The Trapiche Emerald, also known as the Colombian Emerald, is a rare and beautiful gem type. These gems are prized for their velvety green color and interesting inclusions.
The Trapiche Emerald derives its name from the Spanish word for vineyard, and it is one of only two emerald varieties found in the Western Hemisphere. The other is the American (or Verde) Emerald. Trapiche Emeralds are rarer because they are only found in Colombia, while American varieties can be mined in Brazil or Zambia as well.
With an average weight of 1.10 ct, Trapiche Emeralds are, on average, the smallest emeralds available today. However, such a small size does not make these gems any less beautiful. Rather they are especially prized for the intense green color and interesting inclusions they display, which add a unique character to each stone.
Trapiche Emeralds come in many different shades of green depending on the amount and location of included matter in the stone. The natural color of these gems ranges from a light, pale green to a deep, rich forest green. A few stones even display shades of both! Most stones are relatively free of any inclusions, but the rarest color is a strong yellowish-green or yellow-green. The difference in color hues of the trapiche means that it is well suited for bracelets, pendants, and other fashion accessories. The stone’s unique properties are due to its origin.
Several ancient civilizations have used the trapiche emerald in their jewelry, including the Incas and the Mayans. The first use of the stone can be traced back to approximately 500 BCE when it was possibly used as a talisman for ceremonial purposes. In 1532, Spanish settlers from Panama arrived in Colombia and mined the emeralds of Muzo. The stones were designed into beautiful necklaces that were worn as status symbols.
In the early 1970s, the trapiche emerald gained a new level of popularity thanks to a surge in demand for green stones. It has since been used to create stunning jewelry.
The Trapiche Emerald’s name is derived from its country of origin: Colombia. The Colombian Emerald is also known by other names such as the “Colombian Emerald” and the “Colombian Emerald.
The Trapiche Emerald is one of the only two emerald varieties found in the Western Hemisphere. The other is the American (or Verde) Emerald. It is also one of only two emerald varieties from South America.
Like most emeralds, Trapiche Emeralds are very rare and highly prized for their vivid green color, interesting inclusions, and beautiful finish.
The history of the emerald and Trapiche gems is a long and convoluted one. The first descriptions of these stones date back to the 16th century, but it was not until the mid-1800s that more detailed records of their origin were collected.
It was then that Trapiche Emeralds were first discovered in Colombia. The de la Gardie family, who had a large emerald collection (including the now-famous Eberl Diamonds), were in charge of the mine at Muzo. They sent many stones to Europe, including the famous Eberl Emeralds. This venture made Trapiche Emeralds better known and more highly valued, but also helped to cause their demise.