Guide to Buying Emeralds – 10 Facts
Do you need a guide to buying emeralds? If you don’t know what to look for, shopping for emerald jewellery can feel daunting. With 10 facts that are easy to understand, this easy guide helps you to buy emeralds with confidence.
1. Buy only from a reputable jeweller
Always buy gemstones from a reputable jeweller, whether online or on the high street. In the UK, the best way to do this is to check that your jeweller is a National Jewellers’ Association (NJA) member.
2. Look for even, vividly green colour
Emeralds occur naturally. Each one is a unique product of Mother Nature. Therefore, their colour can vary. A good rule of thumb? The best emerald colour is vivid and evenly green. An emerald should not look too obviously dark, nor to obviously blue, nor too obviously yellow.
3. Expect imperfections
It’s normal for natural emeralds to contain marks and imperfections, which in the gem industry are referred to as inclusions. GIA, the trusted independent gemmological authority, says “Emeralds typically contain inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye“. In fact, glass-transparent emeralds are so rare that when found, only wealthy collectors can afford them.
4. Look for a good cut
Emeralds are famous for their green colour. But how well their colour is displayed depends on the skill of the gem cutter who carved the gem out of a rough stone. A gem cutter can make a difference in an emerald’s colour by giving the gem an optimal shape and the right number of facets. Therefore, as a very general rule of thumb, even green colour tends to be the mark of a good cut in an emerald.
5. Understand price VS size
Emeralds are weighed in carats, the same as diamonds. Big, clear emeralds are hard to find. Consequently, their per-carat price is exponentially higher than that of smaller emeralds. Looking for a big emerald piece but have a small budget? You’ll save money by buying a jewellery item that combines several smaller emeralds rather than one big stone.
6. Location, location, location
Not all emeralds are created equal. Many experts say the world’s best emeralds come from Colombia. The country’s natural emerald deposits are the richest in the world. Colombian emerald cutters are highly experienced, so you’re likely to get a beautiful gem. Do check your jeweller abides by the NAJ code of ethics to ensure your gemstone is conflict-free.
7. Read customer reviews
If you’re in doubt about a jewellery item, check customer reviews first. Independent online review sites like Trustpilot or Feefo can be very helpful when buying emeralds or any other gemstone jewellery.
8. Research videos and images
Before buying emeralds, watch videos and study photos of real gems. Online research is the easiest. High-resolution images are the best so you can appreciate what real emeralds look like. Especially when shopping online, close-up videos and images of the item are buying are important.
9. Read the small print
We cannot emphasise this enough. Always check every detail:
- Product details. So you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Measurements. To make sure the item is the right size.
- Guarantee. So you’re covered for manufacturing faults.
10. Check the returns policy
When buying emeralds, make sure your item is refundable, so you can return the item if you don’t like it. Especially if you’re shopping online. Some custom made emerald rings may be non-refundable, so always double-check ring size before ordering to avoid disappointment.
In conclusion, how to shop for emeralds
Research your emerald first – because knowledge is power. Look for an emerald that has even, vivid green colour. Make sure the gem has a good cut and play of light. Only buy jewellery from a trusted retail store that offers a guarantee and a return policy. To learn more about emeralds, visit our comprehensive EMERALD GEM GUIDE.
Shop for emerald jewellery at TheDiamondStore.co.uk.
