Expert: Gem cache of little value

Florida Keys News

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Expert: Gem cache of little value

Specialist says two emeralds were embedded in rock with glue

BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
alinhardt@keysnews.com

A gem consultant for the family of late treasure hunter Mel Fisher says hundreds of uncut emeralds reportedly found in Florida Keys waters by another salvor, who estimated their value in the hundreds of millions, are "not worth sweeping off the floor," according to a report from Emeralds International owner Manuel Marcial De Gomar.

The report is the result of a...

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Just another poser...

Submitted on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 3:51pm by XMAN

Miscovich was just trying to dupe the public. Motivation, Inc just called him out on his bluff. Chaff emeralds at best. No one just swims around the ocean and happens to find emeralds just lying on the bottom...if only it were that easy! It's funny how people believe the liars & discount the truth in this town. Sorry Tina, Manuel still has his business on Duval and is one of the foremost authorities on emeralds in the world. But you knew this since you "live" here.

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Is it just me?

Submitted on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 11:05am by itsabouttime

The article is unclear in this sentence: "In response to Motivation's motion in federal court to dismiss its claim and recover legal fees, Silverstein suggests an ulterior motive to Marcial's evaluation." Motivation (Fisher) is the one who brought up the dispute. Why should they be entitled to recoup legal fees? I would think Miscovich would have the right to go after their legal costs...regardless of the gem value.

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This 'expert' is the guy who closed up shop in KW about 12

Submitted on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 9:51am by Tina

This 'expert' is the guy who closed up shop in KW about 12 years ago, right? It was my understanding that Manuel Marcial was sued by a tourist, and tho found innocent, he closed up shop pretty quickly after the law suit. Suspicious. Also, it was my understanding at that time that he closed up in KW and kept other international locations because US Laws would make him responsible for the product he sold. Is that right? Key West had once been listed as a location for CEI - Columbian Emeralds International and now it is not. CEI is the subject of may complaints online about shoddy product and refusal to stand up to their obligations. I'd just like to see what, if any, connection the emerald expert is to CEI.

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Live under a rock?

Submitted on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 10:04am by Island Hopper

I agree, you should check your facts. Closed up shop 12 years ago? Go to Emeralds Int. right now and he is in his office.

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You have a bad memory or you don't really live here!

Submitted on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 6:03pm by KeyWestDan

You don't have your facts correct at all.

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I do know that CEI closed up shop here in June 2001 and it

Submitted on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 9:26am by Tina

I do know that CEI closed up shop here in June 2001 and it was reported in the Citizen. There are numerous complaints online by people who have purchased what turns out to be shoddy merchandise. I had asked if this was the same guy. Those were what we call QUESTIONS. And as for living here, I hate to inform you but it is possible to live here for 20 years and not frequent the 100 - 400 blocks of Duval. I can't stand the noise and awful people down there.

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Emeralds International

Submitted on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 2:23pm by Manuel Marcial de Gomar

Hi Tina...I have no connection with Colombian Emeralds Intl; I have never closed my shop, although we did move once from our 700 block Duval to our present location at 104 Duval. I welcome your questions. Asking them is the beginning of wisdom. Come in and say hello even if it means hazarding the perils of Lower Duval.I promise you not all of us are "awful". Re my court case, I'll be happy to share why that happened and who all were behind it, and how justice prevailed. We love people who ask questons. Be advised however, its dangerous to walk in here. You might get a case of 'Green Fever"..its highly communicable and incurable.

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Thank you for your KIND response, which is more than one

Submitted on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 4:28pm by Tina

often gets here when one asks questions. You have to admit it could be confusing to many to see that your case was in late 2000 and then in 2001 CEI closed. I appreciate hearing from you directly here in the comment section. I'm afraid I'm not big on Emeralds. They're just too fragile for me. I had a lot of Emerald jewelery back in the 80's and got rid of most of it because something was always cracking or crumbling. I rarely hit your part of Duval because my BP goes sky high with the noise, traffic and people on the street. But thank you for responding directly.