Zambian Emeralds (Mixed cuts & Grades).

Wanting to invest in Emeralds? Here’s a breakdown of how to grade an emerald for you to consider:

Emerald, a variety of mineral Beryl, is one of the most fascinating and beautiful gemstones available in various shades of green color. The name of this remarkable gemstone comes from Greek ‘Smaragdos’, meaning ‘Green Stone’. Deep green is the most desired color in emeralds. Its hardness makes it very tough and durable which comes in between 7.5 to 8 on Mohs hardness scale and it is mainly found in Columbia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Afghanistan and USA. Flawless emeralds are very uncommon, and are noted for their great value, sometimes even more than diamonds.

1. Colour/Hue: The most desirable emeralds have a pure green hue with little to no secondary colors (like blue or yellow). A pure, vivid green is ideal.Tone: This refers to how light or dark the color is. The best emeralds have a medium to dark tone. Too light, and the stone may appear weak; too dark, and it may appear blackish. Saturation: This measures the intensity of the color. High saturation without any brown or gray tones is preferred. The color should be rich and vivid.

2. Clarity & Inclusions: Emeralds almost always have inclusions (internal flaws) due to the way they form in nature. These inclusions are often referred to as "jardin," which is French for "garden," because they can resemble foliage.Impact of Inclusions: While inclusions are expected in emeralds, their size, location, and visibility impact the stone’s clarity grade. Emeralds with fewer and less noticeable inclusions are more valuable. Transparency: The degree of transparency is also important. High-quality emeralds are transparent, allowing light to pass through them with little obstruction.

3. Cut, Shape and Faceting: Emeralds are often cut into rectangular or square shapes (emerald cut) to maximize the color and minimize inclusions. Other shapes, like oval or round, are less common but can still be valuable.Proportion and Symmetry: A well-cut emerald will have good proportions and symmetry, which enhance its color and brilliance.

4. Carat Weight & Size: Like other gemstones, the value of an emerald increases with size. However, larger stones with poor color or clarity are less valuable than smaller, high-quality stones. Proportionality: The stone's size should be proportional to its cut. An overly deep or shallow emerald might have less desirable visual effects.

5. Treatment & Oiling: Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to enhance their clarity. Untreated emeralds, or those with minimal treatment, are rarer and more valuable. Disclosure: Any treatment should be fully disclosed by the seller, as it affects the value of the emerald. Here’s a breakdown of how to grade an emerald:1. ColorHue: The most desirable emeralds have a pure green hue with little to no secondary colors (like blue or yellow). A pure, vivid green is ideal. Tone: This refers to how light or dark the color is. The best emeralds have a medium to dark tone. Too light, and the stone may appear weak; too dark, and it may appear blackish. Saturation: This measures the intensity of the color. High saturation without any brown or gray tones is preferred. The color should be rich and vivid.

6. Origin & Geographical Source: The origin of an emerald can also affect its value. Colombian emeralds, for example, are highly prized for their color and quality. Emeralds from Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan can also be valuable, but their market value varies.