The Crown of the Andes and the Atahualpa Emerald

Colombian emeralds, considered the most beautiful in the world for their purity and intense color, have adorned some of the most famous jewels in history. Two of the most iconic are the Crown of the Andes and the legendary Atahualpa Emerald—pieces that preserve centuries of tradition and immeasurable cultural value.

In this article, you will discover the story behind these extraordinary jewels, how Colombian emeralds became the centerpiece of religious and royal relics, and why they remain a global reference today.

What is the Crown of the Andes?

The Crown of the Andes is one of the most impressive religious jewels of the colonial era. It was crafted in the 16th century in Popayán, Colombia, as a tribute to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, who was revered as a protector against epidemics and misfortunes in the region. Its creation was a collective act of devotion, funded by the faithful who donated gold and precious stones.

The crown blends art, religion, and mineral wealth. Made of 18K gold and adorned with hundreds of Colombian emeralds, it became both a symbol of faith and a display of Colombia’s natural abundance.

Colombian Emeralds in the Crown of the Andes

The crown is encrusted with more than 450 Colombian emeralds from the mines of Muzo and Chivor, renowned for their deep green hue. Among them stands out a central gem known as the Atahualpa Emerald, remarkable for its size and unique green tone. These stones, hand-cut at the time, retain the natural purity that makes Colombian emeralds world famous.

Where is the Crown of the Andes today?

The Crown of the Andes left Colombia in the 20th century and is now part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York. There, it is exhibited as a masterpiece of Latin American colonial religious art and a testament to Colombia’s mineral richness.

The Atahualpa Emerald

The Atahualpa Emerald is the most famous gem in the Crown of the Andes. It is believed to have belonged to the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, who was captured and executed by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. According to legend, the gem was taken from Peru to Colombia, where it was finally set into the crown as a symbol of power and divine protection.

Although its story blends fact and myth, the Atahualpa Emerald has been described as one of the purest and most iconic gems ever discovered, noted for its size, clarity, and unmistakable deep green color, characteristic of Colombian mines.

Atahualpa Emerald Characteristics

• Origin: Colombian mines (likely Muzo)

• Size: Considered one of the largest emeralds of the colonial era

• Color: Deep, intense, and uniform green

• Symbolism: A blend of Inca legend and Catholic tradition

Emerald By Love: Tradition and Exclusivity in Colombian Emeralds

The Crown of the Andes and the Atahualpa Emerald are historic examples of the prestige of Colombian emeralds. Today, that legacy lives on in specialized jewelers like Emerald By Love, where every piece is crafted with the same respect for tradition and the natural beauty of gemstones.

At Emerald By Love, you’ll find jewelry with 100% certified Colombian emeralds, set in 18K gold and designed in styles ranging from classic to contemporary. If you’re looking for a unique jewel that connects with centuries of history and culture, Emerald By Love emeralds are your best choice.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and high-end 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 stores in the capital city, located downtown.