The uniquebeauty of the emerald of Colombia is known around the world, this project showsthe process of this precious stone, from the mines in Muzo, in central Colombia, a6 hours drive from the capital, to its commercialization in the streets ofBogotá . The different people, and work, that is around this stone is an important part of this journey. For manyyears the emerald in Colombia was almost a legend, inspired TV shows and books,but much of this legend, of finding fortune with the emerald is slowly fadingaway, it is becoming rapidly in a well organized industry, and immerse incorporation activity. The violence, that once marked the boom of the emerald isdisappearing, as well as the wars with the drug cartels and the ownersof the emerald mines in the 80’s and early 90’s is now over, although you can stillsee the lack of presence of the government and see the organization of the securityfronts created by the land owners of the mines.
But still now, the dreampersists of finding that rock, the one that is going to give them fortune the one that also has given many of this people, their way of life .
The owner and founder of the emerald museum, made his fortune in the boom of the 80's, and donates emerald stones of his personal reserve to the Museum.
In downton Bogota, the Emerald Trade Center, was created recently, for the comercialization of jewerly of this stone.
In the so called "calle de los esmeralderos" (street of the emerald), in downtown Bogota, the informal comercialization of emerald stones take place, it is nown to be one of the safest streets in the city.
The brushing of the raw stone is made in different little business in the Emerald Trade Center.
In the industrial distric of Bogota many well organized companies, have employees that polish the last stage ot getting the emerald stone, as it is going to be soled in the international market.
All images © Mauricio Morales
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