At the crossroads of history and gemology, the exhibition "The Emerald Routes" invites visitors to discover how emeralds have circulated worldwide since antiquity and given rise to exceptional creations of jewelry. 

From historic mines to cutting and trading centers, the exhibition reveals how emeralds have traveled among continents in commerce, conquest, and diplomacy, with Europe as a hub. 

It also highlights the scientific analysis that have helped identify the geographic origins of emeralds and thus to reconstruct former trade routes. 

The exhibition brings together historic jewelry, gemstones, minerals, sketches, paintings, and archival materials, including several jewels on public display for the first time.

Cover image
Orb from “Nuestra Señora de Atocha” Treasure, early 17th century
Gold and Colombian Emeralds
Atocha Collection by Muzo Emerald Colombia
Photo: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Nils Herrmann