The Real Cost of International Certification: A Colombian Emerald Case Study
- Dave Adler
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
When an Australian jeweller asked Lustre to source a rare Colombian emerald worth nearly six figures we were up for the task — even with a few conditions that made the process more complex than usual. What we didn’t anticipate was how much certification would influence not only the price, but the entire buying journey.
The Search: Comparing Markets in Colombia and Hong Kong
Over the course of a week, we searched for a 10–13 carat vivid green Colombian emerald with minor enhancement — large, bright, and clean. At the Jewellery & Gem World Fair in Hong Kong, we inspected dozens of stones, but none matched what we were after. Not one vendor had a large round or oval stone of that quality (there was one oval “no oil” emerald selling for AUD $60,000 per carat).
Meanwhile, back in Colombia, one of our trusted suppliers located two suitable round stones. Both were uncertified internationally but came with detailed reports from a highly respected Colombian laboratory.
Here’s what stood out:
Every stone shown at the Hong Kong fair came with an international certificate (GRS or Gübelin).
Prices in Hong Kong were 50–100% higher than comparable stones held in Colombia.
Once a stone leaves Colombia for international testing, it’s effectively “off the market” for several days — not appealing for the owner as demand outstrips supply meaning they can miss out on a sale.
The Dilemma: Price vs. Proof
The jeweller wanted the best of both worlds — a Colombian market price and an international certificate.As gemstone owners rarely agree to send a stone abroad for certification unless a sale is guaranteed, the negotiation process was drawn out. The process involves costs and time — all while the gem can’t be shown to other potential buyers.
In this case, and just as we had reached an agreement on the terms of the deal, another party made an unconditional offer at a higher price, and the stone was sold.
What We Learned
We managed to obtain a Colombian lab report (CDTEC Gem Lab) confirming the stone’s origin (Colombia), colour (vivid green), and clarity (minor enhancement). Still, the jeweller preferred an international certificate and walked away empty-handed.
The takeaway? Certification comes down to trade-offs:
Buy locally certified stones and pay less (and once certified it would be worth a lot more).
Insist on international certification and expect to pay up to 100% more.
There can be cases where the best of both worlds come to fruition (lower price and an international certificate) yet the risk of missing out is high when it comes to rare emeralds from Colombia.
Key Insight
In the world of fine Colombian emeralds, time, trust, and certification are deeply connected. Knowing when to act — and what kind of report to accept — can mean the difference between securing a rare gem or missing out entirely.
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