|
Rafael D.M and R.C. ready to start. No, not yet...
Usually, when a foreign arrives to the market, is immediately surrounded
by a crowd of comissionistas. Sometimes the pressure, both physical and
emotional is such that it is the point where mistakes are mainly made. And
usually they can cost few thousands of dollars... |
Another view of downtown Bogot�. The emerald market is
nearby. |
|
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". |
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. Very expensive
material! |
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 next) |
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 smaller, natural hexagon of 1.43 ct., top color and
clarity. Cut from the top of the horizontal, full section of the natural crystal. |
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 Bogot� for several thousands of USD per carat |
|
Beautiful specimen in this parcel. Could not stop
smiling...Several thousands per carat as well. |
Stunning heart shape of approx. 8 ct from Chivor. |
USA.
199