Yes! Outstanding emeralds are both rarer and more expensive than diamonds.
Now, that’s not to say one cannot find cheap, cloudy, cracked emeralds on the market. There are also some emerald imposters out there, like lab-created emeralds. But nothing is as beautiful as a high-end emerald. And today, the emerald experts at South Shore Diamond Exchange in Pembroke are here to help you pick the perfect one.
Let’s start with an introduction to dazzling emeralds.
What Are The Rarest Gemstones?
Emeralds are the birthstone for May and one of the “Big Four” precious gemstones.
Historically, the most sought after gemstones in jewelry are:
- Emerald — a beryl
- Diamond
- Ruby — a red corundum
- Blue Sapphire — a blue corundum
Emeralds are the only beryl in the group. We won’t get too technical here. Just know that emeralds are a vivid green or bluish-green beryl. Other beryls include blue Aquamarine (another gorgeous gemstone) and colorless Goshenite.
Why Are Emeralds Rarer Than Diamonds?
Emeralds are 20 times softer than a diamond. That means they get crushed beneath the earth’s surface before they can be successfully mined.
Qualities of Fine Emeralds
Most emeralds come to the surface of the earth very heavily included. That means impurities in the stone make them cloudy, dull and opaque. Rarer emeralds are transparent and rich, vivid green.
Emeralds are becoming popular again in engagement rings, but they can also represent romance, wisdom, prosperity and luck.
These dazzling green gems range from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. So they’re definitely tough enough for everyday wear, like in an engagement ring. But diamonds are harder, so your emeralds can be scratched by your diamond jewelry. Store them separately.
What To Look for When Buying Emeralds
Emeralds can range from $200 per carat to $18,000 per carat, depending on the quality. And yes, that means a great emerald can cost more than a great diamond. If you see a lovely, clear green emerald for less, it’s probably lab-created, not mined from the earth.
Clarity and carat weight are the most significant factors in your choice of emeralds. A big, clear stone will always cost exponentially more than a small, cloudy emerald.
If you’re looking for an investment piece or engagement ring or planning to spend tens of thousands on a rare emerald, choose a stone that’s certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). And always deal with a reputable jeweler you trust.
Let Us Find the Right Emerald for You
At South Shore Diamond Exchange, we know emeralds. Contact us today to schedule an in-person or online appointment. We’d love to help you find that perfect stone.