What are emeralds?

Emeralds are precious gemstones known for their vibrant green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. They belong to the beryl mineral family, which also includes aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor. The most sought-after emeralds exhibit a rich, verdant hue and possess excellent transparency, though inclusions and fractures are common and often accepted as part of the stone’s character.
Emeralds have been valued throughout history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, was famously enamored with emeralds and claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. These gemstones were also highly prized by the Incas and Aztecs in South America long before the Spanish conquest.
The finest emeralds are typically mined in Colombia, which has been the premier source of high-quality emeralds for over 500 years. Other notable sources include Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The value of an emerald is determined by several factors, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valuable emeralds are those with a deep green color, high transparency, and minimal inclusions.
Emeralds are commonly used in various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Due to their relative softness compared to other gemstones like diamonds, they require careful handling and setting to avoid damage. Despite their delicate nature, emeralds remain a symbol of wealth, status, and elegance. Emeralds, prized for their rarity and vibrant green hue, can often surpass diamonds in value when possessing exceptional color and clarity, despite diamonds generally being more widely recognized and traded. Emeralds are generally rarer than diamonds, particularly high-quality emeralds with deep color and minimal inclusions, making them highly sought after in the gemstone market.
Unlike gold, the emerald market can be niche but dynamic. Gold is a highly liquid asset that plays a crucial role in the financial system. It is commonly utilized by investors as a safeguard against inflation and the devaluation of currency. The gold market is extensive, with a total value in the trillions of dollars, significantly surpassing the market size for emeralds. Nevertheless, the irresistible charm and scarcity of top-notch emeralds guarantee that they remain highly esteemed and desired, thus preserving their worth in society as representations of luxury and elegance.
Given these diverse factors, it is unsurprising that emeralds are regarded as one of the most exceptional and coveted tangible assets on the planet.

The problem with the emerald mining industry

The Emerald Company is headquartered in Colombia, which is by far the world's largest producer of emerald stones. According to archaeologists, Boyca Province indigenous have been mining and trading Colombian emeralds since 1000 BC. The estimated age of these emerald rocks is millions of years. More than 70% of the world's emerald exports come from Colombia. Because of the elements chromium and vanadium, Colombian emeralds are highly prized for their deep green colour. Their lower iron content—12,000 times less than stones found elsewhere—also makes them thought to be purer than most emeralds in the world. Because of their intense colour, size, and brightness, Colombian emeralds are regarded as the most beautiful in the world.
The Colombian region has experienced violence, conflict, poverty, and misfortune as a result of the high demand for these stones, which has led to numerous unfavourable circumstances during their exploration and exploitation. A civil war known as "The Green War" broke out in the 1980s as a result of attempts by Colombian drug cartels to penetrate the sector. Thankfully, in 1990, a peace treaty mediated by the Catholic Church was signed.
Colombian emerald miners have historically been subjected to hazardous, unsafe, and poorly designed working conditions, which can include hot and muggy temperatures and long hours, in addition to a history of violence. A small portion of the stones that the miners received in exchange for their labour were frequently unpaid bonuses that they could keep for themselves. However, it might take months of labour to locate even a minute hint of the precious metal because emerald rocks are so rare. The Colombian mining industry has benefited from increased foreign investment and the presence of multinational corporations over the past ten years. This has resulted in a higher degree of formalisation and stricter enforcement of rules and regulations, which has allowed miners to be fairly compensated for their labour and work in safer conditions. Colombia's numerous mines have seen significant improvements in working conditions thanks to formalisation and regulation. These problems might still exist, though, in the many uncontrolled mines that are still common in the nation.
Additionally, mining in Colombia has an impact on the environment; between 2001 and 2018, an estimated 301,021 acres of forest were destroyed. Only 100 of the estimated 8,600 mining concessions with government permits in Colombia are thought to be primarily responsible for the deforestation, according to research. Companies will need to give the environment top priority going forward and protect the natural areas they want to explore and use.
The emerald mining industry faces significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Unlike more regulated markets, the journey of an emerald from the mine to the market is often obscured by multiple layers of intermediaries, making it difficult to verify the origin and authenticity of the gemstones. This lack of transparency not only raises ethical concerns but also complicates the process of ensuring that emeralds are sourced responsibly and sustainably. Without clear traceability, consumers cannot be confident that the emeralds they purchase have not been associated with conflict or unethical mining practices.
Moreover, the absence of a direct mine-to-market pathway exacerbates these issues. The traditional supply chain involves numerous middlemen, from miners to local traders, exporters, and importers, each adding a layer of complexity and cost. This fragmented process not only reduces the potential earnings for the miners but also increases the final price for consumers. The lack of 100% traceability of every emerald from the source to the customer undermines trust in the industry, as it is challenging to guarantee the gemstone’s provenance and value. Addressing these issues is crucial for the emerald industry to enhance transparency, ensure ethical practices, and build consumer trust.
Lastly, a supply chain problem also exists in the Colombian emerald industry. The Bogota emerald market is very profitable, but it also sees a lot of trading in fakes because Colombian emeralds are very rare, in high demand, and valued globally. It's been reported that in the area, fake emeralds are just as common as coffee beans. In the emerald market, there seems to be a need for increased traceability enforcement and transparency to guarantee that buyers are getting the real emeralds they want.

How will the Emerald Company deal with these issues?

The Emerald Company, headquartered in Colombia, is well aware of the unique challenges facing the emerald mining industry and is committed to addressing them head-on. One of the core strategies involves leveraging advanced technologies to enhance transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. By integrating blockchain technology, The Emerald Company will create an immutable digital ledger that records every step of the emerald's journey from mine to market. Thi s ensures that each gemstone's origin and path are verifiable, significantly reducing the risk of conflict diamonds and unethical practices. Consumers can thus be assured of the ethical sourcing and authenticity of their purchases, fostering greater trust in the industry. To tackle the issue of intermediaries and streamline the supply chain, The Emerald Company is establishing a direct mine-to-marketplace pathway. As both a miner and a marketplace operator, The Emerald Company will offer a platform where wholesale buyers, jewelers, and other industry stakeholders can purchase directly sourced, tracked emeralds. This approach eliminates unnecessary middlemen, allowing for more transparent and efficient transactions. Miners receive fair compensation for their work, and buyers benefit from reduced costs and guaranteed provenance. The digital platform will provide real-time updates and tracking, ensuring that every emerald's journey is transparent and accountable. Environmental sustainability is another critical focus for The Emerald Company. Acknowledging the historical environmental impact of emerald mining in Colombia, the company is committed to implementing eco-friendly mining practices. This includes the use of advanced geological surveys and responsible mining techniques that minimize environmental disruption. Additionally, The Emerald Company plans to invest in reforestation projects and work closely with local communities to ensure that mining activities do not adversely affect the surrounding ecosystems. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, the company aims to set a new standard for sustainable mining in the region. The Emerald Company also recognizes the importance of improving working conditions for miners. By adhering to labor standards and ensuring stringent enforcement of safety protocols, the company will create a safer and more equitable working environment. This commitment extends to providing miners with the necessary wages, training, and equipment to work efficiently and safely. Moreover, The Emerald Company will work towards formalizing the operations of informal and unregulated mines, bringing them under compliance with national and international standards. This not only protects the miners but also ensures the ethical sourcing of emeralds. In response to the prevalence of counterfeit emeralds in the market, The Emerald Company will implement rigorous quality control measures. Utilizing both traditional gemological techniques and modern technology, such as spectroscopy and advanced imaging, the company will ensure that every emerald is thoroughly verified before reaching the market. By maintaining a high standard of quality assurance, The Emerald Company aims to eradicate the trade of fake emeralds and provide buyers with genuine, high-quality gemstones. Furthermore, The Emerald Company is embracing Web3 technologies to offer retail consumers direct access to emeralds through innovative methods such as NFTs and blockchain-based platforms. This allows retail consumers to act as stakeholders, giving them oversight on how the operation is committing to its values and goals. By tokenizing emerald assets and creating fractional ownership opportunities, The Emerald Company empowers a broader audience to invest in and benefit from the emerald market. This approach not only democratizes access to valuable gemstones but also ensures greater transparency and accountability in the company's operations. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, The Emerald Company is poised to transform the emerald mining industry. Through the integration of technology, direct trade practices, environmental responsibility, stringent quality control, and Web3 utility, the company will not only enhance the transparency and sustainability of emerald mining but also rebuild consumer trust in this precious gemstone market.

Scope of Technology in use

The Emerald Company utilizes a comprehensive array of technologies to address the challenges in the emerald mining industry and ensure the highest standards of transparency, sustainability, and efficiency. These technologies can be categorized into three main areas: geology, blockchain and smart contracts, and artificial/human intelligence. By employing these advanced technologies, The Emerald Company is setting a new standard for the emerald mining industry, ensuring that operations are transparent, sustainable, and efficient. The integration of these technologies allows us to develop methods of identifying emeralds up to 85% more accurately, significantly enhancing our ability to locate and extract these precious gemstones.

Geology

1. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR): • High-resolution 3D mapping of mining areas to identify potential emerald deposits and plan extraction activities. 2. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): • Subsurface imaging to analyze geological structures and detect anomalies indicating emerald presence. 3. Topographical Surveys: • Detailed mapping of surface features to aid in logistical planning and understanding of the mining environment. 4. Geological Data: • Comprehensive geological information, including rock types, mineral compositions, and structural formations to identify favorable conditions for emerald formation. 5. Chemical Analysis: • Laboratory analysis of ore samples to determine the chemical composition and presence of elements associated with emeralds. 6. Satellite Imagery: • Remote sensing data to provide a broader view of the mining area and its surroundings, identifying potential new sites. 7. Seismic Data: • Information from seismic surveys to understand subsurface characteristics and detect hidden fractures and faults. 8. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): • Using electrodes placed in the ground to send electrical currents deep into the earth, measuring resistivity to detect subsurface features and potential emerald deposits.

Blockchain and Smart Contracts

1. Blockchain Technology: • Immutable digital ledger to record every step of the emerald's journey from mine to market, ensuring transparency and traceability. 2. Smart Contracts: • Automated contracts that execute transactions and enforce agreements based on pre-defined rules, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for intermediaries. 3. ERC-20 Token: • The $EMRLD token, an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum Network, offering various utilities for investors, including rewards, brand engagement, and VIP mining access. 4. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): • Various NFT categories, including Fractional Mining Contract NFTs, Fractional High-Carat Emerald NFTs, and Emerald NFTs, democratizing access to valuable assets and creating a transparent, accurate way to share wealth. 5. Chainlink Integration: • Proof of Reserve: Autonomous, reliable, and secure monitoring of on-and-off-chain assets. • Functions: Smart contracts access to trust-minimized compute infrastructure for fetching data from APIs and performing custom computations. • CCIP: A single interface for cross-chain needs, enabling the transfer of data and tokens across different blockchains. 6. Provenance Proof: • Private blockchain for tracking and tracing the journey of emeralds from mine to market, ensuring transparent and immutable records of provenance. • Proprietary DNA Marking: Embedding nanoparticles into raw emeralds to create a unique identifier, enhancing traceability and authenticity.

Artificial and Human Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI): 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): • Proprietary algorithms that integrate multiple data points to improve the detection of emeralds globally. • Continuous learning models that receive feedback from mining operations and regularly retrain with new data. 2. Human Intelligence: • Knowledge and expertise of experienced miners providing insights into local conditions and practices. • Structured interviews and surveys with miners to gather valuable information and integrate it with existing geological data. 3. Feature Engineering: • Techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction, creating features that capture temporal patterns and trends for time-series data. 4. Multi-Model Integration: • Model stacking, voting ensemble approaches, and weighted averaging to combine predictions from different models, enhancing robustness and reliability. 5. Data Integration Platform: • A platform for data collection, storage, and pre-processing, leveraging high-performance computing resources for model training and a CI/CD pipeline for continuous integration and deployment.

AI Algorithm Development for Emerald Detection

Objective The objective is to develop a proprietary algorithm that uses AI technologies to integrate multiple data points and improve emerald detection globally. This sophisticated detection system can be applied to various gemstone industries, generating intellectual property that is highly valuable. Key Data Points Many data points will be used to achieve accurate emerald detection, such as satellite imagery for broader views, seismic data for subsurface characteristics, chemical analysis of ore samples, historical mining data, topographical surveys for surface mapping, Lidar data for high-resolution 3D mapping, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for subsurface imaging, and environmental data on climate and ecological conditions. AI Model Development The first step in the development process is gathering data from all available sources to guarantee a wide range of circumstances surrounding emerald mining. After being cleansed to get rid of errors, the data is organised into tables for model training. Integration is the process of merging datasets, scaling and normalising them to a shared range. The format of the data complies with the needs of the AI model. Incorporating Miners' Expertise Experienced miners provide their insights through surveys and structured interviews conducted in Spanish. Expert transcription and translation turn audio files into text that is categorised and expertly annotated. This data is verified by mining specialists and cross-referenced with geological data. Feature Engineering From the raw data, pertinent features are extracted to create composite features that depict the ideal circumstances for emerald formation. While temporal features record time-series patterns, dimensionality reduction techniques such as PCA preserve important features. Model Selection and Training The right AI models are chosen, such as ensemble techniques for tabular data and CNNs for image data. Cross-validation is used to validate models that have been trained on historical data. Metrics like accuracy and precision are used to evaluate models and optimise hyperparameters. Multi-Model Integration By assigning higher weights to models that perform better, voting ensembles, model stacking, and weighted averaging are used to combine the outputs from various models in order to improve accuracy. Continuous Learning A feedback loop guarantees ongoing development. The model learns incrementally by being retrained with fresh data on a regular basis. To enhance generalisation, new data is added to the training dataset, and performance is continuously tracked. Implementation and Deployment To ensure security and compliance, a data integration platform is designed to gather, store, and preprocess data. Model training is done with high-performance computing resources, and continuous integration and deployment are accomplished with a CI/CD pipeline. Geologists and miners can interact with the AI system, manage data inputs, visualise predictions, and receive alerts on possible emerald deposits through the user-friendly interfaces that are developed. The Emerald Company hopes to revolutionise emerald extraction and detection by incorporating these cutting-edge AI technologies and methodologies, thereby raising the bar in the gemstone industry. Processing Emeralds The Provenance Roadmap diagram from Emerald Company gives a broad picture of the blockchain-enabled process from mine to customer. Using Provenance Proof's technology, we track and trace the journey of each emerald, ensuring transparent and immutable records of their provenance.

The illustration below depicts an emerald's journey:

1. Discovery: The emerald's journey starts at the mine, where IoT and image-capture technologies are used to record its birth. 2. DNA Marking: Raw emeralds are treated on-site to mark the mine's unique DNA within the stone by deeply embedding nanoparticles into the inclusions. This unique identifier sticks around even after shaping and cutting, linking each emerald to its origin and logging this data on the blockchain. 3. Grading and Sorting: To ascertain whether cutting and polishing emeralds is economically feasible, they are graded and sorted. The ones that are held in raw form are grouped together for vaulting or auction, with comprehensive data and photos stored on the blockchain. 4. Cutting and Polishing: Locally reformed emeralds that are chosen for cutting are graded for sale. Every batch or emerald has new data entered into the blockchain. 5. Valuation and Grading: After undergoing final grading and third-party valuation, emeralds are certified and its unique identifiers mirrored on the blockchain. 6. External Audits: In order to guarantee quality, ESG compliance, and chain of custody adherence, random external audits are conducted throughout the value chain. The results of these audits are recorded on the blockchain. 7. Sales Transactions: The blockchain records the transaction details of emerald sales, whether they occur through private sales or auctions. 8. Jeweller Verification: Jewellers use the portal to confirm where the emeralds they use come from. They add metadata to the platform that displays the emeralds' ultimate residence in their custom jewellery. Well-known companies use this on-chain data, including digital twin NFTs, to improve customer experiences. This broad overview shows the different phases of the emerald's journey and how data is recorded and stored on the blockchain. By ensuring that the emeralds are sourced ethically and compliantly, this process benefits both the miners and the larger community. NFTs are used to store small amounts of batched emerald data. New NFTs are made to represent these lots as they move through the process and become distinct lots. In the event that these lots split up into separate lots, the prior chain data is recorded and now has distinct 1:1 identifiers. The chain data will stop when a jeweller registers new information on the platform, and the NFT data will reflect that information when an emerald batch is sold as a batch. When the emeralds are eventually sold, the private buyer who bought them and kept them as a store of value can contribute the on-chain information to verify the origin. If necessary, independent testing can confirm the DNA origin, and if a partner network is used, data will be recorded on the chain. When emeralds are found during illicit activity, authorities may send them for independent analysis to find out where they came from. After that, they can follow the transaction and local data back to find new leads for their inquiry. Private and institutional buyers must register for a decentralised KYC/AML passport once in order to conduct regular and ongoing purchases in order to avoid domestic or international trade sanctions.

The $EMRLD Token

The Emerald Company is a passionate advocate for blockchain technology. The $EMRLD token is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum Network that launched in Q1 2024 as a result of our goal to revolutionise the Web3 industry. With a strategy towards KYC/AML compliance, the $EMRLD token is an ERC-20 token on a Layer 1 blockchain. This gives investors an extra degree of confidence and security by guaranteeing that all transactions are safe and immutable. With its range of exclusive utilities that are available to all participants, the $EMRLD token is intended to improve consumer engagement and loyalty. We've listed a few of these utilities below.

Rewards

Our rewards model in the emerald and luxury jewellery market democratises ownership of significant real-world assets. We remove conventional obstacles to entry, making it possible for a larger group of investors to purchase physical assets like mining contracts, expensive emeralds, and custom-made luxury jewellery. Rewards are carefully monitored and distributed to stakeholders according to their stake holding. Our shared rewards model can yield exponential benefits as new ecosystem developments are released, market demands change, and our operations expand.

VIP Web3 Access

Holders gain advantages as an $EMRLD token owner that improve interactions with our community and brand. These consist of early access to new Web3 technologies, gifts and tokens of appreciation, special online and offline events, early access to knowledge, and a say in how the community and business are developed. Each level of our tiered membership structure through the utility platform — Standard, Silver, Gold, and Emerald — has its own set of benefits and privileges. Through the strategic selection of levels within various ecosystem segments, members create customised membership packages that correspond to their individual preferences and requirements, guaranteeing benefits that are appropriate for the level of engagement they have selected.

RWA Collections

Holders of $EMRLD tokens can acquire a portion of custom, celebrity-inspired luxury jewellery collections. Fractional ownership makes luxury jewellery investments, which were previously only accessible to a wealthy few, more accessible to everyone. High-end jewellery pieces from our exclusive collections are modelled after the distinct styles and elegant looks of celebrities. Because of the demand and popularity for luxury jewellery, owners benefit directly, and the shared rewards model guarantees that all token holders can benefit from their holdings. The market for jewellery rentals has expanded significantly in 2024 as more people rent expensive items for personal or special occasions. Due to its scarcity and vivid colour, emerald-based jewellery holds a prominent position in this expanding industry. For holders of $EMRLD tokens, the growing market for upscale emerald jewellery presents a promising opportunity that could yield significant returns. The $EMRLD token holders can participate in a secure and transparent marketplace for listing, buying, and selling high-value jewellery collections. The platform includes escrow mechanisms to ensure secure transactions and an investment marketplace to manage opportunities and secondary market trading.

Additional Utilities

Cutting-edge Web3 and beyond utilities are unlocked with the $EMRLD token. The Emerald Company is dedicated to enhancing its features in light of the impending digital revolution. We will also have explorations into digital art, DeFi platforms, and educational resources. Our platform integrates with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, enabling seamless fiat-to-token conversion and handling transactions securely. The $EMRLD token is positioned to become a pillar of digital innovation, offering our community entertainment, education, and value.

Staking and Engagement Platform

The Emerald Company has designed an engaging staking and engagement platform to create a dynamic and rewarding ecosystem where users can actively participate in the growth and success of the platform. This system allows users to stake their $EMRLD tokens and engage in various activities, earning experience points (XP) that can be redeemed for $EMRLD tokens, ensuring a seamless integration between staking, engagement, and rewards. When users stake their $EMRLD tokens, they earn XP based on the amount and duration of staking. The more tokens staked and the longer the staking period, the more XP a user accumulates. This core mechanism incentivizes user loyalty to the platform and provides a reward for their commitment to the platform. The platform offers flexible staking options, ranging from short-term to long-term commitments, with longer-term stakes yielding higher XP rewards, encouraging users to support the platform over extended periods. The engagement platform further incentivizes active participation by allowing users to earn XP through task-based activities. These activities include contributing to discussions, submitting reviews of emerald products, sharing content on social media, and referring friends to the platform. Each completed task awards XP, which can be accumulated and later converted into $EMRLD tokens, making the engagement platform an integral part of the rewards system. The platform also regularly hosts challenges and competitions where participants can earn significant XP rewards, which can be redeemed for $EMRLD tokens or other exclusive benefits. To help users track their progress and maximize their rewards, the platform provides a comprehensive dashboard. This dashboard displays all user activity, including staking details, XP earned, and task completion status. Users can easily monitor their XP balance and how it can be maximized through a combination of staking duration, staking amount, and engagement activities. This transparent and user-friendly interface ensures that users are always aware of their standing and can make informed decisions on how to maximize their rewards. Overall, The Emerald Company's staking and engagement platform empowers users by rewarding their participation with XP, which can be converted into valuable $EMRLD tokens. This system not only incentivizes active engagement but also strengthens the community's role in the platform's growth, ensuring that all members benefit from their contributions.

$EMRLD Token Distribution

The allocation of the $EMRLD token has been planned to support a number of strategic goals, securing the token's successful launch, growth, sustainability, and favourable effects on the community and the larger blockchain ecosystem. There are five sections to our token allocation: 40% for Liquidity Bootstrapping Event (LBE) & Early Adopters For the Liquidity Bootstrapping Event (LBE) and early adopters, 40% of the token supply is set aside. This allocation aims to create initial market stability and reward early adopters who are critical to the token ecosystem. They supply initial liquidity, foster community development, and adopt the token early. 20% for Brand Engagement & Loyalty Rewards We reserve 20% of our tokens for loyalty programmes and brand interaction. Our community members are encouraged to actively participate and engage through this allocation, which creates a rich ecosystem of rewards and incentives. 20% for Business Development & Expansion (BD&E) We have set aside 20% for growth and development of the company. This section concentrates on developing new markets, fostering strategic alliances, and improving our product line. 15% for Core Team & Strategic Advisors To guarantee the long-term dedication and alignment of interests between our core team and strategic advisors and the project's success, 15% of the token supply is set aside for Core Team and Strategic Advisors. 5% for Sustainability & Ethics Initiatives Lastly, efforts related to ethics and sustainability receive 5% of the supply. This distribution is a reflection of our dedication to ethical business conduct and our goal of positively influencing society within the emerald mining sector.

NFTs

Our NFT offerings are divided into four innovative categories: 1:1 Batch Offerings, Fractional High-Carat Emerald NFTs, Fractional Mining Contract (FMC) NFTs, and Fractional High Jewellery NFTs. Every category is designed to share the wealth created by valuable assets in a transparent, safe, and equitable way while also democratising access to them. Fractional Mining Contract NFTs Fractional Mining Contract NFTs Overview The Fractional Mining Contract (FMC) NFTs are the first offering of The Emerald Company’s Real-World Asset Web3 initiative. Profit sharing from mining operations is offered to the public in staged releases. Each stage represents a different area of operation, which could be a different shaft, a different location on the same property, or a different mine. Detailed information is presented when an NFT offer is released and KYC/AML requirements will need to be met for stakeholders. Key Features • Profit Sharing: Upon purchase, an FMC NFT entitles the holder to a weighted profit share on all emerald sales in relation to the operation contract. • Emerald Journey: The emerald journey, as described previously, culminates in sales through private transactions, auctions, or intra-community trades via the High Carat Emerald NFTs. • Profit Distribution: Profits from every sale are distributed to all relevant stakeholders, including the mine owner, The Emerald Company, and the FMC NFT holders. • Liquidity Pool Contribution: A percentage of the funds from each sale is disbursed to the Liquidity Pool. • Aftermarket Sales: NFT holders can sell their FMC NFTs via marketplace. • Staking Rewards: Holders who stake their FMC NFTs will receive a token reward yield, separate from the profit share. • Contract Sunset: Once a mining contract sunsets, no further distributions or rewards will be accrued. • Fractional High Carat Emerald NFTs Fractional High-Carat Emerald NFTs Overview This illustration highlights the process when The Emerald Company identifies an emerald suitable as a store of value and provides access to the community for ownership. Key Features The Fractional High-Carat Emerald NFTs offer real-world asset ownership of valuable emeralds via Web3. Mines seek out scarce gems that can fetch impressive prices, with some recorded as high as USD 50,000 per carat at wholesale prices. High-grade gems are worth hundreds of thousands in the jewellery market, and some even reach millions, getting snapped up quickly. • Fractional Sale: When a large or high-grade emerald is identified, it is reserved for fractional NFT sale instead of being sold at auction to private buyers or B2B. • Digital Twin NFT: Users can purchase fractional asset ownership and acquire its digital twin, the NFT. • Funds Distribution: Proceeds from the sale are distributed back to the mine/mining contract NFTs, with a portion directed towards the liquidity pool. • Exhibitions and Vaults: Larger emeralds worthy of display will be loaned or rented to exhibitions or museums. Smaller high-value emeralds will be placed in a secure vault. • Value Review and DAO Vote: Periodically, the asset's value will be reviewed. In the future, a DAO vote will determine whether to sell the asset. • Profit Distribution: If the vote passes and the asset is sold, profits are distributed back to the NFT holders (weighted), with a small portion directed to the liquidity pool. • Aftermarket Sales: NFT holders can sell their NFTs via marketplace. • Staking Rewards: Holders who stake their NFTs will receive a token reward yield. • End of Rewards: Once the real-world asset is sold and users receive their profits, the NFT no longer accrues rewards. 1:1 Emerald NFTs This is an overview of the 1:1 Emerald NFTs, which use Web3 to provide real-world asset ownership of priceless emeralds. Purchasing the most valuable and exclusive emeralds usually entails paying full retail and navigating concerns about treatment, authenticity, and traceability. Our community can buy certified, on-chain, wholesale, and authentic Colombian emeralds with Web3 utility by going straight to a mine. This example shows what happens when The Emerald Company finds a batch or individual emeralds that are appropriate to offer through 1:1 ownership. Key Features • Reservation: When a batch or individual suitable emerald/s are identified, it is reserved for 1:1 NFT sale instead of being sold at auction to private buyers or B2B. • 1:1 Asset Ownership: Users can purchase 1:1 asset ownership and acquire its digital twin, the NFT. • Funds Distribution: Proceeds from the sale are distributed back to the mine/mining contract NFTs, with a portion directed towards the liquidity pool. • Secure Vault Storage: The emerald is held in custody in a secure vault, awaiting future claims by the owner or sale to a new owner on secondary NFT markets. • Earning Rewards: While the emerald is in the vault, the owner of the NFT earns rewards. • Claiming the Emerald: If the owner requests to claim the emerald and have it sent to them, the NFT is updated to reflect this, rewards cease, and the NFT can no longer be re-sold. • Shipment: The emerald, along with relevant certificates and insurance, is shipped to the owner.
 • Price Range: The value of emeralds offered can range between $250 and $9,999, recognising that no two emeralds are usually the same price. • Customs and Import Laws: All customs and import laws are subject to the owner’s jurisdiction. • Ownership Proof: The owner holds their real-world asset directly from the mine, with NFT proof. Emerald Utility Platform Overview

Smart Contracts Development

The ERC-20 token contract on a Layer 1 blockchain with integrated KYC/AML compliance is the foundation of the platform. By doing this, safe transactions and compliance with rules are fostered. Smart contracts are continuously secured by security audits and monitoring systems like OpenZeppelin's Defender. Membership contracts ensure a smooth user experience and flexibility by providing tiered benefits (Standard, Silver, Gold, and Emerald) with upgradeable logic.  Smooth fiat-to-token conversion is made possible by integration with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, which improve user experience by managing transactions in the background. Safe transaction processing and user verification are guaranteed by adherence to KYC/AML regulations. With the platform's extensive marketplace features, users can safely list, purchase, and sell assets. Asset listing, ownership transfer, escrow procedures, and automated fee distribution are important features that promote security and transparency in every transaction. • Token Contracts: ERC-20 token contract with built-in KYC/AML.
 • Membership Contracts: Tiered membership contract with real-time benefit allocation.
 • Payment Contracts: Fiat-to-token conversion with secure payment processing.
 • Marketplace Contracts: Contracts for listing, buying, and selling assets.
 • Investment Marketplace Contracts: Managing investment opportunities and secondary markets.
 • Private Blockchain Integration: Provenance Proof for tracking and tracing emeralds.

Frontend Development

A user-friendly experience on all devices is offered by an interface that is easy to use and adheres to responsive design principles. A membership dashboard, tailored suggestions, FAQ, and extensive search and filter choices for the marketplace are among the features. User Interface: Responsive design with intuitive user interactions.
 Membership Dashboard: Centralized space for managing memberships and benefits.
 Marketplace Interfaces: Home page, asset listings, buying and selling, and seller dashboard.
 Investment Marketplace Interface: Investment opportunities, investment process, and secondary market.

Backend Development

The platform's backend is centred around secure user authentication using OAuth and JWT, dynamic membership management, and effective fiat and cryptocurrency transaction processing. Sensitive information is protected by data security measures like encryption and access control.  • User Authentication: Secure authentication with OAuth and JWT.
 • Membership Management: Backend logic for tier management and benefit allocation.
 • Transaction Processing: Fiat and crypto transactions with compliance and security measures.
 • Database Management: Robust schema for user, asset, and transaction data.
 • Data Security: Encryption and access control, backup and recovery.

API Development

Robust APIs enable both internal and external integrations, such as social media integration, blockchain interactions, and payment gateways. System interoperability and smooth data exchange are thus assured. • Internal APIs: Membership, marketplace, and game data management.
 • External APIs: Payment gateway, blockchain, and social media integration.
 • Data Integration from Operations: Incorporating mine data for transparency
and traceability.

Web3 Integration

Secure user interactions with the blockchain are made possible through integration with Web3 wallets like WalletConnect and MetaMask. Web2 users benefit from a seamless experience that hides blockchain complexities while utilising its advantages thanks to account abstraction. • Wallet Integration: MetaMask and WalletConnect for seamless interactions. • Account Abstraction: Simplified user experience for Web2 users. • Fiat-to-Token Conversion: Automatic conversion for user transactions.

AI Integration for Transaction Monitoring and Analytics

In addition to improving platform security, AI-driven transaction monitoring and analytics offer insightful data on user behaviour, subscription trends, and product performance. This integration provides real-time anomaly detection and enhanced user engagement.

Membership Tiers and Benefits

A variety of membership tiers are available from The Emerald Company to accommodate both individual users and businesses. With the ability to access unique benefits at each tier, members can maximise their experience, improve engagement, and look into opportunities for growth on our platform. The different membership options and the unique benefits that come with each are described in detail in the following sections.

Membership Tiers for Retail Users

• Standard (No Membership): Grants access to the Staking and Engagement Platform and the Emerald Asset Marketplace, where sales contribute to the token liquidity pool. Users are subject to ads, have no access to rewards or third-party products, and receive no discounts or special access in Emerald Stores. • Silver: Builds on Standard membership by removing ads and adding access to rewards, third-party products, and a referral program. In Emerald Stores, members receive discounts, access to special items, private events, and third priority on inventory and opportunities. • Gold: Includes all Silver benefits plus discounts on purchases, access to a secondary market, stone validation, supply chain tracking, and gem appraisals. Members also gain access to collateralized loans and second priority in both the asset marketplace and investment opportunities. Additional perks in Emerald Stores include private financing, consulting, and custom pieces. • Emerald: Offers top-tier benefits, including first priority on inventory and investment opportunities, bulk purchasing, and enhanced borrowing and lending options. Additional features include free gem appraisals, asset listings, entity profiles, and private meetings with asset owners. In Emerald Stores, members enjoy exclusive access to renting, reselling, and leasing jewelry, along with top priority access to all offerings.

Membership Tiers for Businesses

• Standard (No Membership): Provides limited access with no entry to the Investment or Assets Marketplace. In physical stores, users can make bulk purchases but receive no discounts or priority on inventory, and cannot list their items. • Silver: Expands access to investment opportunities and the secondary market, with third priority on opportunities. Members receive discounts on bulk purchases, can list items in the marketplace (with commission), and gain third priority on store inventory and assets in the marketplace. • Gold: Adds to Silver benefits with second priority on investment opportunities, access to third-party investments, private meetings, and platform ads. Members can rent out jewelry, use partnered packaging, and sell merchandise in the marketplace, with second priority on inventory and first priority on marketplace assets. • Emerald Tier: Provides the highest level of benefits, including first priority on investment opportunities, discounts on related investments, private meetings, and API access for custom marketplaces. In stores, members have first priority on inventory, access to high-value bidding, partnered marketing, and additional services like vault storage and stone cutting. Members also enjoy top priority on assets and additional services like shipping and custom platform creation.

Meet the Team

BLAKE BECHER

(Founder & CEO)

CA

ERIK RAMOS-PAICE

(Co-Founder & COO)

AU

MICHAEL PAICE

(Co-Founder & CWO, Australia)

AU

MARIANA SERBAN

(Director of Strategy)

FRA

MARCEL HUPPI

(Co-Founder)

CH

JUAN MANUEL URIBE

(Finance)

USA

Contact Us

info@theemerald.company