5 Important Guidelines for Gauging Emeralds
14 July 2020While the number of people who like ruby, sapphire, and diamond can be huge, there are also other types of people who prefer their gemstones green. One of the most popular gemstones in the world is emerald, as it grandly carries the green colour to any piece of jewellery available out there.
Emeralds are preferred by many gemstone enthusiasts out there because of its unmatched lush blueish-green tones. These stones, which are a variety of the beryl mineral family, are one of the four recognised precious gemstones in the jewellery-making industry as they have been used by ancient civilisations and utilised by different cultures for over 5,000 years.
Just like other gemstones, the level of quality and other properties of different emeralds can still differ depending on certain elements. So, for you to effectively know their quality, here are 5 important guidelines that you must follow whenever you are gauging them.
Assess the Colour
One defining feature of emeralds is their colour. However, not all emeralds possess the same hue. These gemstones hugely come from the mines of Colombia, particularly from the towns of Muzo and Chivor. Emeralds that come from Muzo have a grassy green colour with some yellow parts momentarily. Chivor’s emeralds, alternatively, are mainly deep pine green, with blue as the secondary colour. Assessing their colour and knowing where they come from can help you out in choosing the perfect gemstone for you.
Check the Clarity
The presence or absence of inclusions in a gemstone can significantly affect its appearance and durability. This quality, which is also known as clarity, must also be checked when gauging emeralds. If there are no visible fissures or cracks on the emerald, then it means that its quality is superb. Its appearance will be silky smooth and that the light hitting it can sparkle throughout the stone. One helpful thing that can be used for checking clarity is through a loupe or jeweller’s magnifying glass.
Evaluate the Cut
The cut of the emerald can change the way it is shaped and manages light. Emeralds with inclusions must be cut in pear-shaped, heart-shaped, tear-shaped, or like a diamond to reduce the loss of raw crystal. On the other hand, emeralds that are step cut will possess rows of facets over the surface of the emerald, which can maximise light reflection and refraction on the gemstone. Emeralds that have too shallow cut may appear dark and dull while cutting them steeply will allow light to easily escape.
Consider the Weight
While weight does not necessarily affect the appearance and radiance of emeralds, it should still be considered whenever you are gauging these gemstones. Weight can directly affect the way emeralds cost in the market. A 5-carat emerald will surely cost more than a 2-carat emerald that shares the same qualities with the former. However, a 5-carat emerald that has inferior colour and quality will be cheaper compared to a 2-carat emerald with higher quality and fascinating colour.
Validate Authenticity
Emeralds that are extracted naturally from mining grounds can certainly possess high-quality properties and exquisite colours. But one alternative option of these emeralds is the ones that are developed from laboratories. Given the continuous advancements over modern technology and equipment, synthetic and lab-grown emeralds can now possess some crucial properties of natural emeralds. Nonetheless, the overall value of natural emeralds is still greater than what synthetic emeralds offer.
If you want to have your own emeralds, feel free to contact us at Ken Ross Jewellers. We have been in business for over 50 years, producing and maintaining fine jewellery and watches.
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