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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Aquamarine Stone
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Aquamarine Stone

Artifact IDMO 1947.115.1
Object Type Gemstone
Maker
Maker (Brazilian jeweler, founded 1941)
Maker (Brazilian jeweler, founded 1875)
Mediumgemstone (aquamarine), wood, fabric, metal (silver)
Dimensionsobject (stone) H 1 1/8 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 2 1/4 in (2.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 5.7 cm )
 box/case H 3 5/8 in x W 6 3/8 in x D 4 7/8 in (9.2 cm x 16.2 cm x 12.4 cm )
Physical Descriptiona) A large 1,298 carat emerald-cut and polished aquamarine stone. It was cut by Gustav Reitbauer, an employee of Amsterdam Limited of Brazil.

b) A custom, dark brown wood veneer box for the aquamarine. The box, hinged along the back edge, is done in an Art Deco-style. The interior is lined with white satin and velvet. Mounted to the interior front edge of the box is a small silver label with the name of the maker: CASA / OSCAR MACHADO.
Historical NoteIn November 1936, FDR embarked on a “Good Neighbor” cruise to South America. On November 27, he stopped at Rio de Janeiro and met with Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas. During this visit, President and Mrs. Vargas gave him this stunning gift for Eleanor Roosevelt—a 1,298 carat aquamarine stone from the Vargas’s private collection. At that time it was the largest cut stone of its kind. In 1947, the aquamarine caused a small controversy when journalist Drew Pearson accused Eleanor of trying to sell it after she attempted to discover its value. ER considered giving the stone to the Brazilian government, but decided to donate it to the Roosevelt Library.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1947.
Credit LineGift of Eleanor Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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