Los Angeles judge hears claims over who owns enormous emerald discovered in Brazil

LA judge weighs ownership of gigantic emerald

LOS ANGELES — One of several people claiming ownership of an 840-pound emerald has told a judge he paid for the behemoth gem shortly after it was unearthed in Brazil.

Anthony Thomas took the stand in a Los Angeles courtroom Friday and was questioned by lawyers for other people claiming they are the rightful owners.

Thomas says that in 2001 he paid just $60,000 for the so-called Bahia Emerald, the world’s second-largest emerald. Its value has since been appraised at $372 million.

Thomas has previously said that after he arranged to have the gem shipped home, he was tricked into believing the emerald was stolen so it could be sold to someone else.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A small army of lawyers has converged in a Los Angeles courtroom to argue about ownership of the world’s second-largest emerald.

A Superior Court judge was reviewing documents Friday submitted by attorneys before hearing testimony from the first of several people who claim to own the 840-pound Bahia Emerald.

Dug up in Brazil in 2001, the boulder-sized emerald is one of the largest gems ever discovered.

Over the years it has been held in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and at a warehouse in New Orleans that was flooded during Hurricane Katrina.

Tony Thomas has said he purchased the emerald for $60,000 shortly after it was excavated. Its worth has since been appraised at almost $400 million.