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Step 1
Decide whether you need to have an emerald that looks clear or has lots of inclusions. Natural emeralds tend to have very abundant inclusions or a cloudy appearance. Clarity is the most costly property of natural emeralds, because clear stones are so rare.
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Step 2
Determine how much you want to spend on the emerald. If you need a relatively clear gem, you may have to consider buying a man-made emerald. Decide between natural or man-made before you start looking, because the price ranges are different.
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Step 3
Start looking for emeralds on Internet merchant sites (see Resources below). The larger sites allow you to set a price and size range to browse. Prices of emeralds will depend on intensity of color and clarity within a given size range. Most emeralds are cut in the same shape, which is the rectangular emerald cut, but six other basic shapes are commonly available. If you can't find suitable choices in your size range, you will have to look for smaller stones or man-made emeralds.
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Step 4
Make your final choices on the basis of size, color and clarity within your price range. Then make sure the quality of the cut is acceptable, including polish and symmetry. Purchase your favorite emerald on-line, or use your internet shopping experience to help you buy an emerald from a local jeweler.
