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GREAT
FALLS BPA FEATURED ARTICLE:
Sponsored by Adeler Jewelers
www.AdelerJewelers.com
Jorge Adeler in Colombia; The
Emeralds' Paradise
Mr. Adeler
became involved in the jewelry business for many reasons, one of the most
prominent was his love of gems and also his passion for travel. Having
grown up in Argentina he had both physical proximity (to the vast richness of
the Brazilian gem mines) as well the cultural understanding that allowed him to
travel through extremely inhospitable regions of the Andes and the jungles of
Colombia. Through his over 30 years of travel in the world of gems and his
subsequent accumulation of knowledge and contacts in the field of gemology, he
has been able to hone in on the finest sources for gemstones, pearls, Italian
gold and shipwreck coins.
An introduction to the Mining of Gemstones
Compared to most mining, including that of fossil fuels, gold and diamonds, the
mining of colored stones is small-scale and considered largely primitive.
It is also riskier: There are several factors, some of which are beyond
the miner's control, which influences the economics of colored gemstone mining:
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the
geographic accessibility of the deposit
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the
natural environment
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labor costs
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political climate
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demand for gem in the world market
The proximity of a mine to a good road and city or town, the more
economical and profitable it is to mine. A nearby source of water
is also important and sometimes can provide cheap, convenient transport.
Climate such as withering heat and crippling snows can also directly
affect the production. Local labor costs are important in mining a
gem deposit profitably as is the political and economic climate of the
region. The last factor to consider is the deposit type and
methods used to extricate the gems. Taking all of these issues
into account, it is amazing to think that gorgeous gemstones are mined
daily all over the world.
Some of the rarest and most expensive emeralds in the world come from
three main emerald mining areas in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez and
Chivor. Emeralds were mined there long before the Spaniards
arrived. It took many years for the Conquistadors to try and force
the Incas to reveal the location of the hidden tunnels of which even the
paths had been overgrown by the jungle. Finally the Spanish,
almost by accident, found them on their own and began mining and
producing for the Spanish crown, who claimed one-fifth.
Many of the gold and emerald encrusted items the indigenous tribes
created are displayed in the Museo del Oro in Bogota.
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As with diamonds, the few famous large emeralds, scattered around the
world, are often known by their names. The two most famous are the
Devonshire Emerald and the Patricia Emerald.
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Five
unnamed large emerald crystals from Muzo are located in the vault of the
Bank of the Republic of Colombia and they weigh between 1,100 carats to
1,796 carats, as well as one weighing 220 carats.
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The Smithsonian Institute of Washington has one that is 858 carats and
is considered to be the finest quality in existence.
An Interview with Jorge Adeler
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Q: Why did you choose to go directly to the Mines?
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A:
In order to truly understand and explain about a gem, it is important to
learn its origins, its legends and to understand the process of
transformation the gem takes from rough to finished. It is similar
to the process one takes in understanding a appreciating a person, you
don't get to them until you know where they are from and how they were
brought up. This gives you an insight you would otherwise not have
into their character. It is the same with gemstones.
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Q: What mines did you visit?
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A:
From the mines in the region of Coscuez, Colombia I visited three Emerald
mines:
La Marina, La Paz and Jerusalem.
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Q: Can anyone access these mines?
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A: No, they are some of the hardest to gain access to in the
World. The geographic location in itself makes it difficult due to
the altitude and mountainous terrain. The history of pilfering and
ravaging of these mines from the time of the conquistadores has also
made the natives fiercely protective of their native treasure. And
let's not talk of the violence and political unrest of the region!
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Q: How do you go about purchasing Emeralds once you are
there?
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A: Normally the stones are purchased in the mining areas in
their rough form and transported to Bogotá where expert lapidaries (gem
cutters) will maximize the crystals and transform them into gorgeous
gems of international renown. Being involved at this stage helps
to secure the authenticity of the gems you purchase since you follow
them through the entire process.
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Q: So what do you do to prepare for heading "to the Mines"?
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A:
You fly to Bogotá and secure permission from the mine owners (normally a very
slow process since many are owned by multiple partners and majority has
to agree). You then must get approval from the administrator who
has the obligation to protect the interest of all of the partners.
You then have to secure a knowledgeable driver with reliable 4 wheel
drive transportation (since mechanics are nowhere to be found and parts
are hundreds of miles away). Lastly you need to purchase your own
boots, lantern and hardhat plus pack extra clothes since you will
inevitably get drenched and dirty. Once you have done all of this
you begin your 5 hour journey into the mountains. HOLD ON!
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Written by Wendy Adeler Hall
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