Colombian Emerald – Discover the Story Behind the Gem

From the lush jungles of Colombia to the showcases of the world’s finest jewelers, explore the story, gemology and secrets of this legendary green gem.

About the Book Colombian Emerald

The book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana offers a clear, well-documented look at Colombian emeralds: history; the historic mines of Muzo and Chivor; gemology and treatments; today’s market; and a practical buying guide. Richly illustrated and written by field specialists for collectors, jewelers and curious readers, it also brings a genuinely passionate view of a market driven by remarkable people—a tribute to those who work the stone from the mines of Boyacá to the offices of Bogotá—and a complete look at the history, the community, and the future of production with emerging sites such as Las Pavas.

Authors of the Book Colombian Emerald

The book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is a collective work by George Smith, Ronald Ringsrud, Geoffray Riondet, Gérard Panczer and Guilhem Merolle. Written together, it offers a clear, documented view of Colombian emeralds—history, gemology, mines and today’s market.

George Smith, co-author of the book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana
Ronald Ringsrud, co-author of the book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana
Geoffray Riondet, co-author of the book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana
Gérard Panczer, co-author of the book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana
Guilhem Merolle, co-author of the book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana

A Book Born from the Heart of Colombia

Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is built on real fieldwork and direct encounters. From miners in Muzo and Chivor to guaqueros, cutters, traders and experts in Bogotá, every chapter reflects those who live with the stone every day. No corporate agenda, no foreign control — only the perspectives of passionate professionals, Colombian communities and witnesses who honour the land, the people and the true beauty of the Colombian emerald.

Partners of the Book Colombian Emerald

Developed in partnership with major institutions and specialists in the field, Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana reflects a shared dedication to authenticity, research, and respect for Colombian emerald legacy.

What Makes Colombian Emerald Unique?

Colombian emeralds are celebrated worldwide for their exceptional purity, vibrant green color, and centuries-old legacy. Mined from the heart of Colombia’s mountains, each stone tells a story of geological rarity and cultural significance. From the legendary Muzo region to the deep valleys of Chivor, every colombian emerald is a symbol of authenticity, prestige, and natural wonder.

Our Latest articles on Colombian emerald

Latest articles on Colombian emeralds—short reads from the mines, field notes from Boyacá, and practical buying tips. Clear insights on history, gemology (color, inclusions, treatments), and today’s market. Browse all posts.

Ricardo Jiménez examining a Colombian emerald before cutting it

Ricardo Jiménez: Master of Colombian Emerald Cutting

View of the landscape in Muzo region where the Muzo emerald mines are located

Muzo Emerald Mines: Discovery & Colonial Exploitation

A misty, humid landscape that the Spanish conquistadors had to face during the Muzo conquest

Muzo Conquest: War for Colombia’s Emerald Mountain

Photo of the current Chivor region where the Somondoco emerald mines were located

Somondoco Emerald Mines: Colonial Rule and Decline

The Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jímenez de Quesada, key figure in Spanish conquest of Colombia

Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada: Conquering the Muiscas

Theodore de Bry engraving-ceremonial first-contact scene, emblematic of the Spanish Conquest of Colombia

Spanish Conquest of Colombia: Gold and Emeralds

Colombian Emerald: Frequently Asked Questions

A Colombian emerald is a natural green gemstone mined in Colombia, known for its vivid color, exceptional clarity, and high value on the global market.

Colombian emeralds are known for their deep green color, high transparency, and unique geological origin, making them some of the most valuable emeralds in the world.

Colombian emeralds are mainly mined in the Boyacá region, especially in Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez, which are renowned for producing exceptional quality stones.

Colombian emeralds have a distinctive pure green color with bluish undertones, due to the presence of chromium and vanadium in the region’s unique geology.

A real Colombian emerald can be identified by its color, clarity, and origin report. Certified gems often come with a lab certificate confirming they were mined in Colombia.

The price of a Colombian emerald varies depending on size, color, and clarity, but high-quality stones can cost several thousand dollars per carat.

Yes, high-quality Colombian emeralds hold long-term value and are sought after by collectors and investors due to their rarity and global demand.

Yes, some Colombian emeralds can be treated with colorless oil, such as cedarwood oil, to enhance their clarity. This accepted practice helps reduce the visibility of natural inclusions without altering the gemstone’s natural color.

About the Book Colombian Emerald

The book Colombian Emerald (Esmeralda Colombiana) offers a clear, documented view of Colombian emeralds—history; the historic mines of Muzo and Chivor; gemology and treatments; today’s market; and a practical buying guide. It also pays tribute to the people behind the trade, from Boyacá’s mines to Bogotá’s offices, and looks ahead to new production such as Las Pavas mine.

Authors of the Book Colombian Emerald

The book Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is a collective work by George Smith, Ronald Ringsrud, Geoffray Riondet, Gérard Panczer and Guilhem Merolle. Written together, it offers a clear, documented view of Colombian emeralds—history, gemology, mines and today’s market.

A Book Born From The Heart Of Colombia

Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is built on real fieldwork and direct encounters. From miners in Muzo and Chivor to guaqueros, cutters, traders and experts in Bogotá, every chapter reflects those who live with the stone every day. No corporate agenda, no foreign control — only the perspectives of passionate professionals, Colombian communities and witnesses who honour the land, the people and the true beauty of the Colombian emerald.

Partners of the Book Colombian Emerald

Developed in partnership with major institutions and specialists in the field, Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana reflects a shared dedication to authenticity, research, and respect for Colombian emerald legacy.

What Makes Colombian Emerald Unique?

Colombian emeralds are celebrated worldwide for their exceptional purity, vibrant green color, and centuries-old legacy. Mined from the heart of Colombia’s mountains, each stone tells a story of geological rarity and cultural significance. From the legendary Muzo region to the deep valleys of Chivor, every colombian emerald is a symbol of authenticity, prestige, and natural wonder.

Our Latest articles on Colombian emerald

Latest articles on Colombian emeralds—short reads from the mines, field notes from Boyacá, and practical buying tips. Clear insights on history, gemology (color, inclusions, treatments), and today’s market. Browse all posts.

Colombian Emerald: Frequently Asked Questions

A Colombian emerald is a natural green gemstone mined in Colombia, known for its vivid color, exceptional clarity, and high value on the global market.

Colombian emeralds are known for their deep green color, high transparency, and unique geological origin, making them some of the most valuable emeralds in the world.

Colombian emeralds are mainly mined in the Boyacá region, especially in Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez, which are renowned for producing exceptional quality stones.

Colombian emeralds have a distinctive pure green color with bluish undertones, due to the presence of chromium and vanadium in the region’s unique geology.

A real Colombian emerald can be identified by its color, clarity, and origin report. Certified gems often come with a lab certificate confirming they were mined in Colombia.

The price of a Colombian emerald varies depending on size, color, and clarity, but high-quality stones can cost several thousand dollars per carat.

Yes, high-quality Colombian emeralds hold long-term value and are sought after by collectors and investors due to their rarity and global demand.

Yes, some Colombian emeralds can be treated with colorless oil, such as cedarwood oil, to enhance their clarity. This accepted practice helps reduce the visibility of natural inclusions without altering the gemstone’s natural color.