Emerald
Known since ancient times and a favorite of Cleopatra,
emeralds are still among the most popular and beautiful stones in the world. It
is both the birthstone for May and the official gemstone of the 20th anniversary. The most beautiful emeralds today are mined in Colombia and other
parts of South America.
The emerald is actually a green beryl that gets its color
from impurities in the stone. This has led to some controversy on exactly what
constitutes a ‘true’ emerald with purists insisting that only stones with
chromium in them are true emeralds.
Although emeralds rank high on the Mohs scale for hardness,
they are relatively fragile stones that are subject to cracking and breaking -
which is one of the reasons that jewelers developed the emerald cut. The long,
shallow shape presents far fewer fracture points and shows the emerald’s fire
to its best advantage.
Learn more about the May birthstone
Emerald buying guide
Look for deep, medium tone green when you’re looking for an
emerald. Emeralds vary in color from pale yellow-green to nearly black. The
most valuable are pure, transparent grass green – the color that gives Ireland
its nickname of the Emerald Isles.
Few emeralds are free of inclusions or faults, and emerald
pricing accounts for that fact. In addition, nearly all emeralds sold as
gemstones have been oil-finished or filled with resin to give the stone a
smooth surface. If you’re buying an emerald, assume that it has been treated in
some way unless otherwise told. Untreated emeralds of high quality will fetch a
premium price.
Emerald care
Because emeralds are seldom found without fissures and
surface cracks, it’s common for them to have been oiled, waxed or filled with
resin. Because of the likelihood of those treatments, special care is called
for when cleaning and handling emeralds.
Everyday cautions
Avoid situations where your emerald could knock against
things and be damaged. In addition, remove your emerald rings when doing dishes
or immersing your hands in water as soapy solutions and hot water can damage
the finish on the stone. Finally, avoid sudden temperature changes which could
cause color change and cracking in your emerald.
Cleaning your emerald jewelry
Use warm water with a very mild detergent and a soft brush
to clean your emerald jewelry. Between washing, clean emerald jewelry with a
soft, dry cloth. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner on emerald
jewelry, and avoid harsh chemicals. Every 2-5 years, have an experienced
jeweler re-oil your emerald to keep it looking its best.
Storing your emerald jewelry
Store emeralds in velvet lined boxes with individual
compartments or inside cotton bags in a jewelry box. Avoid storing them in the
same compartments of bags as diamonds and sapphires to prevent scratches to the
emeralds. Also avoid extreme temperature changes and prolonged exposure to
bright light which can change the color of your emeralds.
