Is a Treated or Untreated Colombian Emerald Better?
For centuries, Colombian emeralds have been synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and natural beauty, becoming the favorites of royalty, artists, and collectors. However, in today’s market, a key question arises: Which is better — a treated or an untreated Colombian emerald?
The answer is not absolute, as it depends on what each buyer is looking for: a more accessible and visually clean stone, or a completely natural and rare gem. To understand this difference, it's important to know what treatment means in an emerald and how it affects its value and authenticity. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Treated Colombian Emerald?
A treated emerald is one that, after being extracted from the mine and cut, undergoes a process where its natural fissures (known as "gardens") are filled with oils, resins, or transparent polymers. The main goal is to improve its appearance, enhance its brilliance, and make the stone look cleaner.
This procedure is very common in the jewelry world, as most emeralds naturally contain internal inclusions. In Colombia, the most traditional treatments use natural cedarwood oil — the most accepted in the market — and Perma, a type of resin that enhances the gemstone's appearance.
Types of Treatments in Emeralds
The main treatments applied to emeralds include:
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Cedarwood oil: The most widely used and accepted; it penetrates fissures and improves transparency. It is gentle and non-aggressive to the emerald.
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Resins or polymers: A more invasive treatment, used on emeralds with numerous fractures. Known in Colombia as Perma.
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Synthetic compound sealing: Applied to commercial-grade stones to prolong the filling effect.
What is an Untreated Colombian Emerald?
An untreated emerald, also known as "no treatment," is one that has not undergone any intervention after cutting. It retains all its natural characteristics, including inclusions, fissures, and its original color intensity.
These gems are extremely rare and highly sought after in the international market, as they represent the pure essence of nature. Due to their exclusivity, they typically command much higher prices than treated emeralds, making them prized by collectors and for investment-grade jewelry.
Treated vs. Untreated Emeralds: Key Differences
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Visual appearance: Treated stones usually look cleaner; untreated ones display their natural inclusions.
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Rarity: Untreated emeralds are extremely rare; treated ones are more common.
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Price: Untreated emeralds are much more valuable in the market, while treated ones are more affordable due to higher supply and demand.
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Durability: Both are durable, but in treated emeralds, the oil may wear off over time, slightly altering their appearance, especially when set in jewelry.
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Use: Treated emeralds are preferred in commercial jewelry; untreated ones are chosen for collector's items or investment purposes.
Emerald By Love: Jewelry with Treated and Untreated Emeralds
At Emerald By Love, we understand that every customer has different expectations when choosing an emerald. That’s why we offer both high-quality treated Colombian emeralds — perfect for those seeking accessible and visually flawless pieces — and untreated emeralds, unique and exclusive, for those who desire the rarest and most valuable gems from our land.
Every stone we offer comes with certification, ensuring transparency and trust in your purchase. Whether you choose a treated or untreated emerald, at Emerald By Love you’ll find an authentic, 100% Colombian gemstone with the excellence that defines our collections.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about constantly learning about precious gemstones and fine Colombian jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most prestigious jewelry houses, Emerald by Love. This jeweler has over 40 years of experience in emeralds and operates two physical locations in the capital city, both situated in the downtown area.
