Editor’s Note
This article highlights Colombia’s dominant position in the global emerald export market, based on data from the National Federation of Emeralds. It also touches on the importance of verifying the authenticity of these precious gems.
Colombia leads the export market for this mineral. Learn how to detect if it is a genuine precious gem.
According to data from the National Federation of Emeralds of Colombia (Fedesmeraldas), approximately 3.8 million carats of Colombian emeralds leave the country for other markets each year.
On a broader scale, the country tops the list of nations leading the exports of these precious gems, followed by Zambia and Brazil. Regarding destinations, the places with the greatest preference for these minerals are Switzerland, the United States, Hong Kong, and France.
explained Sanjay Kumar, General Manager of Fura Coscuez, a mine of Fura Gems.
In a market where imitations and treatments are increasingly sophisticated, recognizing an authentic emerald has become both an art and a science. To facilitate this task, the mining company shared some signs to consider:
Colombian emeralds are recognized for their intense, deep green color with vibrant and uniform saturation. In this sense, it is recommended to avoid stones that appear too pale, dark, or opaque.
According to the mining company, natural inclusions, known as ‘the garden of the emerald,’ are not imperfections. They are unique internal characteristics that confirm its authenticity and give character to each stone.
A truly ethical emerald must have complete traceability from the mine to the market. In this regard, companies like Fura Gems use blockchain technology to guarantee transparency and responsible extraction.
Ask where the emerald comes from to better identify its process. Here, it is also important to highlight support for local artisans, especially considering that Colombian jewelers are fusing tradition with contemporary design, creating pieces that reflect national identity.