
The Connoisseur's Guide to Buying Emeralds
Top 10 Essentials When Buying an Emerald
- Color: Seek deep, vivid green or slightly bluish-green; even saturation is key.
- Clarity: Look for eye-clean stones; light inclusions are acceptable, heavy ones are not.
- Cut: Choose well-proportioned cuts like the emerald cut that enhances color and protects edges.
- Carat Weight: Prioritize color vibrancy over sheer size; a small vivid emerald is more valuable than a large pale one.
- Treatments: Accept light oiling; avoid heavily treated stones unless deeply discounted.
- Origin: Colombian emeralds reign supreme; Zambian and Brazilian stones are also superb.
- Certification: Insist on lab certification (GIA, AGL, SSEF) verifying authenticity and any treatments.
- Setting: Protect with a secure bezel or strong prongs, especially for daily wear pieces.
- Budget: Balance size, clarity, and color within your financial comfort zone.
- 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.