The Encyclopedia · Stones & materials
Colombian emerald
Emerald from Colombia, the source of the finest green emeralds for five centuries.
Since the sixteenth century the mines of Colombia, above all Muzo and Chivor, have produced the world’s finest emeralds, with a pure, warm green. Many of the great emeralds in historic jewels, carved Mughal stones included, are Colombian.
Emeralds almost always contain inclusions, called the jardin, the garden.
What to look for
Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to fill fissures. A report stating Colombian origin and minor or no clarity enhancement adds significant value.
In the collection
Colombian emerald, available now
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