The Emerald in All Its Forms

Colombia, the World’s Leading Source of Emeralds

The emerald, the only gemstone in the beryl family, is recognizable by its green color and is found in numerous deposits, the most prestigious and abundant of which remains the Boyacá Triangle in Colombia, a region where the green is most intense. While this origin is the most sought-after, mine operators there have, for several decades, systematically applied heat treatments and oil impregnations. These factors have now become decisive in the valuation of the stones, which are valued more highly when they are more natural.

A Stone That Needs Protection

In the world of jewelry, the emerald is highly prized in all its shades and cuts, but it requires great care both in its setting and in its daily wear. Indeed, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale (which ranges from 1 for talc to 10 for diamond), the emerald is a stone that is best suited to a bezel setting, which provides better protection against impact, or a diamond border, as seen in timeless designs such as the “Marguerite,” “Marquise,” or “Pompadour.”

Upcoming Auction

Jewelry
Tuesday, June 30, 2026