Emerald origins: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil and Afghanistan
· GemColony
Origin and treatment together
Emerald buyers ask about origin and about clarity enhancement. Almost all emeralds are treated with oil or resin to improve clarity, and the level of enhancement affects price and what you may say on an invoice.
Colombia
Colombia is the world's best-known source of fine emerald, with a trade centred on Bogotá. Colombian stones are known for a vivid, slightly warm green.
Zambia
Zambia is a leading modern source, mined around Kagem and elsewhere. Zambian emeralds are often a cooler, bluish green and tend to be cleaner than many Colombian stones.
Brazil and Afghanistan
Brazil produces emerald in several states, and Afghanistan's Panjshir valley has a long history of emerald mining. Russia's Ural mountains were another historic source.
What to record
Store the origin from the lab report, the stated level of clarity enhancement, the type of filler if known, and the report number. These all affect value and care.