The history of Colombian emeralds is a rich and complex one, spanning thousands of years…

Pre-Colombian Period: Emeralds have been mined and valued in Colombia for over 4,000 years. The indigenous Muisca people believed emeralds were the tears of the gods and used them for religious and ornamental purposes.

Spanish Conquest: When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they were captivated by the high-quality emeralds possessed by the native tribes. The Spanish began mining operations, often using forced indigenous labor, in areas like Muzo and Chivor.

Colonial Era: Under Spanish rule, emerald mining was tightly controlled, with the best stones reserved for the Spanish crown. Production continued until Colombia’s independence in 1819.

Post-Independence: After independence, control of the emerald mines shifted between public and private interests. Emeralds were increasingly exported to Europe.

The “Green Wars”: In the late 20th century, the Colombian emerald trade became embroiled in violent conflicts between mining families, drug cartels, and the government, known as the “Green Wars”. This period was marked by over 900 emerald-related murders in a single year.

Recent Developments: Since the 2000s, efforts have been made to formalize and bring more transparency to the Colombian emerald industry, with foreign investment and multinational companies getting involved.

Overall, Colombian emeralds have a storied history, from their pre-Colombian origins to their role in fueling conflict in more recent decades. The country remains the world’s largest producer of high-quality emeralds.