07/25/2026
Today, with heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Manuel J. Marcial De Gomar, founder of Emeralds International and one of the world’s most respected authorities on emeralds, conch pearls and the historical emeralds of sunken Spanish galleons.
For decades, Marcial De Gomar devoted his life to the beauty, science, and storytelling of gemstones. His expertise, integrity, and passion shaped our company and inspired generations of collectors, jewelers, and gem enthusiasts around the world. His work with Colombian emeralds and Queen conch pearls, his pioneering research, and his unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing remain cornerstones of our identity.
To our staff, clients, and friends who knew him — whether through his writings, his lectures, or his warm conversations in our Key West store — we honor his extraordinary legacy and the kindness he shared with everyone he met.
Marcial De Gomar’s spirit will forever live on in Emeralds International and in every gemstone that carries a story and history he loved to tell.
May he rest in peace.
A MEMORIAL will be held in Key West, Florida at a later date to honor Manuel’s Contribution to the City of Key West and his Legacy in the International Gem Industry
Details TBA
https://www.mcalister-smith.com/obituaries/manuel-marcial
The celebration of life will be held at 11am (ET) on July 28th at
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414
Flowers may be sent to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.
Expressions of sympathy and sharing of your memories and photos of Manuel may be submitted online at https://www.mcalister-smith.com/obituaries/manuel-marcial and will included as part of his Legacy Memorial Book