Colombia's most expensive emeralds

Colombia is known worldwide for its rich history in the production of emeralds of the highest quality. These dazzling green gems have been extracted from the depths of Colombian land for centuries, and some of them have reached astronomical prices on the market.

In this article, we will explore Colombia's most expensive emeralds, their origin, their courage and the fascinating industry that surrounds them.

La Cuna de las Esmeraldas: Las Minas Colombianas

Colombia is a geological paradise for emerald formation. The unique conditions of its geology have led to the creation of these precious gems over millions of years.

Emeralds form in the depths of the Earth's crust when minerals such as beryllium, aluminum and chromium are combined under specific pressure and temperature conditions.

The Colombian region of Boyacá is famous for being home to some of the world's most important emerald mines, such as the mines of Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez.

Characteristics that boost your value

Colombian emeralds stand out for their unique characteristics that differentiate them from emeralds from other parts of the world. The vibrant and deep shade of green, known as the emerald green, is a distinctive feature of Colombian emeralds. This tone comes from the presence of chrome and vanadium in the composition of gems.

Clarity is another essential feature for determining the value of an emerald. While many emeralds contain natural inclusions, Colombian emeralds often exhibit exceptional clarity compared to those elsewhere. This combination of intense color and relative clarity makes Colombian emeralds especially valuable in the gem market.

Colombia's most expensive emeralds

1. La Esmeralda Fura: One of Colombia's most famous emeralds, the Fura, is a natural wonder that weighs about 1,738 carats. This huge stone was discovered in the mines of Muzo and is named after one of the Colombian indigenous legends. Although its current value is not known for certain, its exceptional size and quality make it one of the most expensive emeralds in Colombia.
2. The Emerald of the Gachala: Known as the "Trinity," this emerald is another of the most precious gems in Colombia. Weighing around 858 carats, this stone is famous for its trinity-shaped cut and intense green color. Its value is incalculable due to its rarity and uniqueness.
3. The Emerald of 5,655 Quilates: While it doesn't have a specific name, this emerald deserves a spot on the list due to its impressive size. This gigantic emerald, weighing approximately 5,655 carats, was discovered in a Colombian mine in 2017. Its value is based on its massive size and its Colombian origin.
4. La Esmeralda Rockefeller : Although not originally from Colombia, this emerald deserves mention due to its history and value. Belonging to the Rockefeller family, this 18.04 carat emerald is known for its exceptional colour and clarity. At an auction in 2017, it sold for more than $5.5 million, highlighting global demand for exceptional quality emeralds.

The Extraction and Marketing Process

Emerald extraction is a meticulous process involving large-scale mining in underground mines. Due to the delicate nature of emeralds, careful management is required to avoid damaging gems during extraction and processing. After being removed, the emeralds undergo a series of steps, including cutting and polishing, to highlight their natural beauty and maximize their value in the market.

The commercialization of Colombian emeralds is a global business. Jewelers, collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world look for these unique gems to create high jewelry pieces and add to their collections. Renowned auctioneers, such as Sothebys and Christies, often present exceptional Colombian emeralds that attract buyers willing to invest significant sums for these precious stones.

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.