Knowledge
Emeralds have a long and illustrious history, with the most coveted of these gems hailing from the South American country of Colombia. These mines have been worked since ancient times and continue to be the standard upon which all emeralds are graded for quality.
Gemstones
History of the Colombian Mines
Native Lore
The mines of Colombia are situated in the eastern range of the Andes, the most renowned of these being the Muzo mines. Before being discovered by Spanish conquistadors, emeralds had long been revered by pre-Columbian cultures.
The Incas (1438-1533) had been using emeralds both in jewellery and for religious purposes, believing they held mystical powers and brought good luck and prosperity. Travelling back even further through time, the Muisca society (600 AD-1600) used emeralds as offerings in the El Dorado ceremony, which was their way of initiating a new leader, and gave rise to the famous legend in the process!
An abundance and appreciation of these gems can also be seen in Hernán Cortés’ account of first meeting the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II in 1519, describing him as being ‘bedecked in fine emeralds’.
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The Evolution of Muzo
A few emeralds had made their way to Europe in the first half of the 16th century, however it wasn’t until after 1567, following several attempts at locating and establishing a mine that there was success, and the first organised mining effort occurred at Muzo. With Spanish Captain Benito de Poveda in charge, there were more men stationed to guard this precious mine than there were to dig.
The Muzo mines proved very successful, with many large emeralds of a high clarity unearthed. Thereafter a steady flow of these extraordinary gems were shipped to the royal court in Madrid via the Caribbean, twice a year.
The expansion of Muzo, the town, was facilitated by the success of these mines, with a royal mint established, alongside courthouses and a cathedral. By the mid-17th century, the majority of emeralds were being sent to the royal lapidary in Madrid where they were cut and polished.
A century later, the emerald output from Muzo was in decline due to inefficiency, and despite efforts by the Spanish crown to increase production, by 1796 the Muzo mine was officially closed.
An Independent Colombia
Following Colombia’s independence from Spain in 1810, the mine was leased to various individuals, both Colombian and foreign, and Muzo emeralds found their way back to Europe, this time to famed jewellery houses in London and Paris.
These old mines have long been depleted and Colombian emeralds, most usually found in antique jewels, remain highly sought after. They are still regarded as being without equal in terms of colour, clarity, and quality.
The Physical Qualities of a Colombian Emerald
Colour: ‘Nothing Greens Greener’
The Roman historian Pliny once used this phrase to describe emeralds in his Natural History, and in the case of Muzo emeralds, nothing could be truer.
The old Colombian mines are famed for producing high quality emeralds with a saturated pure green hue, sometimes with very slight blue undertones.
The trace elements of chromium and vanadium are what causes the distinctive green hue of an emerald and the low amount, or in some cases, absence of, iron is responsible for the ideal colouration of a Colombian emerald.
The lack of iron atoms causes Colombian emeralds to emit a red fluorescence in normal light, causing the lush green hue to become even more vibrant!
A Superior Clarity
Colombian emeralds are known for their incredible clarity, a rare and sought after characteristic amongst emeralds. Naturally containing inclusions which are visible to the naked eye, these are very distinctive and form a scenery described by the French as a ‘jardin’ or garden.
As Colombian emeralds typically have a higher clarity, less oil would penetrate the stone through surface reaching fissures, leaving the natural beauty to shine through. Colombian emeralds with even minor, or insignificant clarity enhancement are rare to come by. Rarer still, and accounting for less than 1% of all emeralds, are those which feature no oil at all.
In comparison to the resin treated emeralds of today, old Colombian material is far superior in terms of quality, beauty and its investment potential.
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Butterfly Wings
Of the inclusions that can be seen within Colombian emeralds, some are highly prized among connoisseurs. One such internal phenomenon is known as ‘gota de aceite’ (‘drop of oil’ in Spanish), or ‘butterfly wings’ which occurs in the finest of emeralds. Microscopic inclusions, caused by growth irregularities, act to scatter the light producing a beautiful velvety texture and reducing extinction within the stone. So rare, this effect can be seen in just one of every thousand emeralds of fine quality.
Notable Colombian Emeralds
One of the most famous Muzo emeralds is ‘The Duke of Devonshire Emerald’. With an astonishing weight of 1,383.93 carats, it is one of the world's largest uncut emeralds. It is thought that the stone was either gifted or sold by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil to William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, in 1831. It now resides in the Vault at London’s Natural History Museum.
The Cheapside Hoard, a treasure trove of over 400 pieces of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery found in the basement of a London building, contained an intricate pocket watch housed in a large Colombian emerald of exquisite quality. A most remarkable find!
Berganza’s collection features some of the finest Colombian emeralds, those with an evenly saturated colour, with most having minor oil or better. Indeed if you are looking for a fine quality emerald, you need search no further!
Immerse yourself in the mesmerising beauty of one of the finest of all pieces in our collection, a Colombian emerald ring with a gem of over 9 carats and containing no oil.
An increasingly popular choice to signify your love and commitment, Colombian emerald engagement rings are available in an array of designs and styles so you are sure to find the perfect one for you or your loved one!
The birthstone of May, emeralds have long proved a popular gift, as well as being given to celebrate 55 years of marriage. Our selection of Colombian emerald earrings features both drop and stud pieces to suit any occasion, and can be paired with a matching emerald pendant, or cocktail ring.
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Yes, emeralds are still mined and sold in Colombia, however the best quality material from the old mines has long been depleted.
Colombian emeralds are recognised as being the world’s finest and are what all other emeralds today are compared to. Whilst Colombia still produces emeralds today, the quality cannot compare to those of yesteryear, making the stones set in antique and vintage pieces an incredible investment and extremely valuable.
Yes, whilst an emerald is not as hard as a diamond or corundum it can still be worn and enjoyed daily, just ensure you wear it with care!