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emerald
Featured Gem EMERALD
Emerald is the variety of the mineral beryl that has the highest value. There are a lot of gemstones that are a form of beryl.
Emeralds are mined in Africa, South America and Central Asia. They have a long history of being loved by royalty, conquistadors, Inca kings, pharaohs and moguls. That deep green is cherished and sought after almost as much as the sparkle of the diamond.
BIRTHSTONE: MAY
overview
It is the degree of the green that will make one gemstone declared emerald and another beryl. The gemologists don’t always agree on the grade. Generally, if the green it too light in color then it is classified as beryl. But, what is too light of a green is a matter of opinion.
2.97 billion years
The oldest of the South African emeralds are estimated at 2.97 billion years old.
$6,578,500
The record breaking price paid in 2011 for an emerald and diamond pendant owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
Cleopatra
Pharaoh known for her passion for emeralds.
QUALITY FACTORS
The darker the emerald the more valuable it is, among other factors.
color
The deeper the green or bluish green of the emerald the more value is placed on the emerald.
clarity
Like diamonds, emeralds tend to contains inclusions. These are referred to as jardin.
cut
The most common cut for an emerald is the long, rectangular emerald cut.
carat weight
An emerald will appear larger than a diamond with the same carat weight due to its density.