Gemstones Guide: The Emerald Stone

The highest quality emerald stones are characterized by their medium tone, very bright green hue, and saturated color. An emerald stone should be neither too dark nor too pale and display an even color throughout the gemstone. Traditionally emerald green should be the perfect balance of blue and yellow – a pure green hue.

Clear emeralds with no inclusions are extremely rare. Inclusions are expected and acceptable. In fact they give each emerald stone its unique character. High-quality emeralds should have a good amount of translucency and not be completely opaque.

Emerald is sensitive and fragile stone, which makes it a difficult stone to cut. The octagonal emerald cut is the most prized cut allowing the emerald stone to display all its beauty while also reducing the risk of damage to the stone. Nevertheless, emerald stone comes in all kinds of cuts, including, pear, cushion, and oval. Unfacetted cabochons are also popular. A well cut emerald stone will hide inclusions and color variations. In addition, the cut of an emerald stone should not allow its cracks and inclusions to penetrate deep into the gem, since these may weaken the gemstone enough to break if it were subjected to a blow.

Emeralds of fine quality above 2 carats are the most sought after in the market. Emerald stone in sizes above 10 carats of vivid green color and good clarity are very rare and command premium prices.

The majority of emeralds are subjected to clarity enhancements, most of which are widely accepted in the fine jewelry industry. We believe in full disclosure of any treatment that a stone has undergone.