No. 6
On the Road to the Colombian Emerald
May 2025/English/Limited Edition/164 pages
The fruit of in-depth research, this new issue of Collectissim Magazine is entirely dedicated to Colombian emerald. With only 400 numbered copies printed, it offers a unique immersion experience combining history, gemology, a visit to the Chivor mine and exclusive interviews with leading figures in the Colombian emerald industry.
- Limited edition of 400 numbered copies
- Available from May 8, 2025
- Conference at GemGenève
On the road to the Colombian Emerald
This exceptional new issue invites you on a timeless journey to discover the Colombian emerald, the jewel among jewels. From the legendary Somondoco mines, exploited by the Muisca people, to the jealously guarded treasures of the Spanish crown, we retrace the history of this bewitching stone, whose beauty has captivated sovereigns and collectors down the centuries.
To fully appreciate the complexity and refinement of this elite market, we travelled to Colombia to the heart of the historic Chivor mines, where the earth still reveals its most precious secrets. Our journey also took us to meet the key figures in the Colombian emerald trade: George Smith, Jimmy Molina, Ronald Ringsrud and Uvaldo Montenegro, whose expertise sheds new light on the dynamics of an ever-changing market.
Each page of this issue has been conceived as an immersion in the singular world of Colombian emerald: a subtle alliance between history, know-how and excellence. A meticulous investigation, never-before-seen photographs and exclusive stories make this edition a must-read and accessible work.
A complete immersion in the world of Colombian emeralds
Discover the fascinating world of one of the most coveted gems: history, gemology, markets and exclusive encounters in the heart of Colombian mines. An issue created for enthusiasts, the curious and all those who wish to learn more.
On the road to Colombian emerald: from pre-Columbian mining to the rediscovery of the Chivor mines
The history of Colombian emeralds is as rich as the lands that gave birth to them. In this new issue, Collectissim Magazine takes you to the origins of a fascinating stone, mined in pre-Columbian times by the Muisca people, long before the arrival of the conquistadores. This sacred stone, deeply rooted in the rites and exchanges of pre-Hispanic America, would soon be coveted by European powers, marking the beginning of a new era of exploitation.
The story continues through the centuries, to the rhythm of sea routes, trading posts and empires. The Colombian emerald travels aboard the Indian Fleet, crosses the oceans and finds its way into the jewels of the Mughal, Persian and Ottoman courts. Each stage of its journey reveals a new facet of its power of attraction, whether as a symbol of wealth, eternity or divine offering.
Through a sensitive, well-documented approach, this section of the magazine retraces the major milestones that have shaped the unique aura of Colombian emerald. Combining historical accounts, cultural interpretations and cross-cultural perspectives, it offers a captivating immersion in a past where civilizations, exchanges and powers meet.
An exclusive issue of 400 numbered copies
With an edition of only 400 numbered copies, this new issue of Collectissim Magazine is a rare and meticulous edition, printed in France.
Designed as a true collector’s item, it is aimed at all those who wish to discover the world of Colombian emeralds through a documented, passionate and accessible vision.
At the heart of the field, between gemology, mining and testimonies
This issue focuses on the technical and sensitive understanding of Colombian emeralds. In collaboration with the prestigious Gübelin Gem Lab, Collectissim Magazine offers an enlightened reading of the gemmological specificities of these sought-after stones: transparency, color, inclusions… so many criteria that contribute to their identity and value.
To complete this approach, the magazine takes you to Chivor, one of Colombia’s most emblematic historic mines. On site, we were able to observe the realities of a working site, combining traditional craftsmanship with local expertise. This immersion allowed us to better understand the conditions of extraction, the unique geography of the region, and the strong link between the stone and its territory of origin.
But understanding Colombian emerald today also means looking to the future. In Coscuez, Fura Gems embodies a new era of mining: modern, responsible and transparent. Thanks to major investments and a bold industrial vision, Fura is restoring this centuries-old mine to a leading role in the global emerald landscape.
Finally, a series of interviews gives a voice to those who bring emeralds to life on a daily basis. From George Smith to Ronald Ringsrud, Jimmy Molina to Uvaldo Montenegro, these great names in Colombian trade share their experience, their vision of the market, and their deep attachment to this unique stone. A way of anchoring the story in reality, by giving voice to those who perpetuate its history today.
An official presentation at GemGenève
The new issue of Collectissim will be presented and launched on Thursday May 8 at GemGenève.
Alongside Geoffray Riondet, we’ll be giving a talk in French on the history of Colombian emeralds, followed by a convivial discussion about the magazine at the Letu bookshop stand.
GemGenève 2025: conference and official launch
On the occasion of the next edition of GemGenève, Collectissim Magazine will be honored with an exclusive conference entitled “On the road to Colombian emerald: from pre-Columbian mining to the rediscovery of the Chivor mines”. Co-hosted by Guilhem and Geoffray Riondet, this talk will offer a documented and fascinating dive into the history of this fascinating stone, between ancient civilizations, maritime routes and the rediscovery of deposits.
At the end of the conference, visitors will be invited to the official presentation of issue 6 on the stand of Librairie Letu, the magazine’s partner. This will be an opportunity to leaf through the first pages, meet the editorial team and go behind the scenes of this new issue entirely dedicated to Colombian emeralds.
The magazine will be available for sale on site, in a limited edition of 400 numbered copies. A rare opportunity to purchase this high-end editorial object in a privileged setting, at the heart of one of the finest events in the international jewelry calendar.
A high-end, limited-edition magazine
Rigid A4 format
Printed in France
400 numbered copies only
✔️ Careful delivery
✔️ Secure payment
✔️ International shipping
With the support of :
No. 6
On the Road to the Colombian Emerald
May 2025/English/Limited Edition/164 pages
The fruit of in-depth research, this new issue of Collectissim Magazine is entirely dedicated to Colombian emerald. With only 400 numbered copies printed, it offers a unique immersion experience combining history, gemology, a visit to the Chivor mine and exclusive interviews with leading figures in the Colombian emerald industry.
- Limited edition of 400 numbered copies
- Available from May 8, 2025
- Conference at GemGenève
On the road to the Colombian Emerald
This exceptional new issue invites you on a timeless journey to discover the Colombian emerald, the jewel among jewels. From the legendary Somondoco mines, exploited by the Muisca people, to the jealously guarded treasures of the Spanish crown, we retrace the history of this bewitching stone, whose beauty has captivated sovereigns and collectors down the centuries.
To fully appreciate the complexity and refinement of this elite market, we travelled to Colombia to the heart of the historic Chivor mines, where the earth still reveals its most precious secrets. Our journey also took us to meet the key figures in the Colombian emerald trade: George Smith, Jimmy Molina, Ronald Ringsrud and Uvaldo Montenegro, whose expertise sheds new light on the dynamics of an ever-changing market.
Each page of this issue has been conceived as an immersion in the singular world of Colombian emerald: a subtle alliance between history, know-how and excellence. A meticulous investigation, never-before-seen photographs and exclusive stories make this edition a must-read and accessible work.
A complete immersion in the world of Colombian emeralds
Discover the fascinating world of one of the most coveted gems: history, gemology, markets and exclusive encounters in the heart of Colombian mines. An issue created for enthusiasts, the curious and all those who wish to learn more.
From pre-Columbian mining to the rediscovery of the Chivor mines
The history of Colombian emeralds is as rich as the lands that gave birth to them. In this new issue, Collectissim Magazine takes you to the origins of a fascinating stone, mined in pre-Columbian times by the Muisca people, long before the arrival of the conquistadores. This sacred stone, deeply rooted in the rites and exchanges of pre-Hispanic America, would soon be coveted by European powers, marking the beginning of a new era of exploitation.
The story continues through the centuries, to the rhythm of sea routes, trading posts and empires. The Colombian emerald travels aboard the Indian Fleet, crosses the oceans and finds its way into the jewels of the Mughal, Persian and Ottoman courts. Each stage of its journey reveals a new facet of its power of attraction, whether as a symbol of wealth, eternity or divine offering.
Through a sensitive, well-documented approach, this section of the magazine retraces the major milestones that have shaped the unique aura of Colombian emerald. Combining historical accounts, cultural interpretations and cross-cultural perspectives, it offers a captivating immersion in a past where civilizations, exchanges and powers meet.
An exclusive issue of 400 numbered copies
With an edition of only 400 numbered copies, this new issue of Collectissim Magazine is a rare and meticulous edition, printed in France.
Designed as a true collector’s item, it is aimed at all those who wish to discover the world of Colombian emeralds through a documented, passionate and accessible vision.
At the heart of the field, between gemology, mining and testimonies
This issue focuses on the technical and sensitive understanding of Colombian emeralds. In collaboration with the prestigious Gübelin Gem Lab, Collectissim Magazine offers an enlightened reading of the gemmological specificities of these sought-after stones: transparency, color, inclusions... so many criteria that contribute to their identity and value.
To complete this approach, the magazine takes you to Chivor, one of Colombia's most emblematic historic mines. On site, we were able to observe the realities of a working site, combining traditional craftsmanship with local expertise. This immersion allowed us to better understand the conditions of extraction, the unique geography of the region, and the strong link between the stone and its territory of origin.
But understanding Colombian emerald today also means looking to the future. In Coscuez, Fura Gems embodies a new era of mining: modern, responsible and transparent. Thanks to major investments and a bold industrial vision, Fura is restoring this centuries-old mine to a leading role in the global emerald landscape.
Finally, a series of interviews gives a voice to those who bring emeralds to life on a daily basis. From George Smith to Ronald Ringsrud, Jimmy Molina to Uvaldo Montenegro, these great names in Colombian trade share their experience, their vision of the market, and their deep attachment to this unique stone. A way of anchoring the story in reality, by giving voice to those who perpetuate its history today.
An official presentation at GemGenève
The new issue of Collectissim will be presented and launched on Thursday May 8 at GemGenève.
Alongside Geoffray Riondet, we’ll be giving a talk in French on the history of Colombian emeralds, followed by a convivial discussion about the magazine at the Letu bookshop booth.
GemGenève 2025: conference and official launch
On the occasion of the next edition of GemGenève, Collectissim Magazine will be honored with an exclusive conference entitled “On the road to Colombian emerald: from pre-Columbian mining to the rediscovery of the Chivor mines”. Co-hosted by Guilhem and Geoffray Riondet, this talk will offer a documented and fascinating dive into the history of this fascinating stone, between ancient civilizations, maritime routes and the rediscovery of deposits.
At the end of the conference, visitors will be invited to the official presentation of issue 6 on the stand of Librairie Letu, the magazine's partner. This will be an opportunity to leaf through the first pages, meet the editorial team and go behind the scenes of this new issue entirely dedicated to Colombian emeralds.
The magazine will be available for sale on site, in a limited edition of 400 numbered copies. A rare opportunity to purchase this high-end editorial object in a privileged setting, at the heart of one of the finest events in the international jewelry calendar.
A high-end, limited-edition magazine
Rigid A4 format
Printed in France
400 numbered copies only
✔️ Careful delivery
✔️ Secure payment
✔️ International shipping
With the support of :