Emerald: The Gem of Royalty and Romance
Learn more about this stunning green stone and why it might be the perfect choice for your custom jewelry design.
Contents
What is Emerald?
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl. They are colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium, which give them their characteristic green hue. The word "emerald" comes from the Latin "smaragdus", meaning "green gem".
Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which means they are durable enough for everyday wear. However, they can still be scratched or chipped by harder materials. Emeralds can be brittle because of their natural inclusions, so they need to be handled with care and protected from extreme temperatures and chemicals.
The most valuable emeralds have a vivid green color and a high degree of transparency. Like diamonds, they are graded by their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. However, unlike diamonds, emeralds are rarely flawless: most of them have natural inclusions or fractures that are visible to the naked eye or under magnification.
Emerald inclusions are sometimes called "jardin", which means "garden" in French, because they resemble moss or foliage. Some people find these inclusions to add to the charm and uniqueness, while others prefer a cleaner look.
Why Choose It for Your Custom Design?
Emeralds have a long and rich history of being associated with royalty, romance, and wisdom. They were revered by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Incas, who believed that they had healing, protective, and prophetic powers. Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, was said to have a passion for emeralds and wore them as jewelry and adornments.
Emeralds symbolize love, fidelity, growth, and renewal, and are often given as gifts to celebrate these occasions. They are also the birthstone for May, and the gemstone for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. They are also considered to be lucky for people born under the zodiac signs of Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.
What to Consider When Purchasing
There are some important factors to consider when selecting emeralds:
- The best way to judge quality is to view in person, under natural or incandescent light, and compare against other emeralds of similar size and shape. You can also ask for a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA, the AGS, or the EGL, that verifies the grade and authenticity of the stone.
- The origin of an emerald can affect its color, clarity, and value. For example, Colombian emeralds are known for their intense and pure green color, while Zambian emeralds are known for their bluish-green hue and high clarity. However, the origin of an emerald is not a guarantee of its quality, and you should always look at the individual characteristics of each stone.
- Most emeralds are treated to enhance their color and clarity, and to reduce the visibility of their inclusions. The most common treatment is oiling, which involves filling the fractures in the stone with a colorless oil to make them less noticeable. Oiling is considered an acceptable and traditional practice in the jewelry trade, and it does not affect the durability or value of the stone. However, some emeralds are treated with other substances, such as resin, dye, or glass, which can alter the color and appearance of the gemstone and lower its value. You should always inquire about the type and extent of treatment that the emerald has undergone, and avoid buying stones that have been treated with artificial or unstable materials. At Kris Averi, we only select emeralds that are un-treated or that are treated with natural oils that do not damage or decrease the value of the stone.
- Generally, the higher the quality, the higher the price. However, the price can also vary depending on the market conditions, availability, and the preferences of the buyers. You should always compare prices of stones with similar quality, size, and characteristics.
Interesting Facts
- The largest emerald ever found is the Bahia Emerald, which weighs 752 pounds and contains over 180,000 carats of emeralds. It was discovered in Brazil in 2001, and has been the subject of a legal dispute ever since.
- The most expensive emerald ever sold is the Rockefeller Emerald, which weighs 18.04 carats and has a vivid green color and exceptional clarity. It was sold for $5.5 million in 2017, setting a record of $305,000 per carat.
Our Recommendation for Emeralds in Custom Jewelry Designs
Unmatched Green
No other gemstone captures the lush green quite like an emerald. It’s the color of nature, growth, and renewal. An emerald’s inclusions tell a story: no two stones are alike, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
But... Requires Lots of Care
- Despite their hardness on the Moh’s scale, the natural inclusions make emeralds more susceptible to damage. A hard knock or pressure can cause fractures or chipping. So, while emeralds are durable, they demand a touch of care (and should probably be removed during activity).
- For extra measure, we can design a jewelry setting (e.g., bezel or prong) that protects the stone's edges. However, emeralds may be better suited for earrings or necklaces that have a lower chance for impact compared to rings.
- Emeralds are also sensitive to extreme heat, so you'll need to avoid exposing them to sudden temperature changes or high heat sources.
If you’re captivated by the allure of emerald green, we can design a piece that resonates with your heart. Just remember to treat it with the care it deserves.
If you love the green of emeralds but are concerned about durability, we recommend tsavorite garnet or green sapphires as a solid alternative.
The Kris Averi Promise
We welcome you just as you are, in your authenticity and unique expression of love.
We believe love knows no bounds, limitations, or exceptions. It is all inclusive, and so are we. Here at Kris Averi, we are committed to standing behind all love, always.
We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true.
