Emerald certification and traceability are central to the Alpine Green approach, providing clear information on a Colombian emerald’s origin, treatment and gemological characteristics.
Emerald Certification
and Traceability
Understanding what
accompanies the stone.
For an important Colombian emerald, documentation provides context: what the stone is, where it may originate, the treatments observed and the findings recorded at the time of examination.
Gemological reports are an important part of understanding an emerald, but they should be read for what they are: independent records of specific gemological findings, rather than certificates of quality or value.
Identity
A report records the identification of the stone and the gemological observations made during laboratory examination.
Origin
When sufficient evidence is present, a laboratory may issue an opinion on the geographic origin of an emerald.
Treatment
The report may describe indications of clarity enhancement and its extent according to the terminology of the issuing laboratory.
How to read an
emerald report.
Laboratory terminology can vary, and each section of a report has a specific meaning. Our dedicated guide explains how to interpret the information presented on an emerald laboratory report.
Two forms of documentation
Local expertise and
international recognition.
Depending on the stone, documentation may be issued in Colombia or by an internationally recognised independent gemological laboratory.
Colombian
gemological reports
Certain emeralds are accompanied by reports issued by gemological laboratories in Colombia, providing independent identification and relevant information close to the source.
International
laboratory reports
Selected emeralds may be submitted to internationally recognised independent laboratories such as Gübelin Gem Lab, SSEF or GRS for further gemological examination.
Treatment should
be understood.
Clarity enhancement has long been part of the emerald trade. What matters is understanding what has been introduced into the stone, to what extent, and how that information is disclosed.
Emeralds commonly contain surface-reaching fissures. These may be filled to reduce their visibility, traditionally with oils and, in some cases, with other filling substances. Laboratory examination helps document the presence and extent of this enhancement.
Substance
The nature of the filling substance is relevant to understanding how an emerald has been enhanced.
Extent
Laboratories may describe the degree of clarity enhancement using terminology such as minor, moderate or significant.
Disclosure
Treatment information should form part of the documentation and discussion surrounding an important emerald.
Understanding emerald
treatments.
Explore our dedicated guide to Colombian emerald treatments, including oiling, clarity enhancement, filling substances, treatment levels and the terminology used to describe them.
From origin
to provenance.
Traceability goes beyond a geographic origin opinion. It considers the information and documentation that can accompany an emerald through its journey from Colombia to the client.
A laboratory may provide an opinion on geographic origin, while provenance concerns the documented history of an individual stone. The two are related, but they are not the same.
Geographic Origin
Gemological characteristics may allow a laboratory to issue an opinion identifying Colombia as the geographic origin of an emerald.
Provenance
Provenance relates to the known history of a particular stone and may be supported by records associated with its sourcing, ownership or journey through the trade.
Documentation
Laboratory reports, sourcing information and other available records can contribute to a clearer picture of an emerald and its history.
Colombian origin does not, by itself, identify the mine from which an emerald was extracted.
References to a specific mine or mining area therefore require additional provenance information beyond a laboratory opinion of geographic origin.
Explore the origins of
Colombian emeralds.
Discover Colombia’s principal emerald-producing regions, their geological context and the characteristics associated with historic sources including Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez.
Clarity in how a stone
is presented.
Alpine Green approaches documentation as part of the relationship between the stone and its future owner: relevant information should be available, understandable and presented without ambiguity.
An exceptional emerald deserves to be understood as completely as possible. Gemological findings, treatment information and available provenance are considered alongside the qualities of the stone itself.
Independent Analysis
Important stones may be accompanied by reports from internationally recognized independent gemological laboratories, where appropriate.
Treatment Disclosure
Available information concerning clarity enhancement and treatment is communicated as part of the presentation of the emerald.
Available Provenance
Where reliable sourcing or provenance information exists, it provides additional context to the history and journey of an individual stone.
Expert Context
Documentation is considered together with color, crystal, cut, character and the individual qualities that distinguish one emerald from another.
A report describes what can be observed and tested. Selecting an exceptional emerald requires understanding the stone beyond the report.
Understand the stone.
For a particular Colombian emerald, our team can discuss the stone, its gemological documentation, treatment and available provenance as part of a private enquiry.
