Ibulliance: Uncut Brilliance
Cleopatra. Jackie O. Elizabeth Taylor. Angelina Jolie. These notable women share a love of the green stones considered one of the most valuable gems today. Emeralds hold a long association of royalty and social status. The first recorded emeralds were mined in Egypt around 1,500 BC, however, it is likely that emeralds were discovered and used by the Incas in South America well before the Egyptian records. A softer stone, emeralds often contain small gas bubbles, fissures, clouds, and other inclusions that cause the stone to appear cloudy or mossy on the interior. These gems are a signature of Colombian jewelry designer, Alejandra Llano, who founded Fenomena in 2012.
Cloudy emeralds, also called morrala, are collected from the Muzo mine in Colombia. Pictured: Rough emeralds incased in stone; Alejandra Llano at the entrance to a mine.
We include the emerald in all our collections and use it with different techniques, says Alejandra. It is always a challenge, due to the properties of the precious stone. The goal is to bring out an authentic, current jewel where the beauty of the stone is highlighted.
Fenomena’s gems are unique in that they are uncut. Using the stone in its rough state is Alejandra’s homage to her home country, finding beauty in the natural state of each emerald. Every piece is divided by size and color before determining in which jewelry design it will be used—a process taking several days. The result is one-of-a-kind jewelry that showcases Colombia’s rich natural resources and Alejandra’s impeccable aesthetic.
We are grateful to our partners, Juan Sebastian and Juan Pablo, at El Dorado Edit, for introducing us, and now you, to Fenomena’s exquisite styles. Each new artisan group we are able to spotlight via the Ibu Marketplace brings more attention to women entrepreneurs and artisans earning a sustainable income through the art of their hands.
With Gratitude,
Lasley Steever
Chief Marketing Officer
Lasley Steever
Chief Marketing Officer
