Question 1

Are all emeralds treated?

Accepted Answer

Not all, but most. The majority of emeralds on the market have had fissures filled with oil or resin to improve apparent clarity. The treatment is accepted when disclosed, but its extent affects value, and fillers can deteriorate over time or with cleaning. Emeralds with no clarity enhancement are uncommon and sell at a premium, confirmed by a laboratory report.

Question 2

How should emeralds be cleaned and set?

Accepted Answer

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, heat and harsh solvents, which can remove or damage fillers and stress fissures. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are safest. When setting, jewellers should take care with pressure on corners and avoid heating the stone during repairs. Protective settings suit rings worn daily, since emerald is more brittle than sapphire or diamond.

Question 3

Which origin produces the best emeralds?

Accepted Answer

Colombia is traditionally the most prized origin, particularly for its warm, vivid green, but fine emeralds also come from Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. Origin affects price, sometimes significantly, yet a well-coloured, lightly enhanced stone from any source can be worth more than a weaker Colombian stone. Origin on a report is the laboratory's opinion.

Question 4

What is the difference between emerald and green beryl?

Accepted Answer

Both are beryl. Emerald is the name for beryl with a sufficiently saturated green colour, caused by chromium, vanadium or both. Pale or yellowish green stones are generally called green beryl. Laboratories do not all draw the line in the same place, and some differ on whether stones coloured by vanadium alone qualify, so the report wording is important.

Loose Emeralds