Everything You Need to Know About a Tour to a Colombian Emerald Mine
Every year, travelers from all over the world come to Colombia, drawn by the mystery and beauty of our Colombian emeralds. If you're planning a unique trip filled with history, adventure, and a deep connection with nature, a tour of a Colombian emerald mine is an experience you can't miss.
These tours allow you to witness firsthand how these precious gems are extracted, all while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Colombian Andes. Emerald By Love offers one of the most authentic, safe, and educational experiences in the country. With expert guides, access to real mines, and a responsible approach, it’s the ideal option for anyone who wants to experience the true magic of Colombian emeralds.
What do you do on a mine tour?
During an emerald mine tour, you'll learn about the complete process of extraction, classification, and valuation of these gems. The experience begins with a historical and cultural overview of the region, followed by a guided visit inside the mine, where you'll see how miners work, what tools they use, and how emerald veins are identified.
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to interact with experts, learn how to differentiate between a natural and a synthetic emerald, and see real examples of freshly extracted stones.
Is it worth visiting an emerald mine as a tourist?
Absolutely. Visiting a Colombian emerald mine is not just a tourist activity—it's an immersion into the country's history, gemology, and mining culture. It's perfect for those who love meaningful experiences and purposeful travel. It’s also a great opportunity to hear the life stories of people who work in the emerald world.
Emerald By Love has designed its tours to be educational, safe, and exciting. Thanks to their personalized approach, you can discover a hidden world within the mountains. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, this is one of the top-rated experiences in Colombia.
Can you buy an emerald directly at the mine?
Yes! In fact, most tours today include the option to purchase emeralds, with guidance to help visitors make informed decisions. Emerald By Love’s advisors teach you how to evaluate an emerald’s quality and how to choose one that fits your budget and style.
What type of clothing should you wear on an emerald tour?
Since you'll be visiting rural areas and possibly entering tunnels or damp spaces, it's best to wear comfortable, durable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Closed-toe boots or non-slip shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended.
Emerald By Love provides some safety gear like helmets and flashlights. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a cap, and a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
Emeralds as souvenirs: what are the options?
Colombian emeralds are one of the most iconic souvenirs you can take home. If you're not looking to invest in a high-value loose stone, there are more affordable options like small rough emeralds, artisanal jewelry, or decorative items like stones mounted in ceramic or glass.
At Emerald By Love, you can buy certified authentic emeralds without spending a fortune. They also offer custom jewelry services directly from their workshop, making your visit even more memorable and exclusive.
What happens if you find an emerald during the tour?
While the idea of finding an emerald is exciting, whether you can keep it depends on the legal status of the mine. If the mine is under legal concession, any stones found must be handed over to the authorized personnel.
That said, some tours—like those offered by Emerald By Love—include activities such as panning for emeralds in riverbeds. Since open-pit mining areas are not under strict state control, any emeralds found there are free to keep.
Can children enter a mine?
For safety reasons, children are not allowed to enter active mines. Underground environments can be dangerous for minors due to humidity, lack of natural light, confined spaces, and the need for specific safety equipment.
However, Emerald By Love offers family-friendly alternatives: surface-level tours, interpretive centers, exhibitions, museums, and emerald workshops suitable for all ages. So, if you're traveling with children, everyone can still enjoy the emerald experience without having to enter a mine.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gemstones and high-end national jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelry stores, Emerald By Love, a company with over 40 years of experience in emeralds and two physical locations in the heart of Colombia’s capital city.
