From the pages of history

It was pre-colonial

Considered one of the most desired gems in the world, this stone made its debut in ancient Egypt. His tantalizing aura even convinced Queen Cleopatra, who was a huge fan. In addition to their artistic value, emerald gemstones were also sought after because they were thought to enhance intelligence, alleviate complications of childbirth, protect marriages, and empower their owner with the power of prophecy.

Esmeralda in myth

The legend of Fura and Tena, the two immortal human beings, is associated with the birth of emeralds. The god Ares created them to inhabit the earth. The only condition imposed on them to remain young forever was that they remain faithful to each other. However, Fura, the woman, did not stay true to her partner. It resulted in their premature aging and they both eventually died. The god Ares then turned them into crags. Fura’s tears turned into emerald gemstones. These two cliffs are the official guardians of the Colombian Emerald Zone in Colombia, 30 km north of the Muzo mines, the site of the largest emerald-producing mine in the country.

Colonial and independence times

It is believed that the native Muzo Indians of Colombia became proficient in the art of mining as early as 500 AD However, it was the Spanish who introduced Colombian emeralds to the world. Spain took almost five decades to conquer the entire mining area. After taking control, they enslaved the locals to work in the mines. Once these gems reached Europe, sovereigns and gem-loving nobility pursued this New World treasure.

Colombian emeralds enriched the private collections of these new owners between 1600 and 1820 when Spain controlled the Colombian mines. After Colombia was released in 1819, the government and private companies took over the mining operations. Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, these mines were occasionally closed due to political unrest within the country.

Esmeraldas today

Today, the Gold Museum in Bogotá, the capital, exhibits numerous items inlaid with emerald gemstones, and created by the native population of Colombia. Along with the museum, several artifacts are in the possession of private collectors. To educate people about the history and evolution of this stone, the Colombian Emerald Museum Corporation (MEC) was founded.

What makes the Colombian emerald unique?

• With a reputation for being one of the purest in the world, Colombian emeralds are the only variety of emeralds that form on host sedimentary rocks rather than igneous rocks.

• In fact, it is a beryllium stone that owes its unusual color to chromium and vanadium, two very rare chemical elements, and the reason for the color of the world’s only green crystalline stone.

• The value of a gem is determined by its color, purity, size, and brilliance. Each emerald has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from the others, even when mined from the same location.

• Dark green is considered the most precious color of this gem. A gemstone of this shade is considered rare and is only discovered in the deepest mines of Colombia.

The green war

The beauty of the Colombian emerald also saw the civil war that began in the mid-1950s. The sixty-year struggle between right-wing paramilitary groups, Colombian drug cartels, left-wing guerrilla groups, and the government, killed thousands of people and forced millions of people in exile. The smuggling of this precious gem onto the world’s black market served as a financing fuel for extremists.

However, not all emerald comes from the conflict region. Columbia is the world’s largest producer of gemstones and produces most of the world’s production. Since the end of the war, Colombia had substantial economic growth with political stability and received a positive outlook from the UN. Likewise, emerald production in Colombia has also increased in the last ten years, by almost 78%.

Renowned Colombian emeralds

Ibis Crown Emerald: The Colombian emerald in this crown weighs 234 carats and is considered the largest, oldest and most expensive natural specimen in the world. The stone came to light in 2007, when it was examined in a gem tech lab in Geneva and then unveiled at the Bangkok fair in 2012.

Emerald Chalk: This Colombian emerald was once installed on the emerald and diamond necklace worn by the Queen of Baroda. In the 20th century, the gem was cut back from its original weight of 38.40 carats and shaped into a ring designed by Harry Winston. After including sixty pear-shaped diamonds to border the emerald, it now weighs approximately 15 carats. In 1972, the ring was donated to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History by Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk, and has remained in the possession of the Smithsonian’s National Collection of Gems and Minerals ever since.

Esmeralda Gachala: The Gachala Esmeralda, one of the most valued and recognized in the world, was discovered in 1967, in the Vega de San Juan mine, in the Colombian town of Gachala. The gem was donated by the New York jeweler Harry Winston to the Smithsonian Institution, in the United States, which still owns the property of this beautiful gem.

Value in today’s global market

The emerald has been popular for more than 5000 years. The civilizations of South America, Africa and Asia independently discovered this beauty and endowed it with a position of great value. The jewel has retained its charm and charisma in modern times. Along with ruby ​​and sapphire, it is considered the most popular colored stone.

The green craze has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Its beauty has earned the lavish emerald jewelry lines, the red carpet, and the masses that seem to have been hit by this colorful stone.

With the popularity that the gem enjoys, it is safe to say that in the coming days we will see the clamor for this vibrant stone continue to grow.