The 180,000-carat Bahia Emerald has long been held in Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department custody, but a federal judge's ruling could clear the way for it to return to Brazil.

Many have claimed to be the rightful owner of the 836-pound Bahia emerald, reputed to be the world’s largest, which is worth as much as $1 billion. Their legal battles have endured for so long and ensnared so many participants — including, ultimately, the Federative Republic of Brazil — that people have taken to calling the rock cursed.

But now the Brazilian emerald is finally poised to come out – and head home. On Thursday, United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton said that a request by the American and Brazilian governments to return the emerald to its native country can move forward,