Emerald is one of the Beryl family of minerals, the most well known and most valuable variety of all the Beryl minerals. Emerald is the birthstone for April and used as the anniversary gemstone for the 16th, 20th and 55th years.
Emerald jewellery, a favourite of Cleopatra, Kings, Queens, and Rulers throughout history, can be yours without a King's Ransom. The name Emerald comes from Greek “smaragdos” meaning green gem. Emeralds have been believed to sharpen the intellect, draw out truths and even give the ability to see the future. For thousands of years they have been held in the highest of esteem, by countless cultures, religions and people.
Emerald colour has a relatively narrow range, from bluish or yellowish green to a deep green. In order to be classed as an Emerald, rather than simply a green beryl, the stone must have a saturated green colour, it cannot be too pale. Emerald is much rarer than other Beryls, and a lot of other gemstones, because the elements that cause the colour, chromium and vanadium are rare in nature, and so very specific conditions need to be available for Emerald to form.
Emerald quality cannot be judged on the same criteria as many other gems, it is common for Emerald to contain eye visible inclusions, in fact natural emeralds that do not are rare, the inclusions often make up interesting patterns and are sometimes referred to as the “jardin” or garden of the Emerald. The main value factor of Emerald is colour, a rich vibrant green is what most people look for in an Emerald, the beauty of the colour is what is important. The finest quality Emerald is a saturated true intense green colour with little or no modifying yellow or blue, and free from inclusions, but these are remarkably rare. Traditionally the finest quality has always been associated with Colombian Emeralds, but many Emerald sources produce fine and beautiful stones, what is important is choosing a stone you love.
Emerald is not uncommon in larger sizes, but does go up dramatically in price per carat as the size gets larger in better quality stones, and certainly in fine stones. Generally prices in Emerald far exceed that of other similarly coloured gemstones. If you buy Emerald online, or in store they can range from a few pounds per carat for lower clarity included beads or carvings, to the record of $280,000/ct for the record breaking stone. A jeweller who has experienced qualified staff can help you choose the right stone for your taste and budget. Emerald needs a little more care than Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires, they are brittle and often contain small fissures or cracks so can be chipped or broken, and they can be scratched more easily as well. Extra care should be taken during wear and they should be removed before doing anything that may cause them harm, they should be stored separately from other jewels and kept away from extremes of heat, and from chemicals.
Emerald is rarely untreated, it is common for the characteristic small fissures and cracks in emerald to be filled with oil, resin or polymers. Not all treatments are permanent, some of these fillers can be removed by heat or steam, only allow skilled jewellers who know how to look after your Emerald to work on it. These treatments are used to make Emeralds more stable and to enhance the clarity and beauty of the natural stone and improve affordability. Unless otherwise stated all our Emerald, as with the majority on sale in the UK, will be enhanced in this way.
Contact our team of jewellery specialists to discover beautiful and unique Emerald jewellery designs, call us on 01335 216 004 or email us at sales@cwsellors.com.
