How does Ethiopian emerald compare to Colombian?

Different colour signature and cleaner rough character. Ethiopian (Shakiso) emerald shows a slightly more bluish-green tone with a higher proportion of no-oil and minor-oil finished stones than typical Colombian. Pricing is below Colombian at equivalent quality — Ethiopian offers value alternative for buyers who weight clarity over Colombian pedigree.

Is Ethiopian a 'new' emerald origin?

Commercially yes — meaningful production began in 2017 from the Shakiso area in the Oromia region. The market integration has been rapid; major labs now issue routine Ethiopian origin determinations. Lab letter is essential for any Ethiopian emerald purchase.

Why are Ethiopian stones often no-oil or minor-oil?

The Shakiso deposit produces rough with fewer surface-reaching fissures than typical Colombian. Less filler is needed to reach commercial-grade clarity, and a higher proportion of stones can be sold with no enhancement. This is a structural advantage of the deposit.

Does Skyjems carry Ethiopian emerald?

Currently not in primary inventory. Ethiopian emerald is a curator-sourced category through the Bogotá-Geneva dealer network. Lead times are 4–10 weeks. For active inventory in fine emerald, see the Colombian (oil-graded) and Zambian tiers. Contact +1-416-366-3335 or [request a private viewing](https://skyjems.ca/pages/schedule-a-private-viewing).

ENCYCLOPEDIA · DAVID SAAD · SKYJEMS

Ethiopian Emerald — Lab-Certified

Name: Skyjems
Address: 27 Queen St East, Suite 1011, Toronto, ON, M5C 2M6, CA
Telephone: +1-416-366-3335
Price range: $$$$

Key concepts: ethiopian emerald, shakiso emerald, no oil emerald, african emerald, gubelin emerald

Ethiopian emerald — primarily from the Shakiso area in the Oromia region — entered the global market in 2017 and has rapidly become a recognised origin alongside Colombian, Zambian, and Brazilian sources. The deposit is notable for producing emerald with cleaner inclusion patterns than typical Colombian rough, which means a higher proportion of stones can be sold with minor or no oil. Skyjems does not currently hold Ethiopian emerald in primary inventory — sourcing through the curator's network is possible.

Why Ethiopian emerald is its own category

(1) Cleaner rough — the Shakiso deposit produces emerald with fewer surface-reaching fissures than typical Colombian, which improves the proportion of no-oil and minor-oil finished stones. (2) Distinctive colour — Ethiopian emerald shows a slightly different green-to-bluish-green character than Colombian, with origin determinable by trace-element fingerprint. (3) Pricing — Ethiopian typically prices below Colombian at equivalent quality, offering a value alternative for buyers who weight clarity over pedigree.

Origin determination

GIA, Gübelin, SSEF, and AGL all issue Ethiopian origin determinations. The trace-element signature (chromium, vanadium, iron ratios) distinguishes Shakiso material from Colombian, Zambian, and Brazilian sources. Lab certification is essential for any Ethiopian emerald purchase.

Skyjems sourcing approach

Ethiopian emerald is curator-sourced through the Bogotá and Geneva dealer networks. Lead times are 4–10 weeks for documented requests. For active inventory in fine emerald, see the Colombian (oil-graded) and Zambian tiers.

Private viewings and bespoke

Contact +1-416-366-3335 or request a private viewing.