Colombian Emeralds from Boyacá, One Step Away from Gaining Protected Designation of Origin
Colombia is globally renowned for the unmatched quality and color of its emeralds, and among all its regions, Boyacá holds a special place when it comes to these precious gems.
Towns like Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez have for centuries been the cradle of these gemstones that captivate the world. Today, Boyacá takes a historic step forward by beginning the process to obtain the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for its emeralds.
But what exactly is a designation of origin, why is it so important for this department, and how is the process going? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know.
What is a Protected Designation of Origin?
A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is an official seal that certifies a product comes from a specific region and that its characteristics are directly linked to its place of origin. This type of recognition protects the product’s name, promotes its authenticity, and ensures its quality.
In the world of wine, cheese, and coffee, it’s a well-known concept. Now, Colombia wants its emeralds to join that select group. In the case of Boyacá's emeralds, this means strengthening the centuries-old history and tradition of emerald mining.
Why Are the Best Colombian Emeralds Found in Boyacá?
Boyacá's geological richness is unique. The region offers perfect conditions for emerald formation: pressure, temperature, and the presence of minerals like beryllium and vanadium, which give rise to their characteristic intense green color. It’s no coincidence that this area is known as the “emerald triangle.”
What Are Boyacá Emeralds Like?
Boyacá's emeralds are known for having the “ideal” color — a deep, bright green with shades that range from intense green to bluish-greens.
Moreover, these gems are valued for their natural origin, as many are extracted through low-impact processes. This gives them an authentic and unique character, highly sought after by those who appreciate gemstones with history and soul.
In Pursuit of Protected Designation of Origin for Boyacá Emeralds
According to the Government of Boyacá and the National Emerald Federation of Colombia (Fedesmeraldas), the formal process has recently begun before the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce to obtain the PDO for Colombian emeralds. The goal is to establish Boyacá as the official cradle of Colombian emeralds with its own identity.
This step involves technical, geographical, and cultural studies to support the request, along with coordinated work with mining communities to ensure that best practices align with international standards. If approved, it would mark a historic milestone for the country’s emerald industry.
Emerald By Love: Tours to Discover the Mines of Boyacá and Their Emeralds
At Emerald By Love, we celebrate this news and invite you to experience the heart of Colombia’s emerald territory. Our guided tours to the Boyacá mines allow you to explore Muzo and Coscuez, meet the miners, learn about the extraction process, and admire the most beautiful emeralds right at their source.
If you dream of owning an authentic Colombian emerald from Boyacá, there’s no better way than connecting with its history at the source. Boyacá is getting closer to obtaining its Protected Designation of Origin, and you can be a witness to that legacy.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and passionate about continually learning about precious gems and high-end Colombian jewelry.
She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelry houses, Emerald By Love, which has over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in Colombia’s capital, both situated in the city center
