EMERALD
When
judging an emerald's value, its color is of paramount importance.
The more vivid the green, the more valuable the stone. There are
also attractive lighter green emeralds that are lively and vivid
when set in jewelry and darker green gems that make up in rich
green color what they lose in brightness. Generally speaking,
however, very light or dark emeralds are less expensive. Unlike
a diamond, a finely colored emerald is not significantly devalued
by inclusions.
The
fewer fissures, the more expensive the emerald. Cut natural emeralds
of top quality weighing more than two carats are extremely rare
and costly. A large deep green emerald with minor blue or yellow
secondary coloration that is relatively free of inclusions may
cost tens of thousands per dollars per carat.
Perfect
natural gems--in color and appearance--are very rare and expensive.
As part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed
in clear oil or resin to minimize the appearance of small fissures.
In addition to oil and wax fillers, the trade also uses clear
resins to penetrate open fissures surfacing in the gemstone. Hardeners
are often added to solidify these liquids to prevent the resin
from evaporating, thus making the enhancement more permanent than
just oiling or waxing the gem. Be sure to buy from a reputable
dealer who will provide, in writing, the processes and treatment
that your emerald has received.
Because
emeralds are brittle, and can split along their inclusions if
exposed to sharp impact, properly designed jewelry should minimize
the gem's exposure.
