Emerald Jewelry

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emeralds are one of the “Big Four” precious gemstones, prized for their rich green color
The finest Emeralds come from Colombia and Zambia, each with distinct color characteristics
Emerald is the birthstone for May and a symbol of renewal, love, and wisdom
With proper care, Emerald jewelry in solid gold becomes a timeless heirloom

What’s Inside

What Makes Emeralds So Special?
Understanding Emerald Color and Quality
Famous Emeralds Through History
Why I Love Working with Emeralds
Caring for Emerald Jewelry
Emerald Jewelry FAQ

What Makes Emeralds So Special?

Did you know Cleopatra had an obsession with Emeralds? People were well aware she had a love for these vibrant green stones, and she had quite the collection. However, in modern times gemologists discovered that much of her collection of “Emeralds” was, in fact, Peridot! The real Emeralds were even more precious than she thought.

Emeralds belong to the beryl mineral family, alongside Aquamarine and Morganite. What gives them that unmistakable green color is the presence of chromium and sometimes vanadium in the crystal structure. This vivid green has been treasured for over 4,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the Mughal emperors of India to modern fine jewelry.

As one of the “Big Four” precious gemstones (along with Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire), Emerald holds a place of honor in the gem world. It’s the birthstone for May and has long been associated with renewal, growth, and love. The word “Emerald” itself comes from the ancient Greek “smaragdos,” meaning simply “green gem.”

“The Emerald Fringe Necklace” by Valltasy

Understanding Emerald Color and Quality

The most important factor in evaluating an Emerald is its color. The finest Emeralds display a vivid, saturated green with a slightly bluish undertone. Too much yellow, and the stone may be classified as green beryl rather than Emerald. Too dark, and it loses its life and sparkle.

What Gem Experts Look For

Color: The primary factor. Look for medium to medium-dark green with good saturation. The most valued shade is a pure green with a hint of blue.
Clarity: Almost every Emerald has inclusions (internal characteristics). Gemologists call them “jardin” (French for garden) because they often look like tiny plants or moss. Eye-clean Emeralds are extremely valuable.
Cut: The classic “Emerald cut” (a rectangular step cut) was literally designed for this gemstone. It maximizes color while protecting the crystal from chipping.
Origin: Colombian Emeralds are typically a warmer, slightly yellowish green, while Zambian Emeralds tend toward a cooler, bluish green with exceptional clarity.

Famous Emeralds Through History

Emeralds have captivated royalty and collectors for thousands of years. Here are some of the most legendary Emeralds in history:

The Mogul Mughal Emerald: A 217-carat stone dating back to 1695, inscribed with Islamic prayers and floral designs. It sold at auction for over $2.2 million.
The Chalk Emerald: A stunning 37.82-carat Colombian Emerald now displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Emerald Suite: The legendary actress was gifted a breathtaking Emerald and Diamond necklace by Richard Burton, cementing Emerald’s status as the ultimate gemstone of love.

“There’s something magical about holding an Emerald up to the light. That deep, living green has a warmth and depth that no other gemstone can match.”

Why I Love Working with Emeralds

I’m so excited to share some of my newest Emerald pieces with you! I use only genuine Zambian Emeralds in my designs because their color is absolutely fantastic and vibrant. The clarity and that cool, deep green tone are perfect for creating jewelry that adds the needed pop of color to any look.

My Emerald Gleam Earrings are designed as edgy open hoops in 14K Solid Gold, with the rarest Zambian Emeralds. And the Emerald Fringe Necklace is full of life, with fringes that move and sparkle beautifully. The combination of the mirror-like 14K Gold chain creates a glowing effect full of gleam!

FEATURED PIECES

Emerald Jewelry by Valltasy

Each Emerald in these pieces was hand-selected for its color and brilliance. Just add a touch of green sparkle to your day ❤️

- Solid Gold 14K Genuine Emeralds Earrings, Modern Open Hoop Earrings

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Solid Gold Earrings

The Emerald Gleam Earrings - Solid Gold 14K

(3) US$569.00

- 14K Solid Gold Emerald Fringe Necklace, Genuine Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace

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Drop Necklaces

The Emerald Fringe Necklace - Solid Gold 14K

US$1,022.00

Caring for Emerald Jewelry

Emeralds need a bit more attention than some other gemstones, but with proper care they’ll stay gorgeous for a lifetime:

Clean gently: Use lukewarm water with mild soap and a very soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
Avoid chemicals: Keep Emeralds away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, and hairspray. Put your Emerald jewelry on last when getting ready.
Store carefully: Store in a soft pouch or lined box, separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
Handle with love: While Emeralds have good hardness (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), their natural inclusions can make them more susceptible to impact. Treat them with the same love you’d give any precious piece.

💬 WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY

“The Emeralds have a beautiful green color that sparkles in the sunlight and are beautifully made in the details. I love them!!”

, Eleftheria S., on the Esmeralda Earrings

- Solid Gold 14K Emerald Hoop Earrings, Genuine Colombian Emerald Earrings

COMMON QUESTIONS

Emerald Jewelry FAQ

What is the best color for an emerald?

The most valued Emerald color is a vivid, medium-dark green with good saturation and a slight bluish undertone. Pure green Emeralds with strong saturation are the most prized. Very light stones may be classified as green beryl rather than Emerald, while very dark stones can appear almost black and lose their beauty.

Are all emeralds treated?

The vast majority of Emeralds on the market receive some form of treatment, most commonly oiling or resin filling to improve clarity. This is an accepted and standard industry practice. Completely untreated Emeralds with good clarity are extremely rare and command premium prices.

Is emerald a good choice for everyday jewelry?

Yes, with proper care! Emerald has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. Pieces set in 14K solid gold provide extra protection. Just be mindful of impacts and avoid wearing Emerald jewelry during activities like gardening or cleaning.

What is the difference between Colombian and Zambian emeralds?

Colombian Emeralds typically have a warm, slightly yellowish green with exceptional color saturation. Zambian Emeralds tend toward a cooler, bluish green with better clarity. Both are beautiful, and the choice often comes down to personal preference. At Valltasy, I use Zambian Emeralds for their outstanding clarity and vibrant color.

Can I shower with emerald jewelry?

While Emeralds set in solid gold won’t be damaged by water, it’s best to avoid showering with Emerald jewelry regularly. The soap, shampoo, and hot water can gradually affect the stone’s surface treatment (if any). For worry-free showering with jewelry, solid gold pieces with untreated natural gemstones are the safest choice.

Can Valltasy create custom emerald pieces?

Absolutely! I love working with Emeralds and can source specific stones for your dream piece. Whether you want earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet with Zambian Emeralds, visit my custom orders page and let’s create something truly special together.

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