Colombian emeralds in literature and cinema
Colombian emeralds, with their intense color and fascinating history, have left a lasting mark on literature and cinema.
These exquisite gems are not only symbols of geological wealth, but also of the narrative richness they have contributed to various works over time.
From adventure stories to films full of intrigue, Colombian emeralds have shone in the creative imagination, enriching the plots and captivating audiences.
Colombian Literature and emeralds
Literature has found inspiration in Colombian emeralds, making them symbolic and powerful narrative elements. In Gabriel García Márquez's iconic novel "Hundred Years of Solitude," emeralds play an important role in the history of the Buendía family.
The giant emerald, known as the Giant, symbolizes wealth, power and obsession, serving as a metaphor for greed and the insatiable desire for power that affect the characters throughout generations.
Another literary work presented by Colombian emeralds is Mario Benedetti's The Truce. Although the main plot does not revolve around emeralds, these precious stones are presented as an unattainable dream that reflects the desires and illusions of the characters in the midst of a monotonous routine. Emeralds work here as a contrast between reality and dreams.
Emeralds in international literature
In world literature, emeralds have been used as symbols of power, mystery and ambition. In the classic novel "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, the Emerald City is the magician's home and represents the ultimate goal of the main characters. The emerald here symbolizes hope, wisdom and revelation, while emboding the unattainable fantasy.
Another notable literary work is the Four Horsemen of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez's Four Horse. In this novel, an emerald called The Eye of God becomes a symbol of corruption and decay in society during World War I. The emerald reflects the moral abyss in which the characters and humanity fall in the midst of devastation.
Film: Emeralds that shine on the Big Screen
Colombian emeralds have also captured the attention of cinema, contributing to the creation of captivating stories. In Fernando de Fuentes' film "El Infierno Verde" (1943), emeralds are the central motif of the story, which follows the search for an adventurer who tries to find these precious stones in the Colombian jungles.
As history unfolds, emeralds become a dangerous obsession that reveals the fragility of human nature when faced with temptation.
Another film that puts Colombian emeralds in the foreground is Maria, full of grace (2004) by Joshua Marston. Although the plot focuses on drug trafficking, emeralds represent a way to escape the difficult reality faced by characters in a hostile environment.
The film addresses the social and moral implications of the exploitation of natural resources and how emeralds become a way of escape and opportunity in the midst of adversity.
International Cinema and Green Gems
Emeralds have also played a prominent role in the cinema. In Rome, an open city (1945), led by Roberto Rossellini, an emerald becomes a symbol of resistance against the Nazi occupation. The precious stone becomes an element of hope and union at a time of adversity, symbolizing the resistance of an oppressed people.
In adventure cinema, emerald has been a central motivation in many films. The plot of The Jewel of the Crown (1985) revolves around the search for a legendary Indian emerald stolen during the Sepoy Revolt in the 19th century. Here, emerald is as much an object of desire as a reminder of colonial history and its impact on Indian culture.
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.
