There are paths we could never have foreseen, turns in life that lead where the stones shine. George Smith’s story is one of them. A Londoner with a background in international finance, he is now one of Bogotá’s most respected emerald dealers. Today, his name is associated with integrity, passion and a deep love for Colombia and its mythical stones. Meet a warm and inspiring figure in the Colombian emerald trade.
From London finance to Colombian mines
Born in London to an English father and Colombian mother, George Smith began his career in finance in the heart of the City. But in 2013, a trip to Colombia for his sister’s wedding upset his certainties. A tourist slogan, “The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay”, acted as a revelation. A few months later, he left London for Colombia, determined to write a new chapter.
In search of meaning, he explored different sectors: coffee, gold, local finance, before a friend whispered the obvious: “You’re in Colombia, look at the emeralds.” Intrigued, George discovered the fascinating world of Colombian emeralds. In the galleries of Muzo and Chivor, he swapped suit and tie for boots and a headlamp. This immersion marked the beginning of a passion that would never leave him.
Rapid rise in a changing Colombian emerald market
The death of Víctor Carranza, a controversial figure nicknamed the “Emerald Tsar”, ushered in a period of transition and formalization for the Colombian emerald industry. It was against this backdrop that George Smith launched his first activities, banking on the exceptional quality of Colombian emeralds.
A ten-carat rough stone can be worth more than a diamond of the same weight, a truth George quickly discovered when he sold his first acquisitions in London to a famous jeweller in a single transaction. In Bogotá, he founded the International Emerald Exchange (IEEX), then Alpine Green, which specialized in exporting gems from the source to the most prestigious jewelry houses. He relies on a high-end strategy and local know-how, which he promotes on international markets, particularly in Asia.
George Smith draws on his dual British and Colombian heritage to build trusting relationships between local producers and global buyers. Having acquired expertise in the field, from sourcing raw gems to cutting, polishing and marketing, he has built a prestigious niche in the global market.
Ethical business and traceability: a responsible vision
George Smith embodies a new generation of professionals committed to a more transparent, ethical and responsible emerald trade. Aware of the sometimes troubled past of the Colombian sector, long marked by illegal practices and mining-related conflicts, he is fully committed to the revival that has seen the emergence of a better-regulated sector that is more beneficial to local communities. At the helm of Alpine Green, he applies rigorous principles of traceability and sustainability. Each stone is carefully selected, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, often attributed to its mine of origin, and purchased with respect for the miners’ working conditions.
Today, his company is recognized for its reliability and integrity, both in Colombia and internationally. For George Smith, success isn’t just measured in carats or market value: it also lies in the ability to develop an industry, to enhance the value of Colombian stones on the world stage, while ensuring that their exploitation is of lasting benefit to the territories and people who make them live.
Transmission, digital and influence of Colombian emerald
A fine connoisseur, George didn’t follow an academic path in gemmology, but he made up for it with an insatiable curiosity. He trained in the field, collaborated with the best cutters and honed his eye. He also understood early on the power of social networking: via his @muzoemeralds and @emeralds accounts, he shares the daily grind of the trade, visits to mines and the green treasures he selects. A modern way of promoting Colombian emeralds to a global audience.
This digital strategy enables him to forge a direct link with collectors, designers and enlightened amateurs, while democratizing access to a gem long reserved for an elite.
An international image for Colombian emerald
In the space of ten years, George Smith has become one of the world’s most influential ambassadors for Colombian emeralds. Today, his stones, of remarkable quality, adorn the creations of major jewelry houses and circulate at the most prestigious trade fairs in the sector. Based in Bogotá, with an office in Miami to be closer to its North American clientele, it regularly travels to major international events to present Colombia’s green treasures to a clientele of connoisseurs, designers and collectors.
His reputation has been built on the consistency of his eye, the precision of his approach and the impeccable quality of his gems. He works closely with renowned jewelers, selecting bespoke stones to adorn exceptional pieces.
A key player in the local market, George Smith is renowned for his integrity, clarity of communication and infectious passion. He advises professionals and private collectors alike, always faithful to a simple guideline: be honest, remain curious, and never stop learning. For the future, he calls for greater recognition of Colombian know-how, better traceability of stones, more protection for minors, and greater public education.
