cracks and fissures, the clarity of the
stone will be poor and so also will be its tendency to break and chip easily
due to its increased brittleness. The emerald-cut which places less strain
on the crystal during the cutting and polishing process was specially
developed for the emeralds of Colombian origin, which are normally brittle.
But the Zambian emeralds which are relatively inclusion-free are less
brittle than the Colombian emeralds, and are cut in multifarious shapes as
any other gemstone, such as pear-shape, heart-shape, cushion-shape etc.
Likewise Colombian emeralds are normally treated with oils and epoxy resins
to hide the cracks and fissures, and this is normally accepted in the trade.
Such treatment is not normally necessary for Zambian emeralds as these are
generally free of such faults. Thus Zambian emeralds are bluish-green in
color, and are usually untreated, less brittle and cut in a variety of
shapes unlike other emeralds.
The "Carolina Queen Emerald" also has characteristics closely resembling the
Zambian Emeralds. It is bluish-green in color, with perfect clarity and
transparency, untreated, less brittle and cut as a perfect pear-shape, which
is unconventional for emeralds.
Schwarz and Schmetzer's definition of an
emerald
The modern definition of an emerald that has gained broad acceptance is that
put forward by Schwarz and Schmetzer in 2002. According to this definition,
"emeralds are yellowish-green, green or bluish-green, natural or
synthetic beryls, which reveal distinct chromium and/or vanadium absorption bands in the
red and blue-violet ranges of their absorption spectra."
Previously the term emerald was applied to only chromium-based green beryl,
the type of beryl that commonly originated in Colombia. But, in the early
1960s when emeralds were discovered in Brazil, the green crystals were shown
to be beryl colored by a trace of the element vanadium. Gemologists and the
gem trade refused to recognize the Brazilian beryl as emerald just because
they were not chromium-based. The miners and dealers of Brazil fought for
the acceptance of their green beryl as emeralds, and representations were
made to the GIA and the ICA. In the year 1963, the GIA began issuing lab
reports certifying vanadium-colored gemstones as natural emeralds. Now it is
agreed internationally as the above definition suggests, that either
chromium or vanadium or both, may give emeralds their rich green color.
When vanadium predominates in the crystal, as in the case of the Brazilian
and Zambian emeralds, the green color of the crystals have a bluish cast. On
the other hand if chromium is predominant the color of the crystal is dark
herbal green as in the case of the Muzo emeralds. Vanadium-based emeralds
have less inclusions than chromium-based emeralds. In terms of atomic sizes
the vanadium atom has a slightly lower atomic size than the chromium atom,
the two elements occupying adjacent positions on the periodic table having
atomic numbers 23 (V) and 24 (Cr). Whether the inclusions in the crystals is
related to the atomic sizes of vanadium and chromium, the larger chromium
atoms causing greater stress on the crystal structure forming fissures as in
the case of the corundum ruby, is
not exactly known.
The fact that the "Carolina Queen Emerald" is bluish-green in color, with
good clarity and less inclusions, seem to suggest that it is also a
vanadium-based emerald. However, only a study of the absorption
spectrum of the emerald can actually confirm the nature of the emerald.
History of the emerald
The source of the emerald
The source of the "Carolina Queen Emerald" is the 94-acre family
estate of James K. Hill situated in the small town of Hiddenite in
North Carolina, located in the rolling foothills of the Appalachians. The
area which was known as the "most complex geological zone in the world" by
renowned geologists Kunz and William Hidden, had yielded 63 different gems
and minerals. Among the different gemstones found in this area are emeralds,
aquamarines, rubies, sapphires, garnets, topaz, amethysts, citrine, rutile,
tourmaline, smoky and clear quartz. Hiddenite, a pale to emerald-green
variety of spodumene, was also discovered for the first time in this area,
by the geologist William Earl Hidden in whose honor the mineral has been
named. Subsequently, the town where the new mineral was discovered also came
to be known as Hiddenite. In fact it is said that in the late 19th century,
it was the master inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, who sent Kunz and William
Hidden to North Carolina to look for platinum for his new invention, the
incandescent bulb. The two geologists did not find platinum in the area, but
instead found a treasure trove of gems and minerals in the area, and the
rare mineral which later
came to be known as Hiddenite.
Discovery of the first emerald deposits in
North Carolina by William E. Hidden
Emeralds were first discovered in North Carolina in the Alexander and
Mitchell counties. The first emerald deposits at Stony Point in Alexander
county was discovered by William E. Hidden in 1880, and the emeralds were
found to be associated with the new mineral Hiddenite (green spodumene). In
1881, a corporation known as the Emerald and Hiddenite Mining Company was
formed to exploit the deposits of Stony Point. Work started in earnest at
this mine but in 1885 almost came to a standstill due to legal disputes
pertaining to the ownership of the property. During this short period of
mining activity nine emerald crystals were discovered in a single pocket,
excellent in color and partially transparent, but somewhat flawed. The
largest crystal discovered in 1882 was 8.5 ins. (21.59 cm) long and weighed nearly 9 ounces
(1,276 carats). The crystal became the largest emerald crystal ever
discovered in North America at that time. The crystal became part of the collection of Bement-Morgan
in New York, and came to be known as the "Hidden Emerald." Two other
crystals from this collection had a length of 5 ins (12.7 cm) and 3 ins
(7.62 cm). The two largest and several smaller crystals went into the Bement-Morgan
collection, which was acquired by the American Museum of Natural History of
New York. However, according to the website
www.northcarolinaemeralds.info the 1,276-carat "Hidden Emerald" was
unfortunately stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in 1950,
and is still reported to be missing.
Some of the crystals recovered from this mine were cut and polished
and yielded pleasing light-green gems, but were too light in color to rank
as emeralds, and could have been more appropriately referred to as green
beryl. Moreover the green color of the crystals seemed to be confined to a
border on the surface, 5-7 mm in thickness around the edges and near the
termination of the crystals. Over the years several emeralds were discovered
in the Hiddenite area, but most of them were either too pale or opaque to
have any jewelry value.
Exploitation of the Alexander county emerald
deposits in the 20th century
The emerald deposits at Stony Point in Alexander County was exploited
throughout the 20th century by different companies such as the American Gem
Mining Syndicate, Hiddenite Mining Company, etc. the mine itself undergoing
different name changes, such as the Warren Mine, the Emerald and Hiddenite
Mine, the Turner Mine, the Hiddenite Mine and finally the Adams Mine. In
1954, the Adams mine and farm were open to prospectors. Significant
quantities of emeralds of different sizes were discovered during this
period. In the early 1970s, some of the most significant emeralds
were discovered from the Adams mine. These incude the 1,493-carat Reitzler/William/Hartwell
twin emeralds, discovered in 1971, the 1,377-carat Bolick/Arnold cluster
emeralds discovered in 1971, the 1,215-carat Baltzley Twin emeralds
discovered in 1970, 934.9-carat Bolick Twin emeralds discovered in 1971 etc.
In spite of these significant discoveries, the emeralds produced in
Hiddenite were still considered to be too pale, when compared to the deep
vivid green Colombian emeralds.
Discovery of the first gem-quality emerald by
Wayne Anthony in 1969
The first quality emerald that could compare well with the finest Colombian
emeralds was discovered in 1969, by Wayne Anthony. The rough crystal weighed
59 carats, and was cut into a 13.14-carat emerald-cut gemstone, known as the
"Carolina Emerald," considered to be one of the finest cut emeralds ever to
be produced in North America. The stone was later purchased by Tiffany's of
New York, and came to be known as the "Tiffany Emerald. Tiffany's set the
value of the stone at $100,000 in 1970.
Discovery of gem-quality emeralds by James K.
Hill in 1998
The greatest breakthrough in the discovery of quality emeralds in North
America came in 1998, when James K. Hill, president and CEO of the North
American Emerald Mines, announced his discovery of an emerald vein, that
yielded large gem-quality emeralds, in the 94-acre parcel of land
owned by the Hill family at Hiddenite. The mine he dug was an open pit-mine
gradually descending to a depth of about 12 feet. Hill, who worked without
any sophisticated equipment, followed the emerald vein that led to a pocket
of emeralds, from which he was able to mine about 3,300 carats of
gem-quality emeralds. The 71-carat rough emerald crystal that yielded the
"Carolina Queen Emerald" and the 7.85-carat "Carolina Prince Emerald" was
part of this pocket of emeralds.
Purchase of the 88-carat rough emerald by a
syndicate of 12 investors headed by Rick Gregory
Rick Gregory, the president of R. Gregory Jewelers organized a syndicate of
12 investors including himself, to purchase the 88-carat gem-quality rough emerald,
one of the 3,300 carat pocket of emeralds discovered at
the Hill's mine in 1998. The syndicate purchased the rough, and then hired a
renowned master gemstone cutter, Allan Koo, a native of Vietnam, based in
New York City, with an experience of over 26 years in cutting gemstones. He
is the sole proprietor of A. Koo & Company, gem cutters to some of New
York's finest Fifth Avenue jewelers. Before the stone was actually cut, the
rough stone was sent to C. R. Beasley of the American Gemological
Laboratories (AGL), an accredited gemologist and appraiser of international
standing, in order to verify the credentials of the stone particularly in
regard to its origin - North Carolina. Mr. Beasley confirmed that the rough
stone indeed originated in North Carolina, which only an experienced
gemologist of his caliber could detrmine.
The Carolina Emerald is the largest and
finest processed emerald ever produced in North America
Mr. Allan Koo cut the 71-carat rough stone into two exceptional quality
emeralds, the 18.88-carat, pear-shaped "Carolina Queen Emerald" and the
7.85-carat, cushion-cut "Carolina Prince Emerald." initiating what is known
as the Royal Family collection. The "Carolina Queen Emerald" surpassed the
"Tiffany Emerald" both in weight as well as quality. After cutting and
polishing the AGL certified the "Carolina Queen Emerald" as the largest and
finest emerald of North American origin to ever pass through its laboratory.
Mr. C. R. Beasley the internationally renowned gem appraiser has
placed a value of over $1,000,000 for the "Carolina Queen Emerald." which
works out to approximately $53,000 per carat. This is not surprising given
the purity and rarity of the gemstone with exceptional characteristics
worthy of its royal name. Such extremely rare emeralds have indeed fetched
per-carat prices much higher than diamonds of corresponding weight and
quality. In fact some of the Hiddenite emeralds had fetched more than twice
the per-carat price for comparable stones at auctions.
James K. Hill
James K. Hill, the president and CEO of North American Emerald Mines, is an
indigene of North Carolina, who had devoted much of his life for the search
of natural and man-made hidden treasures. Is is said that James K. Hill has
been gifted with a sixth sense that enables to pinpoint and locate a hidden
treasure. Putting to test his treasure hunting abilities in 1990, he
uncovered a massive 298-pound mineral crystal, known as the "Carolina
Crystal" from a pasture in Hiddenite, using only a screw driver. He made a
detailed study of the mineral history of the Hiddenite area with a view of
locating potential emerald-producing areas. In 1992, he formed the North
American Emerald Mines Company and began small scale mining operations on
the 94-acre land belonging to his family. In 1995, the use of his instincts
bore fruit when he struck a pocket of emeralds that yielded an exquisite
10.42-carat emerald that was known as the "Hill's Emerald" after him. But,
the real breakthrough came in 1998, on Thanksgiving Day, when he discovered
an emerald vein in his shallow open pit mine, that gradually descended to a
depth of only 12 feet. Again, his decision to sink the mine at the chosen
spot was also dictated by his instinct. Hill followed the vein that led to a
pocket full of surprises - 3,300 carats of superb gem-quality emeralds, that
included the gem-quality 71-carat rough emerald crystal and the 858-carat
broken emerald crystal that came to be known as the "Empress Caroline."
After the discovery in 1998, Hill continued the exploration and more
discoveries were made within two years of the first discovery. The US
government stepped in and suspended his mining activities for two years,
until his mining site met all ecological requirements, obtained all licenses
required by the law, and improved security for the site. During this lull
period Hill sought the service of experts to carryout subterranean radar
imaging of what lies beneath a gneiss dome on the site. Using this
technique, experts were able to identify more than 40 potential
emerald-bearing pockets beneath the dome. Hill resumed mining activities
after two years, and so far has discovered eight pockets, all of which
yielded emeralds. It is important to note that not all pockets yield
emeralds, and invariably most of the pockets are empty of emeralds. Hill is
happy about the outcome so far, and is optimistic that America has finally
struck gem-quality emeralds, free of conflicts, free of association with
drugs and terrorism, and free of treatment. According to Hill, several
investors have expressed willingness to finance future exploration to expand
mining activities, from the present one acre that is being worked, to cover
a substantial area of the 94 acres owned by his family.
Rick Gregory, proprietor of R. Gregory
Jewelers Inc.
R. Gregory Jewelers who was the exclusive retailer for the first Hiddenite
emeralds, is owned by Rick Gregory, a native of Statesville, North Carolina,
who has over 20 years experience in the gem and jewelry trade. R. Gregory
Jewelers rank among the finest of jewelers in North Carolina, and
specializes in the creation of unique and exquisite pieces of jewelry, based
on designs by some of the country's top designers and using quality
gemstones. The GIA has certified Rick Gregory as an expert in detecting
synthetic diamonds, and treated gemstones, and he is also proficient in
diamond and pearl grading. He is a member of the Belgian Diamond Cutters
High Council, based in Antwerp and had been a diamond master for 12 years
with the Independent Jewelers Organization. R. Gregory Jewelers was selected
to host the first sale of the famous Hiddenite emeralds found by James K.
Hill in 1998. The 71-carat dark green, gem-quality, Hiddenite emerald
crystal was later sold to a syndicate of investors known as the C. Q.
Marketing Syndicate, of which Rick Gregory was also a member. This emerald
was subsequently cut and processed to produce the "Carolina Queen Emerald"
and the "Carolina Prince Emerald" part of the so-called Royal Collection of
emeralds.
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1) Chalk Emerald Ring
2)
Patricia Emerald
3)
The Moghul Emerald
4)
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald
5)
The Gachala Emerald
6)
Hooker Emerald Brooch
7)
Maximilian Emerald Ring
8)
Spanish Inquisition Necklace
9)
Sacred Emerald Buddha
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The Carolina Queen Emerald
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References
1.Hiddenite Treasures - Professional Jewelers Magazine,
October 1999.
2.North Carolina Emeralds -
www.northcarolinaemeralds.info
3.North Carolina Emeralds
- NAEM Emerald Mine -www.northcarolinaemeralds.info
4.History of the
Carolina Queen - www.carolinaqueen.com
5.The Hiddenite Emeralds - www.rgregoryjewelers.com
6.North
Carolina Emeralds - Adams Emerald Mine - northcarolinaemeralds.com
7.Gems
in North Carolina - Chapter VI - Kunz
8.Emerald City
North Carolina - Professional Jewelers Magazine, April 2002.
