EMERALDS
We buy Colombian emeralds direct from cutters in Bogotá, Colombia (not
Columbia). These loose Colombian emeralds would be perfect for a ring,
necklace, or bracelet. Unlike diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, emeralds have a lower specific gravity, which means one carat
emeralds are much larger than 1-carat diamonds or rubies (assuming the cut and proportions are the same). Also,
unlike diamonds, emeralds almost always have inclusions and are rarely flawless. I generally do not buy
emeralds if I can't see the inclusions because I assume they are fake or lab-created. If it were
real I could not afford it. Most Colombian emeralds are highly included and this tends to increase in frequency as the color
gets darker. This is thought to be a byproduct of the chromium that gives Colombian emeralds their famous color. Emeralds
with the best color and few inclusions become very expensive, as they are so rare. I base my valuation of emeralds loosely
on 60% color, 30% clarity, and 10% cut. All of my Colombian emeralds are commercial
or native cut, which means they are faceted in Colombia by local cutters. All of the emeralds have had some degree of
clarity enhancement, which is the standard practice in Colombia. Please click on the individual AGL emerald report for
full disclosure of degree and type of enhancement. I'm currently sending all of my Colombian emeralds to the American
Gemological Laboratories (AGL) for identification and grading. Third-party lab reports from AGL are considered the best
in the industry for colored gemstones. If you are interested in Colombian emeralds that do not have a report yet send
me an email and I will put them on hold and send with my next batch. All emeralds sold (that currently have a report
posted) will include the original AGL report in the price. Beware of "Certified Emeralds" from non-objective sources.
There are really only three labs in the United States that serve as qualified testing facilities; American Gemological
Laboratories (AGL), The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
What to look for in Colombian emeralds? First color, does it look like an emerald?
Compare my emeralds with what you see on television. If you are going to spend the money everyone should immediately recognize
that what you are wearing is an emerald. Most web sites and jewelry shows on television have washed out pale green beryl for
sale. Opinions vary but slightly bluish-green, green-green, and slightly yellowish-green are all described as top colors.
I think the slightly bluish-greens are probably the most valuable. The slightly yellowish-green will appear more warm while
the slightly bluish-greens will feel more cool. What you don’t want is a gray or brown tint in your Colombian emeralds.
Second is clarity, fewer inclusions equals higher cost. What you don’t
want are gemstones that have so many inclusions that the light cannot pass through the gemstones. Good Colombian emeralds
will vary in transparency but will not be opaque.
Third is cut. Since all of my emeralds are commercial or native cut there are
no price differences. If I need to re-cut a stone it will be priced accordingly as an American cut stone. I do not make price
distinctions between types of cut. Emerald cut emeralds will be priced the same as pear shaped all else being equal.
If a gemstone has a chip in it I will state so and price it accordingly. A tiny nick here or there is common with native cuts
and is not noticeable except under magnification. More importantly I look for tiny cracks or fissures that reach the surface
of the gemstones. You can’t fill an emerald if there is no way for the treatment to get inside.
