Jewelry Information

Introduction

Diamonds

Colored Gemstones

Precious Metals

Fine Watches

Comparison Shopping

Scams

  Huge Discounts

  Investment Gems

Jewelry Appraisal

Jewelry Insurance

 

Colored Gemstones

Introduction

Emerald

Ruby

Sapphire

Other colored gemstones

Colored Gems - the 4 Cs

  Color

  Cut

  Carat

  Clarity

Colored Gem Certificates

Synthetics and Simulents

Gem Treatments

Fracture Filling

Comparison Shopping

GemQuote™ Shopping Checklist (pdf)

Emerald

A large emerald without flaw is so rare that, carat for carat, it is apt to be worth considerably more than a fine diamond. Emeralds typically range from .04 to 4 carats, although faceted stones of 100 carats and more are known. Their color ranges from bluish green to green. The toughness rating for emerald is Fair to Poor. This means damage can result from impact, as from a fall.

Emerald Treatments

Oiling is an enhancement routinely done to improve the appearance of emeralds. A colorless oil penetrates into voids and fissures that reach the surface. It does not harm the gem, but temperature changes, chemicals, and ultrasound used in cleaning may affect the stability of the treatment.

Enhancements other than oiling should be disclosed, both verbally and on the sales receipt and appraisal.

Treatments that Should Be Disclosed

Emerald before and after Fracture Filling

Shopping Considerations and Caveats

More on Fracture Filling