Emeralds as a Medium of Exchange in Pre-Columbian Times

Colombian emeralds are not only admired today for their beauty and exclusivity, but they have also held symbolic, cultural, and economic value since pre-Columbian times. Long before becoming the centerpiece of fine jewelry, emeralds were used as a medium of exchange by pre-Columbian civilizations in what we now know as Colombian territory.

This historical use shows that emeralds were more than just a precious stone: they were considered assets of spiritual and social power. In this article, we’ll share their historical value, how they were used, and how with Emerald By Love, you can find the finest emerald jewelry.

Colombian Emeralds: Their Value Through History

From pre-Columbian times to the present day, Colombian emeralds have retained an unmatched value. For indigenous communities such as the Muisca and Quimbaya, emeralds symbolized fertility, eternity, and connection with the divine. They were not merely luxury items, but spiritual objects and valuable goods used in barter for gold, food, and other products.

With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the value of emeralds shifted to that of an export commodity and international trade product. Today, they remain the most coveted in the global jewelry market due to their deep green color, purity, and Colombian origin—considered the finest in the world.

Emeralds in Pre-Columbian Times

Pre-Columbian cultures valued emeralds throughout various historical periods, and their use as a medium of exchange varied depending on the context:

• Archaic Period (8000 – 2000 BCE): Emeralds were appreciated as ritual stones and objects of spiritual power.

• Formative Period (2000 – 500 BCE): They began to be used in ornaments and bartering, especially among neighboring communities.

• Regional Classic Period (500 BCE – 1000 CE): The Muisca and Quimbaya used them as currency in exchanges involving gold, ceramics, and food.

• Late Period (1000 – 1500 CE): Their use was solidified in religious ceremonies, offerings, and interregional trade, demonstrating their established social and economic value before the arrival of the Spanish.

Emerald By Love: Learn and Acquire the Finest Colombian Emeralds

At Emerald By Love, we believe that every emerald tells a story that dates back to ancient times. That’s why we offer not only exclusive jewelry but also knowledge about the legacy of this precious gemstone—once a currency in pre-Columbian times and now a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

Discover with us the most valuable Colombian emeralds in the world and carry with you a jewel that holds thousands of years of history, tradition, and natural beauty.

Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and fine national jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelers, Emerald by Love, which has over 40 years of experience in emeralds and two physical locations in the Colombian capital, both in the city center.