EMERALD PASSION
Provenance Gems was originally founded as a company that specialized in Emeralds and Emerald jewelry.
Today we source fine Emeralds through our exclusive network of suppliers directly from Colombia, Brazil and Zambia for clients all of the world.
Over the last 15 years we have acquired, sold and examined thousands of samples giving us unique insight into quality, value and even regional market trends.
Emeralds have been treasured throughout history by every culture that has known them. Across the world the color green is symbolic of health, growth, prosperity and rejuvenation. Emerald green is known to be the most noble and perfect shade of green, the embodiment of elegance and sophistication.
THE EMERAL TRAIL
Emeralds had been known to Europeans since at least the times of Cleopatra. However, in the sixteenth century the Spanish explorers and conquistadors arrived in present day Colombia and found Emeralds of a quality and size beyond their wildest dreams.
Over the next few centuries, the Spaniards would establish the famous Emerald mines, the most famous being the mine of Muzo, in the highlands around Bogota, Colombia’s present-day capital.
The galleons would sail with the Emeralds from the port of Cartagena to Spain from where they would then be traded with the Sultan’s of Turkey, Shah’s of Persia and Mughals of India for vast sums of gold.
An international Emerald trade was established. It still exists today and Colombia will always be synonymous with Emeralds.
EMERALDS TODAY
Today Colombia is still the world’s premier Emerald producer and throughout history the most famous and valuable finds have come from Colombia, particularly the legendary Muzo mine.
It is surprising how rare Emeralds actually are. Outside of Colombia significant deposits have only ever been found in a handful of countries of which the most important are Brazil, with a long-established trade, and, in recent decades, Zambia.
Although consumers are still quite rightly prepared to pay a premium for an Emerald of Colombian origin it must be said, Zambian Emeralds have had a tremendous impact in recent years.
ZAMBIA
Although Emeralds were first discovered Zambia in 1928, it was in the 1970’s that the Kagem Mine was discovered in the Copperbelt province. Today the Kagem Mine, operated by Gemfields, is responsible for 25% of global Emerald production.
Zambian Emeralds have caught the attention of collectors becoming known for their high quality and unique appearance, distinctive for their color and lower incidence of inclusions visible to the naked eye.
In many cases Zambian Emeralds are available for a lower price per carat than their equivalents from more established producers offering excellent collecting opportunities.
14 Karat Gold Bracelet featuring Zambian Emeralds
COLLECTING EMERALDS
Emeralds are unique among gemstones and collecting Emeralds although deeply rewarding can offer its challenges.
Important considerations are origin, treatments, clarity, cut and color. Assuming one is confident with the source the collector needs to pay special attention to:
Clarity is particularly important. Gemologist and Emerald expert Ronald Ringsrud prefers to use the term Crystal. Essentially, we are referring to an Emerald’s crystal make up. Emeralds are known for their inclusions and unique crystal structures, often referred to as jardin. Any authentic Emerald will show imperfections when examined. The question will always be if these imperfections detract or enhance the beauty of the Emerald.
Rare Trilliant cut Zambian Emeralds
FUN FACTS
Birth Stone for the month of May.
Gemstone of the Heart Chakra.
Wedding anniversaries: 20 - 35 - 55.
Star Signs: Cancer, Virgo & Gemini.
In Ancient Rome the Emerald was associated with the Goddess Venus, Goddess of love and romance.
