Buzz
Emeralds have been one of the most treasured gemstones for over 4000 years. Historians often link emeralds to Queen Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Cleopatra was so captivated by emeralds that she adorned her robes, jewelry, and crowns with them. Emeralds are 20 times rarer than diamonds and often hold significant value. Even if you don’t plan to decorate a crown with emeralds, you can still buy or sell them in the market. Understanding the factors that determine an emerald’s worth is crucial before making any transactions.
Steps
Assessing Clarity, Craftsmanship Quality, and Size
Examine the inclusions. Inclusions are any materials (such as gas bubbles or tiny crystals) trapped inside the gemstone during its formation. Nearly 99% of emeralds contain inclusions visible to the naked eye or under a jeweler’s magnifying glass.
- The presence of inclusions classifies emeralds as Type 3 gemstones, meaning they almost always have visible inclusions.
- An emerald with numerous inclusions that reduce its transparency or clarity is less valuable than one with fewer inclusions.
- Be cautious of inclusions that reach the surface, as they can cause the gem to crack.
Evaluate the craftsmanship of the emerald. Emeralds are notoriously difficult to cut due to their inclusions, which make them prone to cracking during processing. They are often shaped into rectangular cuts (known as “step cuts” or “emerald cuts”) to enhance the uniformity of their color.
- This cutting style helps protect the gem from potential damage caused by daily wear and accidental impacts.
- Superior craftsmanship enhances the color, tone, and saturation of the emerald. A well-executed cut ensures the gem sparkles and displays its desired hue, while a poor cut can leave even a beautifully colored stone looking dull.
Understand that emeralds come in various sizes. Like other gemstones, emeralds range in size from 0.02-0.5 carats (1mm-5mm in diameter) for rough stones to 1-5 carats (7mm-12mm in diameter) for faceted stones used in rings or necklaces.
Do not equate size with value. While larger stones generally command higher prices, the quality of the gem is just as important as its size. Larger emeralds often have more noticeable inclusions, which can affect their clarity. Smaller stones of higher quality can be more valuable than larger stones of lower quality. Additionally, the color of the gem significantly influences its worth.
Assessing Color
Recognize the importance of color. Emeralds come in a variety of hues, and color is one of the most critical factors in determining their value. Variations in color result from differences in the amounts of chromium, vanadium, and iron present during the gem’s formation. Emerald colors are categorized based on hue, tone, and saturation.
Determine the color of an emerald. Color is likely the first thing you think of when you hear the word “emerald.” The color of an emerald is its signature green hue.
- Emeralds can range from bluish-green to yellowish-green in color.
- For example, Zambian emeralds are known for their deep green tones, while Brazilian and Colombian emeralds often exhibit a pure green color.
Examine the tone of the emerald. Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the gemstone. Emeralds can range from light green to very dark green. The relationship between tone and value is complex. While darker green emeralds are often considered more valuable, stones that are too dark may lose significant worth.
- Emeralds with medium to medium-dark green tones are the most highly valued on the market.
- Pure green or bluish-green emeralds are in the highest demand, partly because bluish-green stones are associated with the highly esteemed Muzo mine in Colombia.
- Note that emeralds with overly yellow or bluish tones may not be considered true emeralds and thus have much lower value.
Assess the saturation of the emerald. Saturation relates to the purity of the gemstone. Emeralds with high saturation (indicating high purity) are more valuable than those with low saturation.
- Saturation is influenced by both inclusions and tone; stones with lower purity may have reduced saturation. Similarly, very dark green emeralds absorb more light, making them appear less vibrant than lighter-colored stones.
Buying Emeralds
Choose reputable jewelers. Purchase gemstones from trusted sources. Ensure the jeweler has a well-established reputation. Ideally, select a jeweler with a return policy in case the description of clarity or quality is inaccurate.
Appraise the gemstone. It’s advisable to have high-value gemstones (or stones weighing three carats or more) appraised by a third party. Opt for reputable appraisal centers. Some trusted appraisal centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include:
- Gemstone and Gold Research and Appraisal Center (VGC), 3rd Floor, 91 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi.
- Agribank Gemstone Appraisal Center, 1st Floor, 91 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi.
- DOJI LAB, 4th Floor, Ruby Plaza, 44 Le Ngoc Han, Hanoi.
- Gemology Institute – Vietnam Gemstone Association, 10B Tang Bat Ho, Hanoi.
- Vietnam Gemstone, Gold, and Jewelry Institute, 2nd Floor, 110 Tue Tinh, Hanoi.
- PNJ Appraisal Center, 52A-52B Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh City.
- RGG Gemstone Geology Research Center, 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- SBJ Appraisal Center, 278 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Golden Dragon Appraisal Co., Ltd. – SJC, 422B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Request a gemstone appraisal certificate from a reputable center like the Gemstone and Gold Research and Appraisal Center (VGC). To accurately assess the value of the emerald you intend to purchase, you can request a VGC certificate, which details the type, size, cut, clarity, color, and natural origin of the emerald.
- This certificate will give you confidence in the quality and value of your gemstone, even before a third-party appraisal.
Understand pricing. Before purchasing an emerald, ensure you’re getting a quality stone for your money. A VGC certificate provides a starting point, but it won’t specify the market value. For a better sense of pricing, visit multiple jewelers and compare the color, cut, and quality of stones you’re considering.
- Remember, gemstone pricing is highly subjective, so there’s no exact formula for determining a stone’s value.
Learn about oil treatment processes. Emeralds are often treated with oil to enhance their clarity. Oil treatment is a common and minimally invasive method to improve the gem’s appearance.
- Ask whether the emerald has undergone minor, moderate, or significant treatments. Minor treatments like oiling are standard, while major treatments like resin coating or dyeing can alter the stone’s appearance and mask its true color.
Tips
- Ensure you verify whether the emerald is a natural stone or a lab-created imitation. Stones that are exceptionally pure, with vivid green hues and almost no inclusions, might be “too perfect,” indicating they are high-quality lab-created replicas.
- Have an independent party, unaffiliated with the seller, appraise the gemstone either before or shortly after purchase. If the stone is not genuine or was sold under false pretenses regarding its quality, return to the jeweler with the appraisal documentation for a refund or exchange.
Warnings
- Always purchase emeralds from reputable jewelers with return policies in case of inaccurate or misleading information.
