Colombian emeralds are prized for a warm, saturated green that few other origins match. When we select a stone for a client, four things matter most.
Colour comes first
The finest emeralds show a vivid, slightly bluish green with even saturation. Too light and the stone looks washed out; too dark and it loses life indoors.
Clarity: the jardin
Almost every emerald has inclusions, often called the jardin. We look for inclusions that do not reach the surface or cloud the stone.
Origin and treatment
Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez are the classic Colombian mines. Most emeralds are treated with oil; a report from a laboratory such as SSEF, Gübelin or GRS states the origin and the degree of treatment.
Cut
The emerald cut protects the corners of a brittle crystal and shows colour evenly, but ovals and cushions can be equally beautiful.
If you are considering an emerald for a ring, we are happy to source a selection for you in Bogotá.