How to Buy Emeralds

The emerald is best known for its lush green color and appealing square cut. Most emeralds are found in South America and the Middle East. Emeralds are rare, often flawed and always pricey. Here's how to get top value when you purchase one of these gems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the color. Color is the most important thing to consider when choosing an emerald. Emeralds range in color from deep forest green to yellow-green to bluish green.

2. Examine the clarity. Emeralds are susceptible to fissures and are often treated with fillers like paraffin or resin. Because emeralds grow in separate stages, most have imperfections called jardins or gardens. These imperfections make an emerald distinctive. It's possible to find emeralds with few jardins, but you pay for it. It's also possible to find untreated emeralds, but again these are expensive.

3. Seek symmetrical cuts that give maximum color and brilliance. Shallow cuts or cuts made too deep can dull the emerald.

4. Consider the carat weight last. This isn't very important when it comes to emeralds. Choose the weight and size that appeals to you and your budget.

5. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $3,000 for an emerald.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes the smaller the emerald, the better the clarity. Emeralds are rated on a scale of i1-i9. Most emeralds that are rated i4 or lower still have visible flaws with magnification. However, many people enjoy the natural flaws of i5 and higher emeralds.
• Be aware that there are synthetically grown emeralds and many fakes on the market. Ask for certificates of authenticity.