Behind The Gems: Emeralds

April 20, 2018

“Behind The Gems” is a long-running monthly series that takes you on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of our signature collections.

And, in this edition, we’re taking a look at emeralds. Read about their uniqueness, our fondness of them and how they made their way into our pieces.

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General Facts About Emeralds

Emeralds: it’s impossible not to be instantly charmed by these gorgeous stones.

A variety of the beryl family, their green colour comes from the chromium and/or vanadium found in their structure. Emeralds can be sourced from Colombia, Afghanistan, Brazil and Zambia as well as Russia, Madagascar or Pakistan.

Their hardness on the Mohs scale is 7.5, making them softer than diamonds and a touch fragile. For this reason, they are often designed to be placed in protected settings, safe from fracturing or chipping.

Unsurprisingly, given their stunning appearance, emeralds have been historically worn for protection or as a status symbol. The ancient Egyptians believed emeralds were marks of fertility, youth and life.

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Emeralds: What You Need To Know Before Buying

As expected, an emerald’s value is judged by its clarity, cut and colour. However, its origin and whether it has been treated or not are also important factors.

As they are not the toughest of stones and can crack, emeralds are often heat treated or filled with oils or resins. Up to 90% of emeralds are treated to some extent, so this is not usually an issue.

Just keep in mind that when an emerald looks too good, too perfect, you need to ask for more info, so that you know what you’re buying.

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About Our Emerald Pieces

Their beauty, depth of colour, rarity… It’s hard not to be smitten with emeralds and we straight up adore ours!

All the emeralds in our current pieces originate from a mine in Brazil and have a personal backdrop: they were a wedding present from Esther’s husband on their honeymoon in Rio.

Below, a few of the emerald pieces currently available: