Grading

An Important Group of Emerald Specimens Is Coming to NYC

GradingAug 15, 2019

An Important Group of Emerald Specimens Is Coming to NYC

“Magnificent Emeralds: Fura’s Tears” will run at the Wilensky gallery in Manhattan this fall, showcasing 25 exceptional emerald examples.

20190815_Emeralds-header.jpg
This specimen, showing emerald on calcite, is from the Coscuez Mine in Boyaca, Columbia, one of several found over a short period of time in the 1990s. The mineral is currently in the collection of Stephen Smale.

New York—The Wilensky gallery is bringing another set of exceptional minerals to New York City, this time a group of fine emerald specimens.

This fall, the Chelsea gallery will host “Magnificent Emeralds: Fura’s Tears,” comprising what it calls the world’s largest gathering of important emerald specimens.

There will be 25 emeralds on display, most on loan from private collectors and a select few available for sale.

Running from Sept. 28 through Dec. 30, “Fura’s Tears” references emerald’s ancient origin myth.  

According to the Muzo people of Colombia, Fura and Tena were the first woman and man created. They were granted all the necessary knowledge to survive as well as eternal youth, but only if they were faithful to each other.


Emeralds most often form as individual crystals rather than groups or sprays, as is seen in this specimen. Unearthed in 1992 in the Coscuez Mine in Muzo, this specimen features 20 emerald crystals fanning out across a whitish calcite matrix. It’s currently in the collection of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals.The story goes that Fura broke the rule one day with a man named Zarbi, putting an end to their eternal youth. Angered, her husband stabbed himself with a dagger and laid on Fura’s knees until he bled to death.

Fura cried for centuries for Tena, according to the legend, and her tears were said to have transformed into the emerald mountains in Colombia, which today go by the names Fura and Tena and form the crucial part of the emerald mining area in the country.

Highlights of “Fura’s Tears” will include an emerald on calcite from the Muzo mine that formerly was in the collection of James Horner, the American composer responsible for musical scores in movies like “Titanic” and “Avatar,” who was an avid collector.

The matrix emerald has a deep, rich color and a large double terminated crystal—meaning it has two naturally faceted ends—that sits on top of a complete white to clear calcite crystal.

There also is an emerald on calcite from Oregon’s Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals unearthed in Muzo. It displays a rare group, or spray, of emeralds—more than 20 emerald crystals fan out from the matrix.


This emerald matrix, formerly in the collection of composer James Horner, is “the matrix emerald that all others are measured against,” according to the Wilensky gallery in

New York. Horner reportedly paid $1.2 million for it in 2000.

“This exhibition is focused on natural emeralds, as found and preserved in specimen and crystal form. By bringing together many of the world’s finest known examples of natural emerald specimens, we can better understand all emerald specimens,” said Wilensky President Stuart Wilensky.

“Magnificent Emeralds: Fura’s Tears” will run from Sept. 26 to Dec. 30, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wilensky, 173 10th Avenue, New York, NY, 10011.

The opening event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Kwait White and Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear Focus

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

Mark Henry Leandra Medine Cohen
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in Canada

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Overnight volume 7 bridal catalog
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal Catalog

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard Says

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Austin Shines Jewelry Award
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

Kwit Square Signet Pinky Ring in Red and Azure
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky Ring

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

Jewelers of America Fly In
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-In

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy