Court battle over ownership of giant, 840-pound emerald is nearing resolution.

LOS ANGELES – The convoluted court battle over ownership of an 840-pound emerald appears to be nearing resolution.

A judge eliminated from consideration Mark Downie, one of the men claiming ownership of the emerald that has been appraised at $372 million. It is considered one of the largest in the world.

One more trial awaits for another group of would-be owners. The government of Brazil, where the rock was found, has also lodged a claim.

The case of the giant emerald first landed in Los Angeles Superior court in 2008 and has been stuck in litigation since then. Lawyers say the well-traveled stone made stops in California, New Orleans, and Las Vegas before it was trucked to Los Angeles for safe-keeping by sheriff's deputies.