Napoleon, Colombian Emeralds and the Blockchain

The recent "Louvre heist"—the $150+ million jewellery robbery in Paris—has caught global attention. Some call the stolen pieces priceless, not just for their value but for their historical significance. News from around the world highlighted every detail of the October 19th event. If you're curious, one of our favourite takes on the story can be found here.

Although four suspects have been arrested, the jewels are still missing.

Colombian Emeralds Among the Stolen Pieces at the Louvre Museum in Paris

What really caught our eye was the diamond and emerald necklace among the stolen items. This piece contained more than 30 Colombian emeralds from the renowned mining area of Muzo.

It’s amazing to think that Napoleon’s 1810 gift to his wife Marie-Louise included emeralds sourced from such a remote region in Colombia’s Andes Mountains. It raises the question: what’s the real story behind these remarkable gems?

Did Napoleon Bonaparte Know About Muzo, Colombia?

Just imagine the journey of those emeralds. When were they mined? How long did it take for them to travel from the mine to Marie-Louise’s neck? Who originally bought them, and how did they reach France—by horse and carriage to Cartagena, then by ship across the Atlantic?

Blockchain in the World of Gemstones

While we may never know all the answers about those historic stones, today’s technology can help us trace a gemstone’s story in remarkable detail. Blockchain technology lets us track products from their raw material state right through to the finished piece, recording each step in a secure, transparent digital chain.

How Can Blockchain Be Used With a Colombian Emerald?

Here’s how blockchain can follow a gemstone’s journey.

Supply Chain Stage	What’s Recorded on Blockchain	Benefit
Mining	Information about the mining company, as well as details of the emerald’s origin, date, and location	Transparency about sustainability, mining operations, and the stone’s authenticity
Cutting & Polishing	Each step is documented, noting material used, final shape, and carat weight	Accuracy and reliability of transformation steps
Certification	Details confirming origin, color, carat, enhancements, and certification laboratory	Globally recognised, trustworthy records
Distribution	Changes in ownership and transfers among wholesalers, jewellers, and retailers	Clear ownership history and traceable movement, supporting legitimacy and market value
Retail	Customers can access all previous records, confirming authenticity and history	Greater trust for buyers and collectors

Is Blockchain in the Gemstone Industry Science Fiction?

Not at all—this is already happening in the gemstone industry. Leading companies have adopted blockchain solutions for traceability. Still, in a fragmented industry, adoption is gradual. Costs, technical challenges, and hesitation from some mining and distribution companies slow down broader use. But progress is being made, and blockchain is paving the way for a more transparent and trustworthy trade in precious gems.