Emerald jewelry has defined elegance and beauty for centuries. With a rich, verdant hue and a mesmerizing glimmer, emeralds have been worn by just about everyone, from royalty to celebrities to your very own family tree. After a small history lesson and a few styling tips, you, too, can stylishly sport green emerald jewelry!
What Are Emeralds?
Emeralds, the birthstone of May, are a variety of the mineral beryl. When chromium (and sometimes, vanadium) is present during formation, the chemicals mix together to produce its signature vibrant green color. Emeralds are one of the four official precious gemstones (diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald) and are considered quite rare in the fine jewelry market.
How Are Emeralds Formed?
Emeralds are formed in extremely specific geographic conditions and are typically found in either metamorphic or igneous rocks. Hydrothermal mineral-rich fluids circulate through the aforementioned host rocks, depositing beryllium, chromium, and vanadium in any fractures and fissures within the rocks. When tectonic plates move, the pressure rises and temperature increases (ideally between 400°C and 700°C), allowing the chemicals to fully incorporate.
Emerald formation is an extremely slow process. In many cases, it takes millions of years for the required elements to combine and crystallize. If other minerals are present, the beryl may turn into a different, vibrant gem: aquamarine!
Are Emeralds the Same as Aquamarine?
When you look at emerald jewelry and aquamarine jewelry, you’d never guess that the two are so closely related! The jewels are just two different varieties of the same mineral, beryl, differing in color due to trace elements present during their formation. Where emeralds are colored by chromium or vanadium, aquamarine is given its bluish-greenish hue by iron.
Where Are Emeralds Found?
Naturally formed emeralds have been mined around the globe for centuries. Certain countries produce more than others, but each region has its unique features:
- Colombia: renowned for exceptional quality and vivid, saturated hues
- Zambia: known for deep green and transparent emeralds
- Brazil: prized for lighter colors, high clarity, and bluish-green and yellowish-green shades
- Pakistan: bought for a wide range of hues and relatively good transparency
- Afghanistan: renowned for natural brilliance and clean crystal structure
- Russia: praised for vibrant green hues, bluish tints, and high clarity
- Australia: known for distinctive color banding and desaturated shades
Which Country Produces the Best Emeralds?
When experts take all of the emerald mining regions into consideration, it’s easy to see which country comes out on top. Colombia produces about 90% of the world’s emeralds, used mainly for emerald necklaces, emerald rings, emerald bracelets, and emerald earrings. The main mines of Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez are legendary, yielding gems with pure, vivid green hues, minimal secondary tones, and exceptional quality.
What Makes Emeralds Well Suited for Fine Jewelry?
Vivid, verdant, and vivacious—just a few words to describe the enduring beauty of emerald jewelry. With a striking green sparkle and unique inclusions, emeralds never fail to impress. Whether you’re buying a pair of emerald Huggie earrings for your partner or treating yourself to an emerald and diamond pendant, emerald designs will stand out.
Emeralds rank a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, ensuring that your design is relatively scratch-resistant and compatible with your everyday lifestyle. While not as tough as sapphire or diamonds, emerald necklaces and emerald bracelets are still wearable with the proper care and maintenance. Jewelry designers understand that emeralds require certain protective settings, like the bezel, to ensure the jewel stays safe from accidental scratches and chips.
How Expensive is Emerald Jewelry?
Since the stone is considered one of the “big four” precious gemstones, emerald jewelry tends to be on the higher end of the price scale. But, since they are naturally less abundant than diamonds, buying a piece of emerald jewelry is a sound investment. As emerald availability dwindles, its value increases.
Insider tip: If you’re shopping on a budget, you’re in luck—lower-grade emeralds can still be used in beautiful jewelry and can often be bought at lower price points. If you’ve inherited an emerald and aren’t able to save up for a bigger purchase, consider asking your jeweler about custom design options to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
What 5 Treatments are Used to Enhance Emeralds?
Gemstone treatments are commonly used by expert jewelers around the world to enhance the overall look and durability of an emerald. Reputable jewelers will disclose the types of treatments used before you buy that emerald ring or necklace you’ve had your eye on. When it comes to these green stones, treatments can include:
- Oil treatments: when oils are used to fill internal fractures, minimizing the appearance of inclusions and enhancing the depth of color
- Dyeing: when coloring agents are infused into fissures to deepen the green hues and add intensity
- Resin infusion: when resins are inserted into fissures, providing a more stable and permanent clarity solution
- Heat treatment: when stones are subjected to controlled temperatures, minimizing or eliminating internal fractures and inclusions
- Irradiation: when the stone is exposed to high-energy radiation, altering its chemical composition to achieve a different color
Why Are Emerald Inclusions Referred to as Jardin?
When browsing emerald rings and emerald bracelets, you may hear your jeweler describe the stone’s “Jardin.” This, being the French word for garden, is an affectionate way to reference the beautiful, intricate network of crystals and fissures within a naturally formed emerald. If you take a closer look, these inclusions resemble a lush garden.
The Many Healing Properties Associated with Emerald Jewelry
In some cultures, emerald jewelry is worn for more than a fashion statement. The glittering green gemstones are said to offer a long list of healing benefits to their wearers, including:
- Emotional balance
- Increased fertility
- Improved vision
- Enhanced vitality
- Stress reduction
- Heart health
- Toxin cleansing
Famous Examples of Emerald Jewelry in History
Emerald jewelry can be traced back as early as 4000 BCE, when the rare gems were discovered in Egypt. Since then, there have been countless pieces featuring the green stone. In order to understand the present fascination with emerald jewelry, take a second to learn more about the most famous emeralds throughout history:
Cleopatra’s Emerald Jewelry Collection
Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt, remains one of the most famous female rulers in all of history—but did you know she had a fascination with emeralds? When she sat on the throne, Egypt was still the main source of this precious gemstone, producing some of the most brilliant, high-quality stones ever found. The proud owner of countless emerald necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and crowns, Cleopatra would gift emerald jewelry made with stones from her mine to any dignitary and nobility that pleased her.
The Chalk Emerald
It’s hard to beat the beauty of the Chalk Emerald. The Colombian emerald originally weighed 38.4 carats before designer Harry Winston recut it to 37.82 carats in order to enhance its brilliance.
The rectangular step-cut stone is set in a platinum and gold band and surrounded by 60 tiny pear-shaped diamonds to enhance its brilliance. Named after the last owners, Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk, the Chalk Emerald ring has been a part of the Smithsonian’s National Gem and Mineral Collection since 1972.
The Crown of the Andes
Also known as the Crown of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the Crown of the Andes is one of the sole surviving emerald jewelry artifacts from the 19th-century Colonial Spanish American goldsmith era. With over 400 untreated South American emeralds and an opulent golden frame, the detail on this culturally important crown is unmatched. The emerald diadem currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where experts work hard to keep it in pristine condition.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Emerald Suite
It’s hard to think about old Hollywood glam without picturing Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald jewelry. Her love affair with Bulgari emerald designs was largely due to the extravagant gifts her then-husband, Richard Burton, would bequeath her.
Though her collection of emerald jewelry was extensive, the most famed example is the Bulgari Emerald Suite, made up of an emerald bracelet, necklace, pair of earrings, and an emerald and diamond ring. Taylor wore the emerald jewelry set in countless public appearances, including her Oscar win in 1967!
A Closer Look at Modern-Day Emerald Jewelry Trends
These days, emerald jewelry remains just as popular! If you’re searching for an elegant pair of emerald earrings for your sweetheart or want to propose with an emerald and diamond ring, there are plenty of options to explore. Consider these popular types of emerald jewelry designs when shopping:
Emerald Stacking Rings
Ring stacking is a trend where multiple rings are worn on the same finger. Creating a ring stack gives you the chance to show off a variety of your favorite designs at the same time and express your sense of style. Something thin and versatile, like a slim emerald and diamond ring, can be paired with any band in your collection, whether it sits between your engagement ring and wedding band or is mixed and matched with other gemstone designs.
Romantic Emerald Engagement Rings
You and your partner are one-of-a-kind—and your love story should feel the same! While we will always love diamond rings for wedding jewelry, more and more women are looking for engagement rings with more color. If your soon-to-be fiancée loves green, browse different shapes, cuts, and styles and find a stunning emerald and diamond ring for your beautiful bride.
Popular Stone Shapes for Emerald and Diamond Rings:
- Emerald
- Oval
- Marquise
- Round
- Cushion
What is the Emerald Cut?
It’s not called the emerald cut for nothing! Decades ago, gemologists were looking for a way to enhance the beauty and durability of emeralds. The step cut design, famous for its rectangular shape, clipped corners, and long, parallel facets, has been called the emerald cut ever since.
Emerald Necklaces You’ll Love
Whether you want to bring the wow-factor in a dazzling emerald eternity necklace featuring diamond halos for your next formal event or find a simple emerald pendant necklace for everyday wear, the shock of green at your neck will attract compliments. Enhance your outfits with fresh emerald necklaces that you’ll want to wear again and again.
Everyday Emerald Earrings
If you’re searching for jewelry that will bring out your natural beauty, you can’t go wrong wearing emerald earrings. From our dainty emerald and diamond halo stud earrings to more statement-making white gold inside-out emerald hoops, there’s a pair of emerald earrings to suit every style.
Striking Emerald Bracelets
Emerald bracelets are a simple way to elevate any look. Whether you prefer the subtle touch of a DY Cable bracelet with an emerald accent or are building a stack based on the DY Petite Pavé emerald bar bracelet, the bold pops of green are just the finishing touch you’re searching for.
How to Choose the Right Metal for Your Emerald Jewelry
When deciding which emerald ring looks best on your hand, it’s as important to think about the metal setting as it is the stone itself. If you don’t already know which fine jewelry metals complement your skin tone best, it’s time to find out! Luckily, emeralds pop against every kind of jewelry metal on the market.
If you’re searching for a sleek, contemporary style, you’ll love the silver-leaning metals. When the cool-toned greens of the emerald are paired with sterling silver, platinum, or white gold, the color pops out! If you look closely, you might even notice that the gem appears more vivid against the bright metal settings.
For those wanting a timeless, almost vintage-inspired look, try on emerald jewelry with yellow gold and rose gold settings. The rich tone of yellow gold amplifies the green shade, while the soft, pinkish color of rose gold complements the stone perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a romantic emerald and diamond ring or emerald earrings with a classic style, it’s always worth trying on the warmer shades of gold.
Emerald Birthstone Jewelry
Did you know that wearing your birthstone is meant to bring good luck and positive energy? If you were born in May, then emerald birthstone jewelry is literally meant for you. Search for something subtle, like a round emerald birthstone pendant necklace, for a design suited for everyday wear.
What Anniversary is Celebrated with Emerald Jewelry?
If you’re lucky enough to be celebrating 55 long years of matrimony, there’s only one way to show your love and appreciation to your partner. Emerald jewelry, of course! The stone symbolizes growth and enduring love—two things any successful couple would tell you are essential for a long marriage.
Whether you’re just browsing, searching for May birthstone jewelry, or looking for a proposal-perfect gemstone engagement ring, there’s an emerald jewelry design waiting for you! With the latest trends and classic styles in your tool belt, you’re finally ready to start shopping.
