Emerald: The Timeless Green Gemstone

A wideband dress ring designed using the clients remodelled emerald and diamonds.

What Makes Emeralds So Special?

Emeralds are one of the world’s most precious gemstones, beloved for their vibrant green colour and enchanting history. As a member of the beryl family, emerald’s signature hue comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium—giving each gem its unique shade, from soft green to deep, velvety forest. Emeralds have been prized since ancient times, with Cleopatra famously adorning herself in them, and they remain a symbol of truth, love, and renewal today. Their natural inclusions, often called “jardin” (French for garden), are part of their charm and make each stone truly one-of-a-kind.

A vibrant Columbian Emerald from Sara Handmade Jewellery ready to be used a commissioned piece of jewellery.

Where Do Emeralds Come From?

Most of the world’s finest emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia, with Colombia renowned for producing gems of exceptional colour and clarity. Smaller deposits are also found in Australia, Pakistan, and Madagascar. At Sara Handmade Jewellery, we love working with Colombian emeralds for their intense, pure green colour and superior quality, but we’re always happy to source the perfect emerald for your custom-made jewellery project.

A bespoke double-claw emerald dress ring featuring a Columbian Emerald, baguette diamonds and crafted in 18ct gold.

Emeralds in Bespoke Jewellery & Engagement Rings

Emeralds are a stunning choice for bespoke jewellery, whether you’re dreaming of a show-stopping pendant, a pair of elegant earrings, or a unique coloured stone engagement ring. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds are durable enough for regular wear, though their natural inclusions mean they need a little extra care. We also specialise in jewellery remodelling, breathing new life into heirloom emeralds and transforming them into modern treasures to be cherished for generations.

A bespoke emerald engagement ring featuring diamond halo as well as through the shoulders of the ring.

Emerald Value, Colour & Care

The value of an emerald is determined mostly by its colour—pure, vivid green stones with minimal blue or yellow tones are the most coveted. Clarity also plays a role, but inclusions are expected and accepted in natural emeralds. High-quality emeralds can be even rarer and more valuable than diamonds. To keep your emerald jewellery looking its best, clean it gently with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals or knocks. With the right care, your emerald piece will remain a timeless symbol of love and luxury.

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FAQs About Emerald

• What birthstone is emerald?

  Emerald is the birthstone for May, symbolising truth, love, and renewal.

• Are emeralds expensive?

  Top-quality emeralds are rare and can be more valuable per carat than diamonds, but there are beautiful options for a range of budgets.

• Can emeralds be used in engagement rings?

  Absolutely! Emeralds make spectacular coloured stone engagement rings, especially for those seeking something unique.

• Can you remodel old emerald jewellery?

  Yes, we specialise in jewellery remodelling and can transform your old or heirloom emeralds into a fresh, new design.

• How do I care for emerald jewellery?

  Item descriptionClean gently with warm, soapy water, avoid harsh chemicals, and store your emerald pieces separately to prevent scratches.

Ready to create a custom emerald piece?

Book a complimentary consultation at our Kiama studio or online and let’s bring your emerald vision to life.