Emerald Engagement Rings

Its a defining moment in your life! You're engaged and now all you need to do is choose the ring... but perhaps this choice will be made slightly easier by the fact that you've already decided that whatever happens you want an emerald engagement ring. Perhaps its because you were born in May, and thus its your birthstone, or maybe your astrological stone if you are lucky enough to be a Gemini, a Cancerian or a Taurus. Or maybe you just love the mossy green depths of a stone that seems both magical and beautiful. Whatever your reasons, emeralds are a beautiful choice for an engagement ring. That said, there are are some practical things you should know before choosing and emerald, and some things you might like to know about the history of emeralds and their use.

What are Emeralds and where do they come from?

Emeralds are part of a family of minerals called "beryl". this family of stones includes the blue stone Aquamarine, and pink stone called Morganite. Although these stones are popular, neither are as valuable or favoured as Emerald. The name simply means "green gem" and references to it can be found in Old English, Ancient greek and sanskrit - its been popularly used in jewellery fora very long time - around 4000 years, and most famously perhaps, it was a favourite of Queen Cleopatra, who leant her name to the famous Emerald Mines of Egypt. Emeralds however are not limited to Africa - amongst the largest deposits in the world are the mines of Columbia, but emeralds can also be found brazil, India and Russia amongst other locations. Wherever they are found however, one fact is indisputable - emeralds are green... always green - although the shade and intensity can vary from pale leaf green, though to a lush velvety grass green, yellow green and even blue green.

How do you choose a great emerald engagement ring?

Some ready made engagement rings you see will already have an emerald in them, but you may choose to have a bespoke emerald engagement ring made for you which will give you the opportunity to choose your own loose emerald. The advantage of choosing loose emeralds is that you get to choose the colour, shape and size of the stone in your ring, and while it is not mounted you could also opt to have it certificated - much like a diamond, all stones may be "certificated" for their quality - clarity, colour, cut and carat.

What should you look for when buying loose emeralds?

Well, you need to know that nearly all emeralds on the market have been "oiled". This means that the stones have been treated with, normally, cedar oil to improve their clarity. This is an accepted process in the gemological world, although you may be lucky enough to get an untreated emerald - whatever you choose, a retailer or supplier should always disclose any treatment to you, so do ask. A treated Emerald will generally (although not always) cost less than an untreated one, but if you love a stone and are in any doubt about its heritage, then ask for it to be certificated by a reputable gem laboratory; it won't cost a fortune and could save you a lot of money (and possibly heartache or disappointment) in the longer term.

What about the clarity of emeralds?

Well an ideal emerald, as well as being a good, strong colour, may have inclusions, which are tiny frond like structures inside the stone. These inclusions do not necessarily detract from the value of the emerald, rather they can contribute to its character and hence its value - a stone with these features is designated as having "jardin". What is important is that the "jardin" does not ruin the colour or the transparency, so its important to consider all these qualities and find a reputable jeweller whose opinion you value and whose judgement you trust from whom to buy your stone.

Emerald cut and clarity

Finally we come to cut and carat. Loose emeralds are most often seen in a long rectangular cut known as "Emerald Cut". This is no accident. Emeralds present a special challenge to a stone cutter. With their many inclusions and fissures and high value its important to get a sympathetic cut from a crystal that will take account of the stones idiosyncratic qualities and show off its colour and character to the full while protecting it from mechanical strain. Though emeralds are very hard (only a little less hard than diamonds) they can be brittle and this means its important to choose shapes which will give the maximum protection against knocks. If you desire it may be possible for your jeweller to find you a round brilliant cut emerald.

If you do not like the bright glitter of a faceted stone, then loose emeralds can be cut "En Cabochon" - this is a rounded smooth stone which looks great in a simple contemporary setting. Again, trust your jeweller to find you some stones to compare and choose from. Carat size of a stone is down to 2 factors; personal choice and budget - always buy the best emerald cut engagement ring you can afford, and above all, buy what you love.

What if you would like a vintage or antique emerald engagement ring?

Apply the same factors to choosing your emerald, but remember that a pre-worn ring may mean that the stone has suffered some damage, so look very carefully before buying. If you are buying your antique emerald engagement ring at auction, read the catalogue description carefully and view extensively before bidding.

Above all, enjoy your emerald engagment ring. Treat it with care and love, it will give you many years of enjoyment- so choose well and enjoy the compliments a beautiful Emerald ring will bring you!