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A precious emerald that was originally found in Brazil over 20 years ago may soon be returned to its home country, thanks to a decision made in the United States.
Written by Alexandra E. Petri
Stories have circulated for many years regarding a famous 836-pound emerald that is thought to be valued at $1 billion. These stories include claims that the emerald has endured a panther attack, survived the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and some even believe that the gem could be cursed.
The ownership of the emerald has been a topic of debate for a long time, but it may finally be resolved as a federal court ruling last week initiated the process of returning the gem to Brazil.
For over 20 years, there has been a long-standing international conflict over who owns the emerald that was discovered in Brazil. This dispute has involved legal battles in both California and Brazil, with some U.S. gem collectors also asserting their ownership of the emerald.
Officials in Brazil claim that the Bahia Emerald, a large emerald known as a national treasure, was unlawfully taken from Brazil and brought to the United States. The gem, which is one of the biggest emeralds found, has been held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department since 2015 while legal cases are ongoing.
Judge Reggie B. Walton from the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. decided on Thursday that the stone should be sent back to Brazil.
John Nadolenco, a lawyer who represented Brazil in the federal case, expressed excitement about the court’s ruling that allows the Bahia Emerald to be returned to Brazil. He stated that he is eager to see the gem displayed in a museum.
Mayer Brown, a law firm representing Mr. Nadolenco, stated that the stone was found in a Brazilian mine in 2001 and was illegally taken out before being brought into the United States in 2005.
The Ministry of Justice in Brazil only became aware of the theft and location of the gem in 2011, after being informed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Subsequently, a criminal investigation was initiated as documented in court records.
The legal conflicts had just started. While criminal cases were happening in Brazil, the U.S. Department of Justice obtained a court order in 2015 to protect the gem. At that time, the gem was in California and was taken by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
During the year 2015, there was a legal dispute in California over the Bahia Emerald involving multiple American individuals and organizations who all believed they were the rightful owners of the gem.
The legal case in Brazil concluded with two individuals being found guilty of crimes, a decision that was confirmed after a long period of appeals. This ultimately resulted in the emerald being confiscated as part of a forfeiture order.
The U.S. Department of Justice requested the Federal District Court in April 2022 to enforce the return of a gem to Brazil.
Brazil is reportedly making preparations to showcase the Bahia Emerald in a museum, as reported by Law.com.
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