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It’s not easy being green. But it can be! Many people hold the mistaken belief that Emeralds are not an engagement ring option due to being too soft. But what if I told you that Emeralds are actually harder than other common gems like Amethyst or Citrine? Read on below to learn 6 shocking facts about Emerald engagement rings, why they’re a great option, and how to pick the best one!
Shocking Fact #1: They’re not actually “too soft”
Do emeralds scratch easily?
No. Contrary to popular belief, Emeralds are actually quite scratch resistant, being a 7.5-8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means they are pretty durable for everyday wear! What is actually more important to understand about Emeralds is that many have extensive inclusions. Jewelers call these special Emerald inclusions its “jardin” (or its garden!). Emerald jardin is very normal, as Emeralds are a Type III stone (inclusions expected). Importantly, however, is that some of these inclusions may reach the surface. And, surface-reaching inclusions can make a stone vulnerable to chipping. So, by choosing a stone without (or without many) surface-reaching inclusions, your Emerald is not “too soft” to be an engagement ring!
Can emeralds crack?
Yes. Like all stones (yes, even diamonds!) Emeralds can crack or chip if struck. Because many Emeralds have surface-reaching inclusions, cracks can occur more easily. So, when choosing an emerald, make sure to look for a stone with no (or only minor) surface-reaching inclusions. If the stone you’re looking at has a surface-reaching inclusion, make sure to set it in a protective setting, such as a bezel or halo!
Shocking Fact #2: Emeralds can be eye-clean
Are real emeralds cloudy?
Many are, but not all! Because Emeralds are a Type III stone, we expect them to have inclusions – and often so many that the gem is somewhat cloudy. However, super high-quality natural Emeralds can be eye-clean! Another way of choosing an eye-clean Emerald is to choose a Lab-Created Emerald. Lab-Created Emeralds have the exact same mineral makeup as a natural Emerald, but will not show a jardin (and are therefore often more durable).
Do emeralds sparkle?
Eye clean Emeralds will offer green flashes, but not “diamond-like” rainbow sparkle. This is because Emerald’s refractive index is 1.566 – 1.600, whereas diamond’s is 2.42. That means that when light enters an Emerald, it does not reflect it as much as a diamond. Instead, light makes an eye-clean Emerald brighten and almost glow.
Shocking Fact #3: High-quality Emeralds are rarer than Diamonds
High-quality eye clean natural Emeralds are rarer than diamonds! It takes moving around 2.5x more rock to locate a high-end Emerald than it does a Diamond. So, you can rest assured that choosing an Emerald engagement ring shows your love.
Shocking Fact #4: Natural stones are oiled for beauty
To make an Emerald’s jardin less noticeable, and it’s green more green, natural Emeralds are oiled after they are faceted. This is a normal treatment and all natural Emeralds are expected to be oiled (just like Sapphires are expected to be heated.) Think about it like a hot oil treatment you put on your hair!
How can I clean my emerald engagement ring?
Because natural Emeralds are oiled, natural Emeralds should be cleaned by hand in warm soapy water with a soft toothbrush, and not with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner (which may strip out the oil). If you accidentally remove the oil from your natural Emerald, don’t panic! A competent jeweler can have your Emerald re-oiled (don’t try this at home, kids).
PS: If you’ve chosen a Lab-Created Emerald, you can clean your Emerald by hand or ultrasonic – no oil to worry about!
Can you wear an emerald ring everyday?
Sure. Because Emeralds are a 7.5-8 on the hardness scale, they are durable enough for everyday wear. Like all fine jewelry (yes, even diamonds), you should remove your rings before doing anything strenuous. So, before you work out, garden, do the dishes, etc., take off your ring! This will help protect it from unnecessary hits.
Shocking Fact #5: Lab Created Emeralds are super affordable
(left) Lab Emerald vs Natural Emerald (right)
Are Emeralds cheaper than diamonds?
Natural top AAA quality Emeralds will be more expensive than diamonds. This is because they are rarer in nature and much more expensive to find! However, if you like the look of an Emerald with more jardin (and there are some cool looking jardins out there), you can definitely find a natural Emerald that is less expensive than diamond. Also, Lab-Created Emeralds are incredibly affordable! And, a Lab-Created Emerald is much less expensive than a Lab Created Diamond.
How much is a 1-carat emerald worth?
A natural top quality 1 carat Emerald will range upwards of $4,500+, however, a Lab-Created 1 carat Emerald is only $880! Check out below how this compares with diamond:
| 6.5mm Natural AAA Emerald | 6.5mm Round Lab Emerald | 1ct (6.5mm) Round I/VS2 Diamond | |
| Cost | $4,500+ | $880 | $4,000+ |
How much is an emerald engagement ring?
The price of your Emerald Engagement ring is simply the cost of your chosen Emerald center stone and your ring setting – we have Emerald engagement rings starting at $930! Couples can choose from large Emerald center stones, beautiful Emerald three-stone engagement rings, or even Emerald halos! We love it all, and can make the Emerald engagement ring of your dreams.
Shocking Fact #6: Emeralds make great engagement rings
Is Emerald OK for an engagement ring?
Yes! Emeralds make great engagement rings: they’re beautiful, rare, and durable! I love Emerald engagement rings because they are unique and said to bring good fortune, too.
Are emerald engagement rings popular?
Although not as popular as Sapphire engagement rings, Emerald engagement rings are popular with those who love green. They enjoy a celebrity following, too! Halle Berry’s engagement ring showcases a gorgeous Emerald cut Emerald, as did Jacqueline Kennedy’s! Victoria Beckham has a beautiful cushion cut Emerald, and Olivia Wilde’s engagement ring has a unique Art Deco Emerald halo.
Who should not wear emerald?
People who do not want to have to remove their jewelry before being active should consider other stones. Those who want an ultra-durable green gem should consider green diamond (we can source natural, color enhanced natural, or lab green diamonds!) or green sapphire. Both of these gems are more durable for extreme wear.
(left) Green diamond vs Emerald vs Green Sapphire (right)
Who is an emerald engagement ring right for?
Those who love a natural green look and who will treat their Emerald with care! Emeralds are a lovely engagement ring choice for lovers of green and gardening. They are best for people who don’t mind removing their jewelry when being active.
How to Pick the Best Emerald Engagement Ring
Should I pick a Natural or Lab Emerald?
It depends on why you want an Emerald! Couples choose Natural Emeralds for their rarity, prestige, and natural beauty. Couples choose Lab-Created Emeralds for their price, their high clarity, and their ease of maintenance. Both are beautiful, durable, and make excellent engagement rings!
(left) Natural Emerald engagement ring vs Lab Emerald engagement ring (right)
What color Emerald is best?
The top color for an Emerald is very slightly blueish Green. The slight blue tint gives your Emerald a regal look! That said, color is an incredibly personal choice. Some people love a super dark Emerald, some like Emeralds with a more yellowish tone! As the most important factor when choosing a colored stone is color, so don’t let anyone tell you to like something you don’t! For example, I love greyish toned gemstones, even though they are less valuable than their more vivid counterparts.
(Left) medium-light very slightly yellowish green; medium-dark green (middle); medium-dark bluish green (right)
Are dark or light emeralds better?
The most valuable tone (meaning how light or dark an Emerald is) is medium-toned (so not too light, and not too dark). You want to be able to see green (not black), but also not have it be so light that it appears washed out. So, try to strike a happy medium.
What if my Emerald isn’t eye clean?
That’s ok! Most Emeralds are not eye-clean. Think of your Emerald’s jardin as its unique fingerprint – there’s not another one out there like it! Moreover, many people love Emeralds for their mossy, lush look. That includes its beautiful garden-like inclusions!
What cut is best for my Emerald?
As you would expect, Emerald cut is the traditional shape for Emeralds! However, Emeralds are beautiful in all shapes. Ovals and Pears are also common shapes, as their long facet patterns echo natural Emerald crystal shapes. Couples choosing a natural Emerald should be aware that because of their rarity, natural Emeralds may have some cutting and symmetry inconsistencies. That means that sometimes an Emerald may have a small flat area on a curve, or extra facets on one side. And that’s ok! Cutting inconsistencies occur because gem cutters try to keep as much weight for you as possible out of the small amount of Emerald material mined!
PS: If you’re choosing a lab-created Emerald, the sky is the limit! You can choose any size and shape, as gem scientists are growing and cutting it special for you.
Which metal is best for Emerald?
I love the look of an Emerald set in a yellow gold head with a white band, but it looks great in all metals! Yellow gold will bring out the color of an Emerald, while white metals (such as white gold or platinum) will give it a cooler tone. We suggest against rose gold, as pink and green are not as complimentary.
How can I Order an Emerald Engagement Ring from Do Amore?
Email us at care@doamore.com or drop us a note here! Let us know about the Emerald you want, and we’ll happily provide you a quote. Don’t know what you’re looking for, or what you can afford? No worries! Let us know what budget you’d like to stick to, and we’ll give you options. Feel free to ask for me, Corinne, the gemologist. I love helping customers find the perfect gemstone engagement rings (I have one too!).
