Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the emerald trade in Colombia, particularly in a bustling marketplace where merchants, known as esmeralduros, negotiate the sale of these precious stones. The film captures the daily interactions of traders like Camilo and Lawrence, who engage in cash transactions without bank transfers, emphasizing the informal nature of this business. It shows the significance of Colombian emeralds, which account for 90 percent of the world's production, and the unique characteristics that make them valuable, such as the specific types that can only be found in Colombia.
As the camera follows various traders, it reveals the complexities of pricing and negotiation in the emerald market. For instance, Camilo discusses a deal involving 184 carats, while Lawrence shares insights about his buying trips from Paris to Colombia. The documentary illustrates the global demand for Colombian emeralds, particularly from markets in Hong Kong and Europe, and the personal connections that traders maintain with their customers and suppliers.
Why Watch
- •Meet the esmeralduros negotiating on the sidewalks of Colombia.
- •Find out why Colombian emeralds are unique in the world.
- •See how cash transactions dominate the emerald market.
Did You Know
•Colombia produces 90 percent of the world's emeralds.
•A 184-carat emerald is a common unit of measurement in negotiations.
•Lawrence buys emeralds for special orders in Paris and Monaco.
•Some emeralds can be worth up to 40,000 Euros per gram.
Perfect For
Gemstone enthusiastsMarket negotiation fansColombian culture lovers