Emerald
Unleashing the power of Green
Emeralds, renowned for their stunning green hue, have captivated admirers for centuries with their rich history and timeless beauty. Celebrated for their elegance across various cultures, these gemstones are a significant choice.
Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring that signifies everlasting love or a bespoke piece to commemorate a special occasion, our skilled artisans are dedicated to crafting designs that reflect your unique story. Each emerald we source for your bespoke piece is meticulously chosen for its superior quality and unique character, ensuring that every creation radiates luxury and sophistication.
Emerald: Is it Right Choice for You?
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Cost: The cost of an emerald gemstone varies significantly depending on factors such as colour, clarity, carat weight, and origin. High-quality emeralds, especially those with a vibrant green hue and minimal inclusions, are highly sought after and can command premium prices. Origin is also a key factor, with emeralds from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil being particularly prized. Despite their cost, emeralds are considered a timeless investment, admired for their rarity and striking beauty.
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Durability: Emeralds are reasonably durable, with a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. While they are not as hard as rubies or sapphires, emeralds can withstand regular wear with proper care. Most mined emeralds naturally have inclusions, often referred to as the “jardin,” which adds character but requires gentle handling to avoid damage. Whether set in rings, necklaces, or earrings, emerald jewellery is treasured for its deep hue, elegance and enduring charm.
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Ethical Sourcing: We take great care to source our emerald gemstones from trusted suppliers who prioritise ethical mining practices, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and fair labour conditions. Our commitment to practice ethical sourcing reflects our dedication to protecting the environment and promoting responsible practices within the industry.
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Design Versatility: The setting and design of your jewellery should highlight the emerald’s natural beauty while reflecting your personal style. Consider how the emerald will be incorporated into your piece—whether it’s in a timeless solitaire, a halo design, or a custom creation. The design should accentuate the emerald’s vivid green hue, cut, and clarity, allowing the gemstone to take centre stage. Pairing an emerald with diamonds in a Toi et Moi style or cluster design creates a stunning contrast, where the rich green of the emerald beautifully complements the brilliance of the diamonds. The setting should be secure yet elegant, ensuring that the emerald and diamonds shine together as the focal point of your bespoke jewellery.
Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Emerald
When it comes to choosing the perfect metal for your bespoke jewellery, platinum and white gold are two popular options that each offer unique qualities. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Carat
Carat weight affects both the size and value of an emerald. Larger emeralds are rarer and generally more valuable. Choose a carat weight that aligns with your budget and design goals. Remember, the value of an emerald increases with both size and quality, so finding the right balance is essential.
Cut
Emeralds come in various shapes, such as emerald cut, oval, round, and cushion. Select a shape that matches your design preferences and highlights the emerald’s natural beauty. A well-cut emerald features balanced proportions and symmetrical facets that enhance its colour and reduce the visibility of inclusions.
Colour
The colour of an emerald is its most defining feature. Look for a vivid, intense green with a pure hue. The most desirable emeralds exhibit a deep, rich green, often termed “Colombian green,” with minimal yellow or blue undertones. This ideal hue enhances the stone’s value and beauty. A well-saturated emerald displays a bright, even green throughout. Avoid stones that appear overly dark or too light, as these may lack the vibrant brilliance typical of high-quality emeralds.
Clarity
Emeralds are known for containing natural inclusions, called “jardin,” which are part of their unique charm. While inclusions are normal, seek emeralds with minimal visible blemishes for better clarity and value. Some inclusions can add character, but the stone should still allow light to pass through effectively.
Treatments
Natural vs. Enhanced: Many emeralds are treated with oil or resin to improve their clarity. These treatments are common and can enhance the stone’s appearance, but they may also affect its value and maintenance needs. Understand any treatments applied to the emerald to ensure you are aware of how they impact the stone’s long-term care.
An Emerald’s Journey: From Earth to Radiance
Formed deep within the Earth’s crust under extreme pressure and heat, these gemstones gain their vibrant colour from trace elements of chromium and vanadium. Historically, emeralds were highly prized by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who mined them in the famed Cleopatra mines and associated them with fertility and rebirth. In the 16th century, they gained prominence in Europe, where royalty and nobility valued their striking colour and rarity.
Today, emeralds are primarily mined in a few key locations around the world. The most famous sources include Colombia, which is renowned for producing some of the finest emeralds with a deep, vivid green hue. Other significant sources are the Brazilian mines, known for their diverse range of colours and clarity, and the Zambian mines, which are celebrated for their rich, intense greens. Each region imparts a unique quality to the emeralds, contributing to their varied appearances and values. This geographical diversity, combined with emeralds’ historical significance, makes them a captivating choice for bespoke jewellery, reflecting both their natural beauty and rich heritage.
Lab-grown Emeralds: Crafting Excellence Beyond Nature
From a cost perspective, lab-grown emeralds tend to be more affordable than their mined counterparts, making them an attractive option for those looking to invest in larger or more vibrant stones without exceeding their budget. This also allows for more creative freedom in design, as you can incorporate larger emeralds into your jewellery without the premium price tag that typically accompanies rare mined stones.
If you’re seeking a vibrant, deep green emerald in a larger size without the high price tag, lab-grown emeralds provide an ideal solution, offering exceptional beauty at an accessible cost.
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Can I incorporate my gemstone into a bespoke piece?
Absolutely! We’d be delighted to incorporate your gemstone into your bespoke design, adding a unique and sentimental touch to the piece. However, we do need to assess the stone first to ensure it’s suitable for the intended setting. Please note that setting client-provided gemstones is done at your own risk, as we cannot guarantee their condition or durability. Rest assured, we’ll handle them with the utmost care and expertise to make sure they’re beautifully integrated into your design.
How do I choose the right gemstone size for an engagement ring?
Choosing the perfect gemstone size involves balancing several factors. First, consider your or your partner’s style, and how the gemstone will complement the overall design. Proportions are key—keep in mind the wearer’s finger size, as this plays a role in creating a balanced and flattering look. Budget is also an important consideration, as larger gemstones often come with a higher price tag. Above all, focus on quality—a well-cut gemstone maximizes brilliance and sparkle. By weighing these elements—style, size, budget, and quality—you can design a stunning bespoke engagement ring that will be cherished for years to come.
Are the gemstones you use ethically sourced?
Yes, we are committed to ethical sourcing. We work with trusted suppliers who uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure that all our coloured stones meet responsible sourcing criteria. You can rest easy knowing that your gemstone is both beautiful and ethically sourced.