Colombian emeralds, a treasure guarded at the National Museum

In the National Museum of Colombia, located in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, several treasures of the country are guarded, among them, some of the relics with Colombian emeralds that have endured over the years.

In addition to the emblematic Heart of Emeralds, there are other outstanding items that also make use of this beautiful gem. In this article, we will mention some of them and tell you their main characteristics.

Heart of emeralds, the emblem of the National Museum

The Heart of Emeralds of the National Museum of Colombia is an exceptional jewel that has captivated visitors with its beauty and cultural significance. This unique piece is considered one of the most precious treasures in Colombia and is an emblematic symbol of the museum and the country.

1. Design and form: The Heart of Emeralds is a heart-shaped jewel, hence its name. Its structure has an impressive symmetry that highlights the crafty skill of the stony men who made it. The heart is meticulously designed to highlight the beauty of the emeralds and maximize their brightness and color.
2. Materials and emeralds: The jewel is made mainly with emeralds, a gemstones known for its exquisite green colour. The emeralds used in the Heart are of the highest quality and come from the mines of Colombia, famous for producing some of the most beautiful gems in the world. These emeralds are carefully selected to ensure their purity and transparency, which gives the jewel an impressive glitter and color intensity.
3. Historical and cultural value: The Heart of Emeralds has a fascinating history dating back to colonial times. The jewel was acquired by the National Museum of Colombia to preserve and exhibit such an important symbol of the country's natural wealth and Colombian jewelry tradition. As a cultural emblem, it represents the historical heritage of emeralds in Colombia and their importance in national identity.
4. Symbolic meaning: In addition to its physical beauty, the Heart of Emeralds carries with it a profound symbolic meaning. The heart, as a geometric figure, has been a symbol of love and affection in various cultures, and in the context of the Heart of Emeralds, it can represent the love and appreciation that Colombians have for their natural treasures and cultural heritage. In addition, emeralds are considered precious stones of wisdom and prosperity, and the Heart symbolizes Colombia's bond with these qualities.
5. Exhibition and conservation: The Heart of Emeralds is exhibited in a special showcase within the National Museum of Colombia, carefully protected and preserved so that visitors can appreciate its splendour. The showcase provides adequate lighting to highlight the beauty of the emeralds and allows the details of the jewel to be appreciated in all its splendor.

Other treasures with emeralds at the National Museum

1. The Emerald Crown: This crown is one of the museum's most valuable and remarkable pieces. It is made with a golden base and is decorated with numerous emeralds of different sizes and shades. The crown is a symbol of power and royalty, and represents the craft mastery of Colombian jewelers.

2. Pre-Columbian Jewelry: The museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian jewelry made with emeralds. These pieces date back to ancient times and are testimony to the importance that emeralds had in the indigenous cultures of Colombia. Necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings made with emeralds show the skill and symbolism associated with these gems in the past.

3. Reliantees and religious objects: Another group of objects that make use of emeralds in the museum are reliquaries and religious objects. These include crucifixes, chalices and custodians, among others, decorated with emerald inlays. These sacred jewels reflect religious devotion and the use of emeralds in the context of faith.

4. Historical and decorative objects: In addition to the jewels, the museum exhibits various historical and decorative objects that feature emeralds. These include chandeliers, jars, dishes and other everyday or decorative objects that have emerald inlays or details, highlighting the beauty and symbolic value of these gems in daily life and decoration.

Paula A. Bonilla 

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.

Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.