EMERALD

When judging an emerald's value, its color is of paramount importance. The more vivid the green, the more valuable the stone. There are also attractive lighter green emeralds that are lively and vivid when set in jewelry and darker green gems that make up in rich green color what they lose in brightness. Generally speaking, however, very light or dark emeralds are less expensive. Unlike a diamond, a finely colored emerald is not significantly devalued by inclusions.

The fewer fissures, the more expensive the emerald. Cut natural emeralds of top quality weighing more than two carats are extremely rare and costly. A large deep green emerald with minor blue or yellow secondary coloration that is relatively free of inclusions may cost tens of thousands per dollars per carat.

Perfect natural gems--in color and appearance--are very rare and expensive. As part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed in clear oil or resin to minimize the appearance of small fissures. In addition to oil and wax fillers, the trade also uses clear resins to penetrate open fissures surfacing in the gemstone. Hardeners are often added to solidify these liquids to prevent the resin from evaporating, thus making the enhancement more permanent than just oiling or waxing the gem. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer who will provide, in writing, the processes and treatment that your emerald has received.

Because emeralds are brittle, and can split along their inclusions if exposed to sharp impact, properly designed jewelry should minimize the gem's exposure.
 

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