gems, beryl, emerald, Colombia

This exceptional new issue invites you on a timeless journey to discover the Colombian emerald, the jewel among jewels. From the legendary Somondoco mines, exploited by the Muisca people, to the jealously guarded treasures of the Spanish crown, we retrace the history of this bewitching stone, whose beauty has captivated sovereigns and collectors down the centuries. To fully appreciate the complexity and refinement of this elite market, we travelled to Colombia to the heart of the historic Chivor mines, where the earth still reveals its most precious secrets. Our journey also took us to meet the key figures in the Colombian emerald trade: George Smith, Jimmy Molina, Ronald Ringsrud and Uvaldo Montenegro, whose expertise sheds new light on the dynamics of an ever-changing market. Each page of this issue has been conceived as an immersion in the singular world of Colombian emerald: a subtle alliance between history, know-how and excellence. A meticulous investigation, never-before-seen photographs and exclusive stories make this edition a must-read and accessible work.