Guide to Exploring the Colombian Emerald District in Bogotá
Whether you're a foreign visitor or a local, exploring all the places where you can learn about and purchase Colombian emeralds takes some time.
At Emerald By Love, we know that plans can change, so to help you make the most of your time in Bogotá, we’ve put together this guide to exploring the emerald district in the heart of the Colombian capital.
Where Should You Go?
- Emerald By Love: A Trusted Jewelry Store
If you’re looking for quality and authenticity, Emerald By Love is an excellent choice. We offer exclusive designs with certification, guaranteeing the authenticity and purity of each gemstone. Additionally, our expert advisors ensure that your purchase is a secure investment.
- Plazoleta de los Esmeralderos (For Price Reference Only)
Located in downtown Bogotá near Carrera 7 and Calle 12, this plaza is a meeting point for emerald traders and enthusiasts. Although purchasing here is not recommended, it's a great place to learn about artisanal emerald mining and get an idea of market prices.
Should You Buy an Emerald in Bogotá?
If you find a ready-made emerald jewelry piece that you love, purchasing it on the spot is a great option. If you’re a foreign visitor, Emerald By Love offers a tax refund on your purchase.
However, if you’re looking for a custom design, it's best to order it in advance, as crafting a piece can take time depending on its complexity and the number of gemstones involved.
Emerald Prices in Bogotá
The price of an emerald varies depending on its quality and weight. Below is an estimated price range in Colombian Pesos (COP) and US Dollars (USD):
- Commercial-quality emerald: Starting at 700,000 COP (≈180 USD) per carat
- Medium-quality emerald: Starting at 2,000,000 COP (≈520 USD) per carat
- High-quality emerald: Starting at 5,000,000 COP (≈1,300 USD) per carat
Which Museums Should You Visit?
- Gold Museum
Located in downtown Bogotá, this iconic museum houses one of the world’s most important pre-Hispanic gold collections. Here, you can explore the history of gold and emeralds in Colombian culture and their significance to indigenous civilizations.
- Emerald By Love Gallery
Emerald By Love also features a gallery showcasing emeralds in various forms, from raw stones to high-end jewelry. This is a great space to learn about mining, emerald quality, and the cutting process of this precious gemstone.
5 Tips for Buying Colombian Emeralds in Bogotá
If you're looking to buy an authentic Colombian emerald, it's important to make an informed decision. Here are five essential tips to ensure a safe and valuable purchase.
1. Buy from a Reputable Seller
Always choose a trusted jewelry store or certified dealer. Stores like Emerald By Love offer certified emeralds with guarantees of authenticity and quality. Avoid street vendors, as counterfeit or treated stones are common.
2. Check the Color and Transparency
A high-quality emerald has a deep, vibrant green color and good transparency. The best Colombian emeralds come from Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez mines.
3. Request a Certification
A gemological certificate from a recognized lab confirms the emerald’s origin, quality, and treatments. This document adds value to your purchase and ensures you're getting a genuine Colombian emerald.
4. Evaluate the Stone’s Inclusions
Emeralds often contain natural inclusions, known as "jardin" (French for "garden"), which are a characteristic of the stone. These inclusions can affect the value of the emerald, but they don’t necessarily make it less valuable.
5. Consider the Cut and Setting
The cut of an emerald affects its brilliance and overall beauty. Well-cut emeralds enhance the stone’s natural color and minimize visible inclusions. If you're buying a finished piece of jewelry, check that the setting protects the stone, as emeralds are more delicate than other gemstones.
Emerald By Love Mining Tours
For those looking for a truly immersive experience, Emerald By Love offers exclusive tours to Colombia’s most important emerald mining regions:
- Muzo: Known as the "Emerald Capital of the World"
- Coscuez: A legendary mine producing high-quality emeralds
- Gachalá: Home to some of the world’s most valuable emeralds, such as La Emilia
- Chivor: A historic mine with breathtaking landscapes and exceptionally pure stones
These tours give you a firsthand look at the extraction and selection process of emeralds while allowing you to experience Colombia’s rich mining history and stunning natural scenery.
About the Author
Paula A. Bonilla is a social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a sales assistant and a passionate learner of precious gemstones and high-end jewelry.
She currently works for Emerald By Love, one of Bogotá’s most prestigious jewelry stores with over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in the city center.
