Gemstones · 5 min read
How to Buy an Emerald: Colour, Origin and Treatment
From Colombian Muzo mines to oil treatment — what separates a fine emerald from an expensive disappointment.
Colour is king
Unlike diamonds, where cut dominates, an emerald's value is decided first by colour. The finest stones show a vivid, slightly bluish green with even saturation and no dark extinction. Trillion and emerald cuts, like those in our Emerald Trillion necklace, are chosen to show this colour at its best.
Origin matters
Colombia — and the Muzo region in particular — has produced the world's most prized emeralds for five centuries. Zambia and Brazil also produce beautiful material, often with a slightly different hue. Origin is noted on laboratory reports and influences collector demand and long-term value.
Treatments and the jardin
Almost all emeralds contain a 'jardin' — a garden of inclusions that proves natural origin. Most stones are clarity-enhanced with cedar oil, an accepted practice when disclosed. Resin filling is a more aggressive treatment and lowers value. Always ask for the treatment disclosure; we provide it in writing with every emerald.
Caring for emeralds
Emeralds are softer and more brittle than diamonds. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and sudden temperature changes. Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush, and have the stone's oiling checked by a jeweler every few years.
Further reading & references
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