Emerald gemstone loose with loupe | Lisa Robin

Gemstone guides

Emerald Engagement Rings

In the following, find out about the advantages and disadvantages of opting for an emerald engagement ring.

Learn About Emerald

May's birthstone, the emerald, represents spring's renewal and rejuvenation due to its green color. In 2013, Pantone declared it as the Color of the Year, citing its contribution of luxury and elegance to the color palette.

Emeralds are created by the presence of chromium, vanadium, and iron in beryl minerals, and their concentration determines the stone's color range. Chromium and vanadium produce a vibrant green hue, while iron gives it a bluish tinge.

The most valuable emeralds are medium to medium-dark toned bluish-green or green, often cut into an emerald shape, as the stone naturally forms into six-sided prisms. Most emeralds have visible inclusions (internal clarity characteristics) and blemishes (surface clarity characteristics) that impact their value. The size and type of inclusions can drastically affect the price, ranging from $10 per carat for a low-quality stone to $50,000 per carat for an exceptionally clear one.

Lab-created emeralds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural emerald. Lab-created emeralds are among the priciest synthetic gemstones due to the costly equipment and energy-intensive processes required for their production. Although the yield of facetable material is low, the slow and meticulous process results in a stunning product. Despite this, natural emeralds, depending on the size and type of inclusions can drastically affect the price, have a greater price than lab created emeralds.

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Emerald gemstones loose with jewelrs loupe | Lisa Robin

What to Look For in an emerald Engagement Ring

What is the most important factor of natural emerald?

When it comes to emerald engagement rings, the quality is mainly determined by the color and shape of the gemstone, although cut, clarity, color, and carat are also important factors. When buying an emerald, color is key. Even distribution and not too dark is best. Inclusions are common in natural emeralds and don't reduce value much.

What is the most important factor of lab created emeralds?

Both natural and lab-grown emeralds have identical chemical and physical properties, including the same atomic structure and crystal habit. Gemology labs would classify both types of emerald as beryl.

What stone cut works best with emerald?

Cut is important to maximize color in an emerald. Often emeralds are cut into a rectangular shape to minimize inclusions and add sparkle.

What settings and metals work best with emerald?

Emeralds are a versatile gemstone that can be used in both modern and classic ring designs. If the color is bluish green it makes them a great match with white metals such as platinum and white gold, and depending on the amount of yellow in the stone, they can also complement the warmer tones of yellow and rose gold. The result is a stunning and unique engagement ring.

Learn About Ring Metals

How durable are emeralds?

On the Mohs scale, emerald ranks between 7.5 and 8 and has moderate toughness. Therefore, it is essential to take extra care when wearing it compared to ruby or sapphire.

Any gemstone You Can Imagine

Lisa Robin features several gemstone options in a selection of engagement ring styles. Of course, many other gemstones are available and colored gemstones can be put into any engagement ring style or create something totally unique.

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