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Unveiling the Enchanting Green Emerald: A Guide to the Queen of Green Gems

Have you ever been captivated by the mesmerizing glow of a green Emerald? Emeralds have captivated humanity for centuries, adorning ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern celebrities. But if you're new to the world of Emeralds, the vast array of choices and terminology can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This guide is your one-stop shop for all things green Emerald. I will delve into the history and symbolism of these captivating stones, explore the factors that influence their value, and unveil the secrets to caring for your Emerald treasures. So, get ready to unlock the enchanting world of green Emeralds!
Custom made engagement ring featuring a center 3.24 carat emerald-cut natural green Emerald with Swiss Dunaigre certificate

Green Emeralds - A Timeless Symbol of Luxury

The Emerald's story stretches back millennia. Derived from the Greek word "smaragdos," which simply translates to "green," the Emerald has adorned civilizations for centuries. Ancient Egyptians revered Emeralds, believing they held the power of rebirth and eternal youth. Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, was said to be particularly fond of these verdant gems, and her fascination may have likely fueled the Emerald's association with royalty and luxury. Fast forward to the modern world, and the Emerald's allure remains as strong as ever. From Hollywood red carpets to everyday fashion, these captivating green gems continue to grace the necks, ears, and fingers of royalties, celebrities, socialites, and style icons alike. The rich history, captivating color, and enduring symbolism all contribute to the Emerald's enduring popularity in the modern world.
Pear-shaped Zambian Emeralds necklace featuring 83.45 carat total weight Zambian Emeralds with Zambian CD-Swiss Certified

Formation and Origins of Emeralds

Emeralds belong to the beryl mineral family, sharing a kinship with the ocean-hued Aquamarine. Their mesmerizing green hue arises from a touch of science – trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, and iron play a starring role. Chromium and vanadium take center stage, lending the Emerald its captivating green color, while iron can add a bluish tinge. These vibrant gems are formed under immense pressure and heat, often found near hydrothermal veins within metamorphic rocks. Imagine molten rock fluids circulating deep within the Earth's crust, carrying dissolved minerals. As these fluids cool and encounter pockets of weakness, the pressure drops, and minerals like beryl begin to crystallize. This dramatic geological play can take millions of years, resulting in a gemstone as unique and captivating as the journey it took to create it. While Colombia is known for its production of high-quality Emeralds, with mines like Muzo and Chivor being famous for their vibrant green gems, Emeralds are also found in other locations around the globe, such as Zambia, Ethiopia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia. Currently, Zambia is one of the biggest producers of Emeralds.
Loose Pear Shape Emeralds-0 A pair of Colombian pear-shaped Emeralds, each weighing 25.65 carats and 23.51 carats. Both are accompanied with C. Dunaigre Switzerland laboratories certificate.

Emerald’s Color Variations and the Connection to Value

The world of Emeralds is a tapestry of captivating greens. Their color spectrum ranges from a light, almost grassy green to a deep, almost bluish green. The most prized Emeralds boast a rich, evenly saturated green with a vibrant clarity. Imagine a lush, verdant hue that seems to glow from within – this depth of color commands a premium price. As the green deepens and takes on a bluish tinge, the Emerald enters a realm of even greater rarity and value. My suggestion is to pick an Emerald that is suitable to your skin tone as it will have a greater “pop� effect. However, value isn't just about color. Clarity plays a part as well. Emeralds with minimum inclusions and exceptional color saturation will be the most valuable, while Emeralds with significant inclusions or cloudiness will be priced lower. Ultimately, the interplay between color, saturation, clarity, and even the intended use of the gem all come together to determine the final value of a captivating green Emerald.
4.56 Carat Emerald And Diamond Ring-0 4.56 carat Zambian Emerald with certified vivid green color in a meticulously hand-made, two-tone ring

Untreated versus Treated Emeralds

Approximately, 99% of Emeralds are treated. Emeralds grow with fractures, these fractures reach the surface of the gem. It's possible to fill the fractures by injecting oils. This is a standard industry treatment and it’s called oiling. It’s extremely rare that a rough Emerald will grow without any fractures. Such Emeralds have no need for treatment and they are at a much higher price. It’s important to know that Emeralds that are treated are also valuable. Both treated and untreated Emeralds can have a certificate. The certificate for an untreated Emerald will state that there is no evidence of oiling. The certificate for a treated Emerald will state from “heavily oiled� to “minor oil� and the price will vary according to the treatment level and overall color saturation and luster.

How to Care For Your Emerald Jewelry

Emeralds rank 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means they're quite durable for everyday wear, though they can be chipped or scratched if not cared for properly. Here's how to care for your Emerald treasures:
  • Cleaning: Emeralds are susceptible to harsh chemicals and abrasives because of the oiling treatment. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and jewelry dips. Always have a professional jewelry store clean your Emerald.
  • Storage: Emeralds can be scratched by harder gemstones. Store your Emerald jewelry separately in a soft pouch or compartment within a jewelry box lined with fabric.
  • Daily Wear: While Emeralds are reasonably durable, avoid wearing them during strenuous activities or household chores where they could be impacted. Take them off when applying lotions, cosmetics, or hairspray, as these products may dry out and dull the stone over time.
Custom made engagement ring featuring a center 1.50 carat asscher-cut natural green Brazilian Emerald

Bringing Your Emerald Dream to Life

As an international jewelry designer and creator, I'm passionate about sourcing out the right Emerald for each person. My network of reputable suppliers around the globe allows me to source out a variety of Emeralds to choose from. No matter your preference for color, clarity, or treatment, I can source out and find the stone that speaks to your heart. In addition to sourcing, I envision the perfect setting to bring your chosen Emerald to life. It’s the ring that brings out the beauty of the stone, when constructed appropriately for: the particular gem and the unique finger that will be wearing it. Contact me today, and together, we can transform your Emerald dream into a stunning reality.
Category_Engagement Rings
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Green Emerald
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Green Emerald Jewelry
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Guide to Green Emerald
Updated: September 24, 2024
About Cynthia

I am the designer, wax carver, goldsmith and creator of all custom made Cynthia Britt jewelry and ready-made sterling silver collections. I am very detailed oriented and I absolutely love to create a unique piece of jewelry for each person. I received a B.S. degree in computer engineering from Boston University, then I learned the art of jewelry making in California.

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