Are you being offered a Colombian emerald course? Read this before you pay

In recent months, we’ve seen the rise of courses claiming to teach everything about Colombian emeralds, taking advantage of the growing international interest in these precious gems.
Most of these misleading offers, usually promoted through social media or unverified websites, put both your investment and your knowledge at risk, as they lack solid academic foundations and official backing.
It’s important to stay alert—learning about emeralds is not something to be taken lightly. Don’t be fooled by easy promises from places that aren’t accredited or trustworthy institutions. To help you avoid scams and fake courses, we’ve put together some tips in this article.

How to truly learn about Colombian emeralds

To become a true connoisseur or expert in emeralds, you need much more than a few quick classes. Studying emeralds involves understanding their geology, mineralogy, classification, valuation, and even their history within the Colombian context.
It also requires hands-on practice guided by certified professionals and access to gemological laboratories.
That's why it's best to rely only on officially recognized educational institutions, where programs are supervised and accredited. There, you will not only receive deep and updated knowledge but also real practice that will prepare you to face the market ethically and professionally.

Educational institutions in Colombia to learn about emeralds

If you want to make sure you receive legitimate, high-quality training, you can trust these institutions:

• Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) – Offers technical training programs in gemology, including specific modules on emeralds.

• Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Through the Faculty of Mines and the Department of Geosciences, offers training in applied mineralogy.

• Instituto Gemológico de Colombia (IGC) – Specialized in gemology studies with an emphasis on emeralds.

• Instituto Gemológico Español – A prestigious institution abroad with a strong background in the technical and scientific study of Colombian emeralds.

• GIA – The Gemological Institute of America is a global authority in gem research, education, and certification (based abroad).

• Gübelin – A Swiss laboratory renowned for its detailed gemological analyses and certificates of origin and authenticity for precious stones.

Tips to make sure you’re enrolling in a legitimate course

• Verify that the institution is registered with government education or mining authorities.

• Make sure the instructors have academic certifications in gemology or mining.

• Ask about the curriculum: a serious course should include topics like characterization, cutting, market trends, and valuation.

• Confirm whether they offer real practice in recognized laboratories or mines.

• Check reviews and student experiences, not just on social media.

Emerald By Love

Although Emerald By Love does not offer formal academic courses, it is an exceptional option for those who want to experience firsthand the fascinating world of Colombian emeralds.
Through our personalized experiences and direct attention from experts, we take you to discover the secrets of emeralds with transparency, knowledge, and passion.
Our priority is to educate responsibly during every visit and provide you with an honest view of the emerald market in Colombia, steering clear of the informality and risks of fake courses.
With us, you’ll learn to value authenticity and respect for one of Colombia’s most iconic gems.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she works for one of Bogotá’s most important jewelry houses, Emerald By Love, which boasts over 40 years of experience and has two physical stores located in the city center.