Guide to Buying Colombian Emeralds on a Cruise: Tips for Cruise Ship Shoppers
All Panama Canal cruises will stop in Cartagena, Colombia where you can do some cruise shopping.
So… don’t miss the extraordinary opportunity to pick up the emerald of your dreams. Colombian Emeralds are among the most highly sought-after precious gems in the world and you are virtually as close to the source as you will ever be while on a cruise. A few helpful tips must be considered, otherwise, your experience will be overwhelming.
Trust me on this. I have been through the Canal well over 100 times and have seen the look on many people’s faces when they enter the emerald stores. It’s unlike any other jewellery shopping experience in the Caribbean. These stores specialize in emeralds and ONLY emeralds. They don’t carry much of anything else. These stores don’t have one or two showcases of emeralds—they have showcase after showcase after showcase of beautiful emeralds. It’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself. It’s photo-worthy!
See below a list of legitimate Jewelry boutiques that sell Colombian Emeralds!
Follow these steps and you will walk away with a beautiful Emerald from the motherland Colombia.
Here are some questions you need to answer about buying Colombian Emeralds.
- Decide if you want a loose stone or a set piece.
- Do you want a cut and faceted emerald or one that is rough, uncut and in its natural form?
- Do you want an emerald in a Pre-Columbian design, Contemporary or Traditional setting?
- Do you want your emerald set with or without diamonds?
- Do you want your emerald set in white gold, yellow gold or silver?
- Do you want an emerald ring, pendant, earrings, bracelet or all of the above?
- Don’t worry about what shape of Emerald my recommendation is to keep an open mind.
If you go in blindly and don’t have it narrowed down like this, you will likely walk out empty-handed, completely overwhelmed and unhappy. So take my advice seriously and you won’t be disappointed.
How to Buy an Emerald from Cartagena
The most important thing regarding quality is COLOR. A deep rich velvety green color is what you want. Think bright, vibrant green—like freshly mowed grass. Saturation of colour is what is important. Colour is the key!
Next, remember that all emeralds have inclusions. However, you don’t want highly visible cloudy spots or dark marks. But remember, that even the top-of-the-line Colombian Emerald will have some inclusions. Dark green with inclusions is more valuable than a light green that is nearly flawless. Ok, so with that in mind, I will sacrifice a little colour for a cleaner-looking stone even when it is set in Jewelry. This is where it gets personal. No two are alike…so buy what you love!
Recommended Jewelry Boutiques with Authentic Emeralds in Cartagena
Adriana’s Jewelry – where everyone purchases loose Colombian Emeralds
Situated in the old town the walled city. This lovely lady came to Cartagena from the US many years ago, fell in love and never left! She has more variety than anywhere I have ever been. Her speciality is the “rough” or “uncut” emeralds and she has far more to choose from than anyone else. She even has a nice selection in sterling silver as well. In addition to that, she also has a huge selection of emerald stud earrings at very affordable prices.
On top of that, she is truly the most generous and gracious person I’ve ever met. She is involved in many local charities and has a heart of gold. Her staff has all worked for her for years and years…so it’s like one big family. Everyone loves their experience here with Adriana. It’s the personal touch that you will remember long after you leave.
Mister Emerald – the home of Pre-Colombian Designs
My other favourite is Lee from Mister Emerald. This store is just around the corner from Adrianas. The owner, Lee Miles, is an institution! This man knows everything there is to know about Cartagena, and he also knows his emeralds. He carries a wonderful selection of pre-Colombian designs and some of the most beautiful bracelets with perfectly matched emeralds. Lee said something to me years ago, that I will always remember: “You do not need to be a Gemologist, to recognize what is beautiful!”
So with all of this in mind, enjoy your time in Cartagena and don’t leave empty-handed.
For more information on visiting Cartagena, Colombia visit the port page using this link to Cartagena.
Going on a Panama Canal Cruise book a cruise port guide chat with me – I can share the ins and outs and we can discover what the best things are for you to do based on your interests, likes and dislikes. Click here to book.