List of Where to See Famous Emeralds Around the World ~ May’s Precious Gemstone
Here’s a list of eight notable museums around the world where large and famous emeralds are displayed.
Each of these museums displays emeralds that are remarkable for their size, clarity, or historical significance, and they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and geological history of this precious gemstone - one of the gemstones of May.
What is a Carat?
A carat is a unit of weight used for gemstones, equal to 0.2 grams or approximately 0.00705 ounces. This measurement is crucial in determining the size and value of precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. For example, a 1-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams, while a 5-carat emerald would weigh 1 gram or about 0.035 ounces. Because carats only measure weight, two gemstones of the same carat weight can look different in size depending on their density. Larger carat stones are rarer and often more valuable, though quality factors like color, clarity, and cut also play major roles in pricing.
Europe and the UK
1. The British Museum (London, UK) - the “Mogul Emerald”
The Mogul Emerald is a historical emerald that dates back to the 17th century, originating from Colombia. It is inscribed with Arabic text and is considered one of the most significant and valuable emeralds in the world. It weighs 217.80 carats and is part of the museum's collection of treasures from India and the wider Islamic world.
2. The Natural History Museum (London, UK) - the “American Emerald”
This stunning emerald, weighing 1,385 carats, is one of the largest and most notable specimens of its kind. It is displayed in the museum's Minerals and Gems collection and offers insight into the processes of gemstone formation.
3. The National Museum of Natural History (Paris, France) - the “Peruvian Emerald”
The Peruvian Emerald is among the finest examples in the museum’s collection. While the exact weight and origins of the emerald may vary, it is a notable example of the high-quality emeralds found in South America, particularly in the Peruvian mines.
4. The Palace of the Parliament (Bucharest, Romania) - the “Romanian Emerald Necklace”
This impressive necklace, once part of Romania's royal collection, features several large emeralds. The collection can be viewed as part of the museum's royal exhibits. The necklace's emeralds are renowned for their rich green color and fine clarity.
North and South America
5. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington D.C., USA) - the “Hooker Emerald”
The Hooker Emerald is one of the most famous and largest emeralds in the world, weighing 75.47 carats. It is part of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection and was acquired by the institution in 1977. The emerald is set in a stunning necklace, featuring diamonds, and is displayed in the museum's Gem and Mineral Hall.
6. The Gemological Institute of America (Carlsbad, USA) - Various Emeralds
While not a traditional museum, the GIA is an important institution for gemological research and often features notable emeralds as part of educational exhibitions. The GIA’s collection includes some remarkable emeralds, both for their size and historical significance.
7. Museo del Oro (Bogotá, Colombia) - Various Emerald Collections
The Museo del Oro holds an extensive collection of gold artifacts and gemstones, including some of the finest emeralds in the world. These emeralds are mainly sourced from Colombia, the largest producer of emeralds. The museum provides insight into the historical significance of emeralds in pre-Columbian cultures.
www.visitbogota.co/es/atractivo/museos/museo-del-oro-all-262
Middle East
8. Dubai Museum (Dubai, UAE) - The “Dubai Emerald”
The Dubai Emerald is part of the collection displayed in the Dubai Museum, featuring rare and valuable gemstones from around the world. Though not as famous as others, it is a notable part of the emirate’s collection of luxury treasures.
May 2026 Calendar
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| May 17 | May 18 | May 19 | May 20 | May 21 | May 22 | May 23 |
| May 24 | May 25 | May 26 | May 27 | May 28 | May 29 | May 30 |
| May 31 |
If your loved one's birthday is in May, why not take them on a special trip to a natural history museum near you and discover more about their birthstone, the Emerald.
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