Who Discovered the First Emerald in Colombia?
Colombia is globally renowned for its high-quality emeralds, which are among the most valued in the world. The history of emeralds in Colombia is full of mystery and fascination, dating back to pre-Columbian times.
This article explores who discovered the first emerald in Colombia, the oldest recorded emerald, and whether there is a museum where these precious jewels can be admired.
Who Discovered the First Emerald in Colombia?
The discovery of the first emerald in Colombia is attributed to the Muisca, an indigenous civilization that inhabited the central region of present-day Colombia before the arrival of the Spaniards. The Muisca were already extracting and trading emeralds long before the Europeans arrived. However, the first documented mention in written history dates back to the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
In 1537, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition that resulted in the discovery of emerald mines in the Somondoco region, currently part of the department of Boyacá. These mines, known as the Chivor mines, were the first to be recognized by Europeans, and their exploitation began shortly thereafter.
The Oldest Emerald in Colombia
The oldest recorded emerald in Colombia comes from the same mines that the Muisca were already exploiting before the arrival of the Spaniards. These gems were used in various ceremonial and decorative artifacts. Emeralds found in archaeological contexts demonstrate that these precious stones were highly valued and held significant cultural and religious meaning for indigenous communities.
Where Can These Emeralds Be Admired?
For those interested in closely viewing the magnificence of Colombian emeralds, the International Emerald Museum, located in Bogotá, is a must-visit destination. This museum houses an impressive collection of emeralds and offers an in-depth look at the history and mining of this gem in Colombia. Visitors can learn about the extraction process, the history of the most important mines, and admire some of the most spectacular emeralds ever found.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
