Emerald Ring Buying Guide: Colour, Clarity and Care
Emerald is a green gemstone from the beryl family, coloured by chromium and vanadium. Alongside ruby and sapphire it is one of the best-known coloured stones, but it is judged differently from a diamond. This guide covers what to look at before you buy.
Colour comes first
An emerald’s value depends mostly on its colour. The most sought-after stones are pure green to slightly bluish green, with strong saturation and a medium tone. Stones that are too pale or too dark are worth less.
Inclusions are normal
Unlike diamonds, emeralds almost always have visible inclusions. The pattern is often called jardin, the French word for garden. A truly clean emerald is very rare. What matters is whether inclusions reach the surface or form large fractures, because that can affect durability.
Oil treatment
Most emeralds on the market are treated with oil or resin to make fine fractures less visible. The practice is common and accepted as long as it is disclosed. Gemological laboratory reports usually state the degree of enhancement, from none through minor and moderate to significant. The less treatment, the higher the value.
Origin
The best-known sources are Colombia, Zambia and Brazil. Origin can influence price, but the quality of the individual stone matters more than the name of the country.
Durability and setting
- Emerald is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but its inclusions make it more vulnerable to knocks than sapphire or diamond.
- The emerald cut, with its trimmed corners, was developed to protect the stone.
- A bezel or halo setting gives extra protection for a ring worn often.
Caring for an emerald ring
- Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can draw the oil out of the stone.
- Take the ring off for sport, cleaning with chemicals or heavy work.
Talk to Kimfook Jewelry
Kimfook Jewelry sells natural diamonds and natural gemstones only, set in SNI-audited 18K gold. Browse our natural emerald rings, visit the showroom at Ruko Spectra Blok 23B No. 12, Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, or message us on WhatsApp +62 811-270-055. Not in Jakarta? See how to buy online with insured delivery to Bali and across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
Do natural emeralds always have inclusions?
Almost always. Inclusions are a normal feature of natural emerald and are often called jardin. A truly clean emerald is very rare.
Is oil treatment in emeralds normal?
Yes. Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to make fine fractures less visible. What matters is that the treatment is disclosed by the seller or stated on a laboratory report.
Can I clean an emerald ring in an ultrasonic cleaner?
It is best not to. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can draw the oil out of the stone. Use warm water and mild soap.
