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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.
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