The emeralds you will most often come across on the market come from three main regions – Colombia, Zambia and Brazil. Clients often ask us what the differences between them are. That is why we have put together a basic comparison for you, including indicative prices.
The price of emeralds depends on several key factors. Besides colour, clarity, size and cut, origin is also crucial in the case of emeralds.
Colombian emeralds
Colombian emeralds are considered the most valuable on the market. They stand out for their deep green, vivid colour, which many describe as the "ideal shade". They are a symbol of exclusivity and prestige, often with a higher investment value – their price has been rising over the long term. On the market they range from 250 USD per carat for lower quality up to more than 50,000 USD per carat for exceptional specimens.
Emeralds from Colombia typically contain a larger number of inclusions (so-called "jardines"), which does not reduce their value in any way – on the contrary, it is a characteristic feature. Chemically they contain the most chromium.
Brazilian emeralds
Brazilian emeralds are the more affordable option, priced from 50 USD per carat up to roughly 10,000 USD per carat for exceptional pieces. Their colour tends to be a darker or lighter green, often with higher clarity and fewer inclusions than the Colombian ones. That makes them suitable for those looking for a compromise between quality and price.
Chemically they are formed mainly by vanadium and chromium. The investment potential of Brazilian emeralds is significantly lower than that of Colombian emeralds.
Zambian emeralds
These are typified by their darker and cooler green colour. They are the most affordable – quality stones can be bought for a few hundred dollars per carat, exceptional ones for more than 5,000. They are readily available thanks to cheaper and more extensive production.
Chemically they contain chromium and iron and their clarity tends to be medium. Their investment value and prestige are lower than those of the Colombian ones, but they are still attractive stones.
If you are looking for a gemstone that combines natural beauty, prestige and value, the Colombian emerald is an unrivalled choice. It is more than just a rare stone – it is an investment in luxury that will last for generations.
