Buying Emeralds on Your Travels to Colombia

Colombia may not be the first place you think of when you plan a vacation, but you’d be surprised at how it’s catching on as a tourist destination. It’s not for the average tourist just yet, but those with an appetite for something different are experiencing the colonial romance of Cartagena, the tropical beach paradise of Tayrona, the beautiful women and salsa of Cali, eternal spring in Medellin, and perhaps the rapidly expanding center of it all in Bogota. Wherever it is that tourists are going, invariably they leave wanting to take some part of Colombia back with them. There are the usual items, coffee, woven bracelets, leathers, Botero figurines, and even brides; but those wanting to take back something truly special and valuable without getting married turn to Colombia’s world famous emeralds.

Travelers will find emeralds for sale in most of the major Colombian cities, but particularly in touristic Cartagena and in downtown Bogota, which is where most of the domestic and international-bound emerald trade is based. Cartagena is great for travelers who don’t plan to go inland, but you’ll pay tourist prices on just about everything… especially on emeralds. Cali and Medellin have their jewelry and tourist shops with emeralds for sale, but there isn’t much to choose from unless you go to fine jewelry stores. Don’t expect any bargains. For the best selection and your best chance at getting a good deal, there really is no alternative but to head to Bogota.

Before you even think about going to downtown Bogota looking for emeralds, or anywhere else for that matter, you really need to do a reality check and ask yourself the following questions... 1) How much do I know about emeralds? 2) How will I know I’m getting the real thing? and 3)How do I know I’m not getting the gringo discount? If an honest answer to the first question doesn’t scare you, you might be ok. But chances are the next website you visit will be Embassy Emeralds or the Google search page. Quite honestly, some of the best information you will find outside of a good jewelry and gemology book will be right here in our blog archives, on the About Emeralds page of the Embassy Emeralds website, or in the Emerald Encyclopedia. Do your homework!

If you completed the assignment, you might dare to slip on past question #1, but now you’ve come to the realization that in order to feel comfortable about question #2, you’re going to need some help. You could invest $100-$300 in a book or two, a loupe, a Chelsea filter, a synthetic emerald filter, and perhaps a few other tools you may never use again or you can contact us for help. We’ll arrange to talk by phone and be as helpful as we can. We don’t keep much inventory in Colombia, but we’ll gladly share some knowledge of a few local dealers we know to be reputable, advise you on the purchase, and even translate if needed. Expert help is always a good thing and it will help you eliminate doubts about question #3. If it doesn’t, you can always walk away to buy coffee and bracelets.

One last bit of advice… if you make it as far as where they sell emeralds and jewelry on your own, avoid the hundreds of emerald comisionistas you may see on the street. It’s no place to buy good, authentic emeralds or stand around with wads of pesos in your pockets. Good Luck!

First Impressions of La Candelaria

I must be honest, I know very little about La Candelaria. Before arriving here in Colombia a week ago, I knew that La Candelaria was a historic district of Bogota and that it is well known for its centuries old buildings and architecture. I had also heard that it is well known as a place to watch your back, as many people find themselves a victim of crime there.

During my search for an apartment, I mostly dismissed the idea of living in or near El Centro which is just below La Candelaria. It’s quite obvious by the condition of the buildings, the streets, and the people you’ll find there these areas are not as nice, new, and safe as the areas north or west of the Centro such as Chapinero, Rosales, or Salitre. My emerald supplier suggested La Candelaria is not as bad as it’s made out to be and that he himself has a house there. He told me about a friend of his looking to rent some apartments. The apartments were not bad, but not what I’m looking for, however they certainly would be a great option for the backpacker or leisure tourist on a budget looking to spend a month or two getting to know Bogota. The owners were artists and the three apartments were a simple, but interesting little collection along with the two workshops joined to their home.

Walking around La Candelaria to see the apartments and a little bit of exploring the night before in a downpour, I came to realize La Candelaria is not that bad. You certainly want to watch your back as you do anywhere else, but there was definitely an interesting feel to the place. It’s too bad I didn’t have time to look for another option in La Candelaria; I think it would be a fun experience to live there. It’s only a few blocks away, so I’m sure I’ll be heading there to explore every now and then. There were a few places that I already know I need to investigate further, such as the Museo Botero and El Chorro de Quevedo. The Museo is of course, dedicated to the most famous artist from Colombia, Fernando Botero. El Chorro de Quevedo is a small plaza like area with a few bars and some cozy restaurants with special sort of ambiance. When I stopped in there to get out of the rain, I found a dark and very small two-story bar inhabited by a few hippies and couples. I can imagine getting a few drinks there with friends someday or escaping with a girlfriend to spend a few simple, but romantic hours talking over drinks.

Well, that’s my impression so far. I’m sure it’ll only get better, barring any problems with crime. But those things can happen anywhere. Hopefully it won’t, but if it does, I’ll try not to let it influence my opinion of the area. There’s just seems to be too much history and atmosphere to miss out on.

Going the Extra Mile(s) for Christmas

Here I am in Colombia. A land feared and misunderstood my most, but a beautiful land and people with unforgettable experiences just waiting for those with the guts to put aside what people say to go see and feel for themselves what Colombia is all about. Ever since my first trip several years ago, it has been a sort of personal dream for me to come live here someday, but I never dreamed or expected it would happen like this. But that’s ok. Right now, this isn’t about me… I’m here for business. I’m here in the middle of Bogota with nothing but emeralds and emerald jewelry on my mind. I’ve left everything behind to spend the next few months personally filling emerald requests received from the website and cementing relationships with our sources that will last for years and years to come. When I’m not busy doing that, I’ll be working with local jewelers to bring new and unique designs to the world via Embassy Emeralds.

It is quite exciting to be putting it all out on the line for something you believe in. I believe in getting the best emeralds to our customers at a reasonable price and that’s what this is all about. We’re taking out the middle man, getting great deals on great stones, and passing it on to our customers. Not only are we doing that, but we’re giving the customer a level of service that is indeed uncommon. Where else can you request something as rare as a fine Colombian emerald to your specifications and then have an expert track it down for you straight from the source. In our minds, that’s great service and we’re sincerely excited about it. Not only do we get to spend our time sorting through hundreds of beautiful emeralds in search of that perfect stone, but we get to satisfy the customer in doing so. Everyone wins. If you’ve been dreaming of an emerald and you’re ready to make your dream a reality, now is the time. Contact us today.