Treasured for their incredible glowing green hue, Colombian emeralds are widely considered to be some of the finest in the world. Valued for their exceptional color, clarity and overall quality, Colombian Emeralds have a long history, with archeologists determining that the mines in that country have been active for over 1,000 years. Both the Incan and Aztec cultures used emeralds to trade with other people in the region as well as for religious ceremonies and rituals. The gems were also used in jewelry and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma allegedly adorned himself with emeralds.
The Spanish conquistadors landed in Colombia in 1499 and were quite taken by the verdant gems that were such an integral part of the region's culture. They took the gems back to Europe, where they became hugely popular with royals and nobles coveting the gem. The love soon spread to India, Turkey and even Persia increasing demand for emeralds.
Emerald Capital of the World
While emerald mines dot the country, the three most important mining areas in Colombia are Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez, all located deep in the heart of the mountainous semitropical region of the country. Conditions around the mines are challenging. The weather is hot and muggy, while the terrain is a rugged mountainous jungle where gangs and robbers lurk.
Muzo is widely deemed the most important emerald mining area globally. It is also the oldest mine, having been worked on again, off again for centuries. The Muzo mine is often referred to as the “Emerald Capital of the World”. The emeralds that come out of the Muzo mine are admired for their pure green to bluish-green color. The Coscuez mines are located nearby. The Chivor mine was abandoned in 1675 and became so overgrown that it was hidden until a Colombian mining engineer found a map from the 1600s that showed the mine’s location. The map was found in 1888, but the land was so difficult to navigate that it took until 1896 to actually find it again.
What Makes Emeralds Green?
How does emerald get its sumptuous color? Part of the beryl family of gemstones, emeralds get their green hue from trace elements of chromium, vanadium and iron that find their way into the stone as it is forming. The mix of these elements is what determines the color of an emerald — blue-green, yellow-green or the most valuable, pure green. Colombian emeralds get their delectable green hue from the presence of more chromium than vanadium and the lack of iron. When iron is in the mix, the gems are more of a greenish-blue color.
An Inner Garden
Emeralds have a very active inner life, filled with intriguing inclusions that add to its natural beauty and allure. There are a few different types of inclusions that may be found in emeralds such as gas bubbles, or teeny minerals inside the stone, including pyrite or calcite. The most famous and important type of inclusions appear as tendrils with a vine-like appearance known as “le Jardin”, or garden. The jardin is part of what gives emeralds their special character. One caveat is that if the emerald is too heavily included, it won’t present the color as well as a gem with less activity and the dense inclusions may make the stone prone to breakage.
Emerald Enhancements
When an emerald is very highly included it will often be treated with a process that fills the cracks inside the gem, known as “fracture filling”. Oiling the stones is the most common enhancement of emeralds. Oiling the stone is a relatively simple technique. It involves applying oil to the emerald’s surface so that it seeps into the surface fractures. When oil is used on an emerald it is usually cedar oil because it won’t harm the gem or alter the color. However, it isn’t permanent. Emeralds that are untreated, or have minor oil are the most sought after and valuable, while those with heavy oil will be less valuable. When purchasing an emerald it’s a good idea to have a gemological report from a reputable gemological laboratory that will provide information about any treatments that may have been used on the gem.
Widely considered to be among the pantheon of the world’s finest and most desired gemstones, Colombian emeralds have intrigued and enchanted everyone from the Incas and Aztecs to the royal courts of Europe and Asia due to their glowing green hue that sets the standard for all other emeralds.
Top of Page: Art Deco carved Colombian emerald, diamond and platinum necklace, circa 1925.
Georgian Colombian emerald, diamond, ruby and 18-karat gold cannetille brooch, circa 1830, accompanied by Tessiers Ltd fitted case and Gemmological Certification Services report; Art Deco Colombian cabochon emerald, diamond and platinum ring; Colombian emerald, diamond and 18-karat gold earrings; Colombian emerald, diamond and platinum bypass ring, circa 1980s.
Authored by Amber Michelle