Top 10 Essentials When Buying an Emerald

1. Color: Seek deep, vivid green or slightly bluish-green; even saturation is key.
2. Clarity: Look for eye-clean stones; light inclusions are acceptable, heavy ones are not.
3. Cut: Choose well-proportioned cuts like the emerald cut that enhances color and protects edges.
4. Carat Weight: Prioritize color vibrancy over sheer size; a small vivid emerald is more valuable than a large pale one.
5. Treatments: Accept light oiling; avoid heavily treated stones unless deeply discounted.
6. Origin: Colombian emeralds reign supreme; Zambian and Brazilian stones are also superb.
7. Certification: Insist on lab certification (GIA, AGL, SSEF) verifying authenticity and any treatments.
8. Setting: Protect with a secure bezel or strong prongs, especially for daily wear pieces.
9. Budget: Balance size, clarity, and color within your financial comfort zone.
10. Seller: Only buy from reputable, transparent dealers offering return policies and guarantees.

Insider Tips for the Emerald Enthusiast

• Always examine emeralds under natural daylight.
• Understand treatment grades: "Minor" is preferred.
• Trust your instincts — the gem should appear lively and brilliant.
• Feel for the cool touch of a natural stone.
• Use a 10x loupe to inspect surface and inclusions carefully.

Buyer's Red Flags

• Stones that are suspiciously flawless (likely synthetic).
• Overly dark or opaque green stones.
• Lack of certification.
• Dealers who are evasive about treatments or return policies.