Emerald
The quality and value of an emerald is dependant on a combination of the following criteria:
An emerald’s weight is measured in carats. 5 carats = 1 gram. All other criteria being equal, the greater the
carat weight, the rarer the emerald and therefore greater its value. Illustrated below is the approximate
appearance of a well cut octagon shaped emerald for a given carat weight.
CARAT
SHAPE AND CUT
To optimize the natural rough, emeralds are cut into a wide variety of shapes such as those illustrated below.
CUT
PROFILE
Cut refers to the accuracy of the angles, proportions, symmetry
and polish of the emerald. It greatly affects how light travels
within the emerald, and how it exits in the form of brilliance.
Colour is a matter of personal preference. Emeralds vary in colour depending mainly upon their chromium
and vanadium content. Therefore emeralds from different countries* and mines have different predominant
colours. Emeralds range from bluish and yellowish shades to brownish ones. But, a natural colour will always
have a greater value than an equivalent colour obtained by any other process.
COLOUR
* Main countries where emeralds are mined: Afghanistan, Brazil, Columbia, India, Madagascar,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Inks and paper are subject to aging and differences in printing techniques. Therefore these colours should not be used for colour references.
The clarity of an emerald is determined by the number, size and location of inclusions which
are present in the stone. They reflect its fascinating geological aspects. Internally and
INCLUSIONS externally too, there may be the presence of fissures, fractures and cavities which affect
clarity.
Eye Clean Slightly Included Included
CLARITY
Transparency refers to the ability of an emerald to transmit light. It is affected by the
TRANSPARENCY
quantity or absence of opacity and brilliance present in the stone.
Transparent Translucent Opaque
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING EMERALD MODIFICATIONS, SYNTHETICS AND IMITATIONS REFER TO THE BACK.
Gemstone Modification
A NATURAL UNPROCESSED EMERALD IS VERY RARE; IT HAS A GREATER INTRINSIC VALUE
THAN ONE WHICH HAS UNDERGONE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MAIN PROCESSES:
CLARITY MODIFICATION: Besides cutting and polishing, emeralds are commonly modified to
improve their colour and clarity.
FISSURE FILLING: Fissures, wide fractures and cavities may be filled with colourless and/or near-
colourless oil, resins or other agents to significantly improve clarity.
DYED: Beryl / Emeralds may undergo a substantial colour modification through the filling of fissures
and fractures with coloured agents.
It is required that customers be informed about such modifications.
Ask for a written confirmation.
Value of a gemstone
In addition to the information on the front, the value of a gemstone is also defined by the
combination of relative beauty, rarity and durability.
Synthetic and imitation stones can be produced in industrial plants in any quantity and are
therefore not rare and not considered precious. As a result, they cost much less than their natural
counterparts of equal characteristics.
For additional information and knowledge, please refer to the CIBJO Gemstone Book available at:
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)
Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1
20149 Milano, Italy
Phone: +39 02 4997 7098 / 7097
Fax: +39 02 4997 7059
E-Mail:
[email protected]Website: www.cibjo.org
All rights reserved. No part of this Guide may be reproduced, republished, amended, translated or
changed without the express written permission of CIBJO or its authorized agents. Permission to republish,
reproduce and/or translate of this Guide is limited to CIBJO member organizations only, and is subject to written
agreements between CIBJO and/or its agents and the CIBJO membership organization.
