Emeralds: The Epitome of Luxurious Green encapsulated in a rock found in beryllium-bearing deposits from South American to Africa
Are you looking for something timeless and romantic? Something that captures the essence of nature’s beauty? Look no further than emeralds, a precious gemstone loved by custom jewelry designer Emily Gill of Toronto, Canada. The higher quality emeralds earth produces appear mystical. No green compares to that of an emerald, and carat for carat, emeralds are more valuable than diamonds. Emeralds have many admirers and who can't get enough of this chromium containing beryl that we find primarily in Zambia, Brazil and Colombia.
See the Latest in Our Emerald Collection
Why Choose Emeralds for Bespoke Creations?
Emeralds are unique gemstones that are known for their vivid green color, making them one of the most recognized stones used in the world of jewelry.
We love the stone because it reflects the natural beauty of the earth, the refreshing, green emerald color symbolizing renewal, growth, loyalty and wisdom. Emeralds evoke feelings of love and passion because they are rare, those who choose them to wear in custom jewellery know that they are truly special stones, neither attention seeking nor boring.
With their breathtaking beauty, it is easy to understand why Emeralds are so sought after in the world of jewelry design by discerning collectors and curious gem lovers.
The Significance and Qualities of Emeralds
Emeralds are actually a variety of the mineral beryl, and they typically range from light to medium green, to dark green. The most valuable emeralds have a deep, rich color with few visible inclusions within, which means they are free from internal flaws.
Emeralds are not only beautiful, but also carry a deep cultural and historical value. In times past, emeralds were thought to be imbued with healing power; many cultures considered them potent remedies for ailments such as eye strain or fever.
They are also considered to be a symbol of rebirth and prosperity, which is why many people choose to wear them to celebrate new beginnings. Below is an image of a Loose Brazilian Emerald under direct simulated daylight which shows its ethereal glow.
Natural Emeralds from the Emerald Mines in Zambia
We source our emeralds for custom work through a broker in Toronto. They were kind enough to lend us some amazing stones to share in our blog. Zambian emeralds are more common, and come from the Kafubu area, which is known for producing some of the highest quality emeralds in the world. Emeralds from Zambia are also some of the oldest on planet earth, created from the contact of Beryllium, Chromium and Vanadium over 500 million years ago.
When you purchase a Zambian emerald today, you can be confident that the stone was sourced ethically and sustainably and the chain of custody through which it went after mining from the earth, observed good business practices. Nearly all the rough emerald coming from Zambia, is cut in India or Israel.
Zambian emeralds are typically less expensive than comparable important geographical deposits because they don’t boast a history as long as better known Colombian emeralds. Spanish colonialists document the discovery of the Muzo mines in the 14th century, but the mines located deep in the Andes of present-day Colombia were used for over 500 years prior to the arrival of Spaniards in the New World. This ancient history is part of the reason that Colombian emeralds more expensive compared to those coming from Zambia. Zambian beryl was discovered many centuries later in the 1920s, however production of emeralds only began in the 1970s when new deposits of the gemstone were found.
Today, most rough emeralds are cut and polished in India or Israel, and then are distributed to companies world wide, eventually landing in medium or small independent brokers of fine coloured gems, right here in Toronto, Canada.
Emeralds: The Romantic Gemstone for Bespoke Creations
When it comes to custom jewelry design, emeralds are a popular choice for their romantic beauty and unique qualities.
Custom jewelry designer Emily Gill of Toronto, Canada, shares her passion for emeralds and her expertise in working with these precious stones.
Here are some important facts about colors, clarity and treatment that you need to know about emeralds to help you make the right choice for your custom jewelry piece. If you want to delve deep into gemmology, GIA’s website is a fantastic place to read all about the science of emeralds.
Colors, Clarity, and Treatment
Colors and Saturation
Emeralds can come in a range of green-blue hues, depending on where they are mined. The color of an emerald is often influenced by the geographic region it comes from, but every geographical location will produce a range of greens which are different due to other minerals that came into contact with beryl during the formation of the stone, over hundreds of millennia underground within the earth’s crust. Therefore we can say that all emeralds from various locations can produce many colorations.
Bluish Green emeralds: Colombia and Brazil tend to produce a distinct bluish-green color emerald. Colombian emeralds are most prized for their bluish undertone and history, Brazilian emeralds come second.
Vivid Green Emerald: Zambia and Brazil produce vivid green emeralds, which can sometimes exhibit a slightly yellowish hue due to the iron in the mineral. We see more saturation in Zambian emeralds, and lighter emeralds in Brazilian deposits, all which affect the price and value.
Below are some examples of stones and the price ranges they would retail for in 2023, if purchased loose for custom work. The cost of a custom ring would be additionally quoted based on design.
Clarity
Clarity is another important factor when it comes to emeralds. Unlike other gems such as diamonds, emeralds are not naturally clear and almost all are treated with oil to improve clarity.
Very low clarity stones will have many inclusions, giving the stone a whitish milky appearance,. The stones EG Bespoke Ltd. sources for our fine jewellery are not white or milky, but depending on the price range request for clients, can be more heavily included, giving it a more opaque appearance.
The most desired and high valued cut and polished emeralds are very clear, with even color throughout the crystal. Almost all emeralds are oiled to improve and diminish the look of inclusions, and this process does not undermine the value of the cut gem, as it is standard in the industry.
Treatment
The most common treatment is with cedar oil, which is used to fill the cracks and remove the visibility of inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye in a non-oiled stone.
History of the Emerald Cut
The emerald cut has become synonymous with the emerald gemstone, with its rectangular shape apparent clarity and array of stepped facets. It was developed by gem cutters in the 14th century to work with the gemstone crystal structure, prevent chipping and breakage during the cutting process. This stepped rectangular design with cut corners followed the hexagonal shape of the emerald crystal, and observed the direction of inclusions to ensure these prized gems were yielding the most weight for trade and beauty.
With modern technology, more cuts have been adopted and are produced for jewellery design, but still the most common shape is the emerald cut, due to its rich history we still think it is the most beautiful.
Choosing a gem shape is a personal choice, so we insist clients pick whatever makes them feel happy!
Over time, the emerald cut has become popular for other gemstones, including diamonds as well, and has remained an enduring symbol of elegance and sophistication in the world of jewelry.
Related Gems in the Beryl Family: Aquamarine, and Morganite
Beryl is actually the family that emeralds come from, and there are several other well-known sister gems to emerald in the beryl family of minerals.
Here are all the types of beryl:
- red beryl (bixbite),
- vivid green beryl (emerald),
- white beryl (goshenite),
- yellow beryl (heliodor),
- blue green beryl (aquamarine) and
- peach pink beryl (morganite).
All of these are beloved for their unique beauty and properties, but Aquamarine and Morganite are the most popular and abundantly produced, therefore we see them set in many engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and fine jewellery designs.
Caring for Your Emeralds
Emeralds are more fragile than other gemstones and have a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, where diamonds are rated 10.
It's important to avoid any chemicals when cleaning your emerald stone. We recommend to use warm soapy water and to avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning, as strong heat or vibrations may cause damage, cause oils to sweat out of the stone, and generally endanger the stability of these already naturally included gems.
Since accidents can happen, EG Bespoke Ltd always recommends taking out a personal jewellery insurance policy for your emerald fine jewellery, to ensure you are covered in case of damage. It can cost very little in comparison to replacing a broken stone or the labour involved in repairing a ring. We recommend Jewellers Mutual as a resource, their agents are helpful and can answer all your questions.
Choosing a Bespoke Jewelry Designer for Emeralds
When it comes to custom jewelry design, it is important to choose a designer who has experience working with a variety of gems, including emeralds. You can use emeralds as accent stones to enhance the look of a pendant, earrings, ring as well. Smaller accent stones tend to be more cost effective ways to include this treasured birthstone into custom fine jewellery.
As a bespoke jewelry designer, Emily Gill is always careful to recommend the right type of setting for the gemstone being used.
Thought Process Behind Designing an Emerald Ring
Miligrain is safely applied to bezel set diamonds, and a smooth bezel encases the trillion emerald accents.
When designing a custom ring or earrings with an emerald stone, it is important to consider both form and function.
Emily Gill recommends 18K yellow gold settings or platinum settings, both softer more cooperative metals from the jewellers point of view.
Protecting the edges of an emerald can be helpful to keep an emerald secure and intact for daily wear, so we recommend bezel setting. While vintage style rings have bezels with milgrain, the tiny dotted texture we see along the surface of a bezel, milgrain applied to bezels is problematic with emeralds as the added pressure to the gem during the process is risky, so we recommend smooth bezels.
It’s important to minimize the force used during setting to avoid issues while placing the gem in a setting. We also consider the cut and shape of stones, lots of time is spent inspecting stones to consider placement of the inclusions.
Sharp corner shapes like princess or marquise cuts are not recommended for prong setting, as claws on pointed corners may damage the stone, rather smooth bezels or demi bezels are recommended.
Pear shapes are common cuts in modern day emerald production, and provide a unique option for contemporary design in an engagement ring. As a pear shape has a point, it is recommend to bezel set the pear cut emerald, to protect the most vulnerable pointed end of the stone.
Beautiful emerald cuts can be set with claws on the corners, while ovals and rounds can be set with prongs nicely.
We recommend 4-6 prongs at minimum to hold an emerald in a setting. We typically apply pointed prongs to secure the stone. Prongs too small or too dainty can lift and compromise your stone, risking it falling out if caught on fabrics, scarves or pockets.
Bespoke jewelry designer, Emily Gill, Canada, is careful when recommending what type of ring should be built with an emerald stone.
Be sure to choose a designer who cares and understands the type of gem they are working with. Knowledge is important, it’s something that comes from years of experience as a designer.
Emeralds are a timeless and romantic choice for custom jewelry design. Their unique qualities and significance make them the perfect stone for capturing the essence of nature’s beauty in a beautiful piece of jewelry.
If you’re looking for bespoke pieces that tell a story and evoke feelings of love and passion, visit Emily Gill’s website to see her exquisite designs featuring the beautiful emerald stone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emeralds
This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about emeralds and their use in custom jewelry.
Emeralds are considered one of the most beautiful gemstones, and because of this, they are often used for making pieces of exquisite custom jewelry.
This guide will provide insight into caring for emerald jewelry, what to look for when selecting an emerald, and the best ways to clean emeralds.
We hope that you find this information useful in creating the perfect piece of custom jewelry with emeralds!
What does an emerald symbolize?
An emerald is a symbol of hope, renewal, and growth. It also serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and its many wonders. The color green associated with an emerald represents healing and balance in life. Additionally, this gemstone is believed to bring about positive energy, good luck, and prosperity.
Is emerald rarer than diamond?
Although emeralds are not as common as diamonds, they are still considered a valuable and rare gemstone. No green compares to that of an emerald, and carat for carat, emeralds are more valuable than diamonds due to their scarcity. Additionally, the color green is associated with many cultures throughout history and so this makes them highly sought-after for custom jewelry.
What are emerald crystals used for?
Emerald crystals are often used for metaphysical healing and protection. They can be used to help connect with the spiritual realm and open up channels of communication with higher realms. Emeralds can also bring about a sense of peace and calm, which can be beneficial in times of mental stress or emotional turmoil.
Is emerald expensive?
Emeralds are considered one of the most valuable gemstones and can be quite expensive. The price of an emerald depends on its size, color, and clarity. Larger, darker green emeralds with fewer inclusions tend to be more expensive than lighter ones with many inclusions. Additionally, the quality of craftsmanship for custom jewelry also affects the overall price.
How do you take care of emerald jewelry?
Properly caring for your emerald jewelry is essential to maintain its beauty and luster. Emeralds should be cleaned using a mixture of mild soap and water, followed by a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris. It is important to make sure that the emerald is not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause damage. Additionally, it is important to take off any emerald jewelry before engaging in activities such as sports or exercise where you might accidentally knock your emerald jewellery.
Are green emerald rings expensive?
Green emerald rings tend to be more expensive than other colors, as they are highly sought after for their beauty and symbolism. The price of a ring with green emeralds depends on their size, color, and clarity. The quality of craftsmanship for custom jewelry also affects the overall cost as the emerald is more fragile and requires more time and patience to set, therefore costing more for labor. The materials used to design emerald rings (ideally 18K or Platinum) are more costly metals therefore can increase the cost of an emerald ring in comparison to a diamond ring, which can be made in virtually any metal from 10K white gold to platinum. .
Is emerald cut more expensive?
Emerald cut emeralds tend to be more expensive than other cuts, due to their unique shape and symmetry. The price of the emerald depends on its size, color, and clarity. Additionally, the quality of craftsmanship for custom jewelry also affects the overall cost.
Is emerald a birthstone?
Emerald is the birthstone for May, and is said to bring about luck and good fortune. The deep green hue of emeralds are associated with Springtime and growth, making them a popular choice for those born in May. They can also be used to balance emotions and reduce stress, making them perfect for those who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Additionally, emeralds open up channels of communication, enabling a person to make sound decisions and express themselves clearly.
Is emerald considered good luck?
Emeralds are believed to bring about positive energy and good luck, making them an ideal choice for those seeking spiritual guidance. They can also be used to balance emotions and reduce stress, making them perfect for those who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Additionally, emeralds open up channels of communication, enabling a person to make sound decisions and express themselves clearly. As such, many people consider emeralds to be good luck charms.
Can you wear an emerald ring everyday?
Yes, you can wear an emerald ring everyday, but with care. If you have a physical job or want to keep your ring on 24/7, an emerald may not be an ideal choice, but you can always protect your investment with personal jewellery insurance, and take good care of the ring. In order to keep it in good condition and maintain its luster, it is important to take off the emerald jewelry before engaging in strenuous activity such as sports or exercise. Additionally, emeralds should be cleaned regularly using a mixture of mild soap and water, followed by a soft, dry cloth. With the proper care and maintenance, an emerald ring can be worn daily without any adverse effects.
Should emeralds be worn on the right or left hand?
Ultimately the decision of which hand to wear an emerald on depends on personal preference. Emeralds worn on the left hand as this is believed to bring about luck and good fortune. Additionally, the left side of the body is said to be connected to the heart, making it the ideal side for wearing a stone that is associated with positive energy and spiritual guidance.
We hope that this information has been helpful in understanding the significance of an emerald and the best ways to clean them. Keeping all of these tips in mind, you will be able to create a beautiful and unique piece of custom jewelry with emeralds with your designer.
Enjoy!
Contact Emily Gill for Your Custom Emerald Piece
If you’re looking for a unique, bespoke jewelry piece featuring emeralds, look no further than Emily Gill.
Emily’s designs are carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romantic qualities of emeralds, and she has the knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice for your custom piece.
Contact Emily today for your perfect emerald earrings, emerald necklaces, mens emerald rings, emerald rings for women, or even emerald cut engagement rings with the stone of your liking.