Hidden in the mountainous terrain of Colombia you will find one of nature’s greatest treasures, the emerald. Colombian emeralds have been prized for hundreds of years for their unmatched beauty and scarcity. These gems have enchanted kings, collectors and jewelry lovers for ages. With their deep rich green color you will not find another gemstone that can compare to the emerald.

Emerald mines in Colombia have existed for more than five centuries before Spanish conquerors arrived in South America. Indigenous tribes such as the Muzo and Chibcha were mining emeralds and using them in religious ceremonies as objects of worship believed to have supernatural powers. Emerald mining was established by Spanish explorers in the 1500's as they realized how valuable the precious stones were. Once the Spanish realized how coveted these gems were, they began shipping them to Europe and Asia.

The ancient tribes in America believed Colombian Emeralds possess magical powers because of their intense and vibrant color. Gemologists agree that Colombian Emeralds have the most beautiful color of any Emerald. The lush green color, somewhat close to that of velvet is due to trace amounts of chromium and vanadium found in the Eastern Andes mountain range of Colombia. Colombian Emeralds are famous for their wonderful 'jardin', which is French for garden and refers to the beautiful inclusion patterns which render each stone unique.

The three major producing mines of Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez are located deep within Colombia's rugged Andes Mountains. This difficult terrain makes mining Colombian emeralds extremely labor-intensive. The relative isolation of these mines has contributed to the relative scarcity of Colombian emeralds in the international market. Finally, only a fraction of harvested stones are of the quality required for fine jewelry.

Emeralds mean more to Colombians than just a lucrative export. They are treasured as a symbol of Colombian nationalism. Colombians believe emeralds were thought to have spiritual properties by ancient tribes. Used to bridge the gap between humans and nature. Colombian emeralds are steeped in folklore and are proudly represented in their artwork, traditions and have symbolized prosperity, fertility, and hope for Colombians for centuries.

Colombia is estimated to produce between 70 and 90 percent of the world's emeralds. Emeralds are extremely important to the Colombian economy because they bring in hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Thousands of people are employed by the emerald trade as miners, dealers, or craftsmen. Illegal mining and environmental issues are on the rise. Emerald miners and traders are turning to eco-friendly and ethical mining.

Emeralds are nature’s finest palette: carved by countless millennia of geological evolution and millennia of human history. Colombian emeralds have unsurpassed color, deep cultural resonance, and are highly valued commodities. Much more than just “a gemstone,” Colombian emeralds are Colombia’s greatest natural treasure and will be cherished for generations to come.