Gemstone guide
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What is Colombian Emerald?
Colombian Emerald is the emerald variety of beryl, coloured by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. A guide to the gem, and to buying one well.
About Colombian Emerald
01- Species
- Beryl
- Variety
- Emerald
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5-8
- Refractive index
- 1.577-1.583
- Colour caused by
- Trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium
Colombian Emeralds are the epitome of elegance, renowned for their lush and vibrant green hues that evoke the verdant landscapes of their origin. These exquisite gemstones, sourced from Colombia, Africa, and Brazil, are treasured for their unique beauty and rarity. The allure of a Colombian Emerald lies in its rich colour, often described as a vivid green, and its enchanting clarity, ranging from VS to SI-2. Many of these gems undergo minor oil treatment, a traditional method that enhances their natural beauty without compromising their integrity.
At STARLANKA, we offer a curated selection of Colombian Emeralds, each one-of-a-kind and meticulously cut in styles such as the Emerald Cut, Modified Brilliant Cut, and Asscher Cut. Prices for these captivating stones begin from around $480 per carat, reflecting their desirability and the craftsmanship involved. Many of our emeralds are accompanied by certificates from esteemed laboratories like GIA and GRS, with certification available on request for any stone.
Judging quality
02What drives the value
- color intensity
- clarity
- size
- origin
What to watch for when buying
- overlooking minor clarity enhancements
- assuming all emeralds are untreated
- not verifying origin
Inclusions you may see
- jardin (internal inclusions typical of emeralds)
- feathers
- liquid inclusions
Origin, treatment and trade names
03Where it comes from
TreatmentAs disclosed for the stones we sell; every listing states its own.
Trade names
From our stock
04From the journal
05Frequently Asked Questions
06Where do Colombian Emeralds come from?
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Colombian Emeralds are primarily sourced from Colombia, but they can also be found in Africa and Brazil.
Are Colombian Emeralds treated?
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Yes, many Colombian Emeralds undergo minor oil treatment to enhance their natural beauty.
What drives the value of a Colombian Emerald?
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The value of a Colombian Emerald is driven by its colour, clarity, and provenance, with vivid green hues and high clarity being particularly prized.
How should I choose a Colombian Emerald?
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When choosing a Colombian Emerald, consider the stone's colour, clarity, and cut, as well as whether it comes with a laboratory certificate.
Are all Colombian Emeralds certified?
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Many Colombian Emeralds at STARLANKA come with a certificate from GIA or GRS, and certification is available on request for any stone.
Shop
Colombian Emerald
Every stone shows its own price, weight, origin and treatment. Browse our colombian emerald, or contact our team for personal help choosing one.





