Forewords & partners
The preface of Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is written by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, co-founders of GemGenève and two of the world’s most respected jewelry connoisseurs. Their words open the book with a reflection on authenticity, artistry, and the enduring link between gems, culture, and human craftsmanship. The project was made possible through the collaboration of exceptional partners: GemGenève, Christie’s, Gübelin Gem Lab, Wilensky Minerals, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, Empavas.
Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber
The preface of Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is written by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, co-founders of GemGenève and two of the most respected figures in the world of fine jewelry. Their words introduce the book with reflection and sincerity, paying tribute to the human, historical, and artistic dimensions of the Colombian emerald. Drawing on their lifelong experience as collectors, dealers, and ambassadors of gem culture, they illuminate the profound bond between nature’s creations and human craftsmanship – setting the tone for a work dedicated to authenticity, knowledge, and beauty.
Gübelin Gem Lab
The scientific section of Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana was developed in collaboration with the Gubelin Gem Lab, one of the world’s most respected authorities in gemological research. This partnership brings a rigorous scientific dimension to the book, revealing the inner world of the emerald – its inclusions, origins, and unique identity – through the lens of cutting-edge analysis and a shared passion for truth and beauty.
Christie's
The collaboration with Christie’s pays tribute to the historic role of the auction house in preserving and showcasing the legacy of Colombian emeralds. Over the decades, Christie’s has presented some of the most remarkable emeralds and emerald-set jewels ever seen on the market — including the legendary Aga Khan emerald brooch and Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald suite. Through its expertise and global influence, Christie’s continues to celebrate the timeless beauty and provenance of these gems, connecting their storied past to the collectors and connoisseurs of today.
GemGenève
The partnership with GemGenève reflects a shared commitment to excellence, education, and transparency in the world of fine gemstones. Founded by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, GemGenève has become an essential meeting point for collectors, jewelers, gemologists, and historians from around the world. Through its dedication to craftsmanship and cultural dialogue, GemGenève embodies the same values that inspired Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana: authenticity, expertise, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
Wilensky Exquisite Minerals
The collaboration with Wilensky Minerals brought a deeper understanding of emerald crystals – their natural beauty, rarity, and place within the art and mineral market. With their unique eye for form and color, Wilensky approaches minerals not only as specimens but as masterpieces of nature. Their perspective enriched the book’s exploration of the emerald as both a scientific wonder and a work of art.
Mel Fisher's Treasures
The partnership with Mel Fisher’s Treasures connects the story of Colombian emeralds to their maritime past — a history carried across oceans aboard the galleons of the Spanish Empire. Through their pioneering work in underwater archaeology and the recovery of legendary shipwrecks such as the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, Mel Fisher’s team helped shed light on the global trade routes that once linked the mines of Colombia to the courts of Europe and Asia. Their contribution bridges history, adventure, and heritage – revealing another facet of the emerald’s enduring journey.
Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber
The preface of Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana is written by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, co-founders of GemGenève and two of the most respected figures in the world of fine jewelry. Their words introduce the book with reflection and sincerity, paying tribute to the human, historical, and artistic dimensions of the Colombian emerald. Drawing on their lifelong experience as collectors, dealers, and ambassadors of gem culture, they illuminate the profound bond between nature’s creations and human craftsmanship – setting the tone for a work dedicated to authenticity, knowledge, and beauty.
Gübelin Gem Lab
The scientific section of Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana was developed in collaboration with the Gubelin Gem Lab, one of the world’s most respected authorities in gemological research. This partnership brings a rigorous scientific dimension to the book, revealing the inner world of the emerald – its inclusions, origins, and unique identity – through the lens of cutting-edge analysis and a shared passion for truth and beauty.
Christie's
The collaboration with Christie’s pays tribute to the historic role of the auction house in preserving and showcasing the legacy of Colombian emeralds. Over the decades, Christie’s has presented some of the most remarkable emeralds and emerald-set jewels ever seen on the market — including the legendary Aga Khan emerald brooch and Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald suite. Through its expertise and global influence, Christie’s continues to celebrate the timeless beauty and provenance of these gems, connecting their storied past to the collectors and connoisseurs of today.
GemGenève
The partnership with GemGenève reflects a shared commitment to excellence, education, and transparency in the world of fine gemstones. Founded by Ronny Totah and Thomas Faerber, GemGenève has become an essential meeting point for collectors, jewelers, gemologists, and historians from around the world. Through its dedication to craftsmanship and cultural dialogue, GemGenève embodies the same values that inspired Colombian Emerald / Esmeralda Colombiana: authenticity, expertise, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
Wilensky Minerals
The collaboration with Wilensky Minerals brought a deeper understanding of emerald crystals – their natural beauty, rarity, and place within the art and mineral market. With their unique eye for form and color, Wilensky approaches minerals not only as specimens but as masterpieces of nature. Their perspective enriched the book’s exploration of the emerald as both a scientific wonder and a work of art.
Mel Fisher's Treasures
The partnership with Mel Fisher’s Treasures connects the story of Colombian emeralds to their maritime past — a history carried across oceans aboard the galleons of the Spanish Empire. Through their pioneering work in underwater archaeology and the recovery of legendary shipwrecks such as the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, Mel Fisher’s team helped shed light on the global trade routes that once linked the mines of Colombia to the courts of Europe and Asia. Their contribution bridges history, adventure, and heritage – revealing another facet of the emerald’s enduring journey.