FEDESMERALDAS, the National Federation of Colombian Emeralds, has recently announced the launch of the “Academia SENA: Salón Esmeralda”, an initiative aimed at improving the skills and competencies of jewelers, gemologists, and entrepreneurs in the emerald industry in Colombia.
The program, a collaboration between the SENA Center for Materials and Testing (Regional Capital District) and FEDESMERALDAS, will benefit over 590 entrepreneurs, artisans, and jewelers and will see an investment of 2.6 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $680,000 USD).
The first phase of the initiative includes the participation at the “Centro de Materiales de Ensayos”, a space equipped 10 high-tech machines, state-of-the-art computers with specialized software for professional emerald cutting, 3D jewelry modeling, and artistic creations.
The second phase, on the other hand, focuses on training populations in emerald-producing regions such as Muzo, San Pablo de Borbur, Maripí, and Chivor, specifically targeting young individuals interested in cutting emeralds for jewelry, sculptures, and other artistic works.
In a statement to the Colombian newspaper “El Diario”, Óscar Baquero, president of FEDESMERALDAS, emphasized the importance of this initiative: «Creating a greater added value for our Colombian emeralds through the talent of local artisans, entrepreneurs, and jewelers is a challenge that drives us. With this program, we aim to provide tools, training, and expand the possibilities for our entrepreneurs to compete and open new commercial and tourism frontiers».
