R.C. viewing a parcel of emeralds. Brokers will come and go all day long to show their stones to the buyers. Look at the middle guy...his skin color tells that he is of native, Indian origin. These people among Colombians are "guaqueros" or "treasure hunters", descendents of the Muisca Indians.

Many of the brokers are women. My best stone during that trip, an exceptionally clean Muzo stone, heart shape of 5.65 ct. was purchased from a beautiful, female broker...nothing new about this selling tactic...except that it works well for the seller.

Checking emeralds. To know emeralds quality and price takes a lot, lot of experience.

Checking emeralds under special loupe. A careful, close-up examination is very important. There are many synthetics offered to foreign buyers.

A fine parcel of emerald crystals.

Checking more emeralds...

R.C holding an exceptiona crystal from Muzo. This crystal yielded a top, "gota de aceite" match pair, emerald cut of 8.5 cttw. and a natural, hexagon shape of 1.43 ct. (see below)

A master cutter, initializing the cutting process of the emerald crystal on the left. This process is thought through very carefully...

Examining the emerald crystal and try to decide how to get rid of the included section (whitish portion in the emerald crystal). Probably that occurred when the crystal was broken away from the rock host (matrix).

The master cutter's wheel

Here is the final result: Finest color, top clarity and awesome cutting for this finest match pair, 8.5 cttw. from the Muzo crystal seen previously. In Colombia, top emeralds are called "gota de aceite", that means "oil drop". Were offered for sale in Nov.2004 in Bogotá for several thousands of USD per carat

The smaller, natural hexagon of 1.43 ct., top color and clarity. Cut from the top of the horizontal, full section of the natural crystal.

Beautiful specimen in this parcel. Could not stop smiling...Several thousands per carat as well.

Stunning heart shape of approx. 8 ct from Chivor.

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