SARA HANDMADE JEWELLERY
Emerald
Australian made
20 Years experience
Ethically sourced gemstones
Created to last a lifetime
What is an Emerald?
One of the four ‘precious’ gemstones, emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl. Emerald is prized for its green colour which occurs due to trace amounts of chromium and / or vanadium. It is this magnificent green colour that has made emerald popular since it was first mined in Egypt around 1500BC.
Emerald is fairly hard, with a score of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. All naturally occuring emerald contains inclusions and it is one of the few gemstones where inclusions are accepted. It is these inclusions that emeralds can be prone to chipping or breakage. The word emerald first originated from a Greek word that meant ‘green gem’.
Where are Emeralds Found?
Currently, emerald is mined from deposits in Columbia, Brazil and Zambia. There are other locations around the world where emerald is mined (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, United States and Australia) but the first three are the predominant source of gem quality stones.
The general consensus is that the finest Emerald in the world is produced in Columbia. Emerald produced in Brazil is often darker in tone and more heavily included. Inclusions in Columbian Emerald (known as jardin) tend to be lighter in colour than those from other countries and have less impact on the value of the gem.
We use Columbian Emeralds whenever possible for our bespoke jewellery. We have sourced severel Columbian emeralds for recent projects. Their warm, intense pure green colour combined with their superior quality, makes them the obvious choice for jewellery designed at Sara Handmade Jewellery.
Bespoke Emerald Jewellery
Emerald jewellery creations made using newly sourced gems or emeralds repurposed from client’s old jewellery
What Our Customers Say
Are Emeralds Expensive?
The colour of an emerald is the main determining factor of its value. Blue-ish green to pure green emerald is the most desired and therefore commands the highest price. Gemstones that have too much blue or yellow in them are lower in value.
Like other gemstones, clarity is another factor that can affect the value of a stone. The number of inclusions (flaws) in the stone can dramatically change what a stone is worth. Unlike diamonds and some other gemstones, it is accepted that most natural emeralds will have eye-visible inclusions.
High quality, natural emerald can be worth more (per carat) than diamond. Emerald prices can vary greatly with low-grade stones starting from $500 per carat to top-quality examples of the gem commanding over $20,000 per carat. In 2017, the Rockerfeller emerald was auctioned by Christie’s and sold for just over $5.5 million USD. This $305,500 USD per carat paid for the gem was the highest price per carat ever paid for an emerald.
Emerald Jewellery and Engagement Rings
Regarded as one of the most important gemstones, a piece of emerald jewellery will have you feeling a goddess. Worn since ancient times as a symbol of truth and love, emerald makes spectacular bespoke jewellery and gifts for those you love.
Emerald is the gemstone used to commemorate 20th wedding anniversaries. Whether you choose an emerald necklace, earrings or ring it’s the perfect way to mark this special milestone event.
If you are considering a coloured stone engagement ring, look to emerald for a ring that will leave others green with envy. The association between emerald, love, romance, hope and rebirth are just some of the reason couples are using emerald engagement rings to celebrate their wedding day.
Our Services
Sara Handmade Jewellery offers bespoke jewellery, custom designs and everything in between to keep you sparkling
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Bespoke & Custom
Have a piece jewellery custom designed and created just for you. Become a part of the design process for your new special piece.
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Engagement Rings
We will find the perfect gemstone to create you an engagement ring that expresses your love and will be treasured forever.
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Jewellery Remodelling
Have family heirlooms, sentimental jewellery and unworn pieces remodelled into something new. Add gems and give the design your own personal touch.
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Repairs & Restoration
Repair or restore your damaged jewellery to look like new. Resizing, rhodium plating, re-tipping as well as replacing damaged and missing gemstones.
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Dress & Cocktail
Big, bold and beautiful dress rings designed to make a statement. We can help you create your own bespoke statement ring.
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Gemstone Sourcing
We will find the precious and semi-precious gems you are looking for in any colour, size, shape or clarity.
FAQs on Emerald
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The birthstone for May, emerald’s rich, vivid colour is considered to be a symbol of truth and love.
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Good specimens of top-quality emerald gemstones are rare. In many cases the rarity of emeralds can exceed that of diamonds. The demand for high quality emeralds as well as their rarity is what drives the high price for these gems.
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Although Emeralds have a reputation for being a soft stone that scratches easily, they are relatively hard. As a member of the beryl family emeralds are rated a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Emeralds are quite scratch resistant although the prominence of inclusions makes them susceptible to breakage.
Get in touch
Get in touch to book an appointment, ask us a question or start creating the perfect piece of jewellery.