Emerald Pricing Guide
Emeralds, with their captivating green hues, have long been regarded as one of the most enchanting gemstones. Their timeless allure makes them highly coveted by those who appreciate investment, luxury, and beauty. Alongside diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, emeralds are celebrated as one of the "Big Four" gemstones. For centuries, they have been treasured by civilizations—and it’s easy to understand why.
While the mesmerizing color of emeralds plays a significant role in determining their value, several other important factors must be considered as well.
Are emeralds rare? Are they expensive? What drives their pricing? These are just a few questions you may have as you begin your search for the perfect emerald.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on buying an emerald, you’ve come to the right place. Our Emerald Pricing Guide offers clear, valuable insights to help you make an informed decision before purchasing this highly sought-after gem.
The following factors play a key role in determining the price of emeralds:
COLOR:
The color of an emerald is perhaps the most important factor in determining its value. Emeralds come in a wide range of green hues, with the most coveted being pure green and bluish green.
The most desirable emeralds are those with a deep, vivid green. The richer and more evenly distributed the color, the higher the value. Even the smallest difference in the color or tone of green can have a significant impact on the emerald’s price. For example, a dull-colored emerald may cost up to 40% less than a more vibrant emerald of the same size and shape. Generally, emeralds with a lighter appearance tend to be less expensive than those with more saturated color. However, it is important to ensure that the green is balanced, avoiding stones that are too dark or too light.
That being said, color is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While more saturated emeralds tend to be more expensive, the final choice depends on what appeals most to the individual buyer.
CLARITY:
The clarity of an emerald refers to the presence and type of inclusions within the stone. Inclusions are natural features that occur when particles of solids, liquids, or gases become trapped inside the emerald during its formation. Rather than being flaws, these inclusions are often celebrated for their beauty, as they contribute to the emerald’s unique identity, often likened to "gardens" that make each stone distinct.
Unlike other gemstones such as rubies, diamonds, or sapphires, emeralds almost always contain inclusions. It is exceptionally rare to find an emerald completely free of inclusions visible to the naked eye. These natural inclusions, far from being flaws, contribute to the stone’s uniqueness, often considered a "fingerprint" that gives each emerald its individuality.
Inclusions closer to the surface of the stone can affect its value, as they make the emerald more vulnerable to damage, such as chipping or breaking. This is especially true for inclusions near the edges or the top of the stone, as these areas are more exposed when set into jewelry.
Some emeralds may feature visible black inclusions, which can impact their visual appeal. However, many people appreciate these unique characteristics, as they add to the emerald's personality. A higher number of inclusions inside the emerald can also influence its brilliance and sparkle, potentially lowering its value if they are too prominent. Transparent stones visible to the naked eye typically command the highest prices, especially when paired with ideal color classification.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
As with many other precious gemstones, the country of origin plays a significant role in determining an emerald's value. Each region where emeralds are mined imparts unique qualities to the stones, often influencing their color intensity and overall appeal.
The journey of an emerald begins deep within the Earth’s crust. Colombian emeralds owe their exceptional quality to the unique geological conditions of the region. Unlike other emerald deposits found in magmatic rocks, Colombian emeralds are formed in sedimentary rocks through hydrothermal processes. This distinctive formation contributes to their rich, vibrant green hue, making them the most prized and expensive emeralds in the world. Colombian emeralds also have a rich history and cultural significance that contribute to their high value.
CARAT WEIGHT:
Carat weight is a key factor in determining the value of an emerald. Larger emeralds are not only rarer but also more valuable, as they are harder to find in high-quality conditions. As the size of the stone increases, so does its price per carat, particularly for emeralds with ideal color, clarity, and minimal enhancement. This trend is similar to other gemstones, where the value grows exponentially as the size increases, making larger stones highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
CLARITY ENHANCEMENT:
The fissures and fractures characteristic of emeralds, which form naturally due to the pressures exerted by tectonic events during their formation, are traditionally enhanced with cedar oil (or similar substances) to minimize their visual impact. This treatment is harmless and reversible.
However, the more enhancement an emerald undergoes, the lower its value. The extent of enhancement is specified in the emerald reports.
Natural emeralds that have not undergone oiling but still display a high brilliance and are free of visible inclusions are extremely rare, making up only about 1% of the emeralds available in the market. These untreated, high-quality emeralds command a significantly higher price due to their scarcity and exceptional characteristics.
CUT:
The cut of an emerald plays a crucial role in its overall value. A well-executed cut enhances the stone’s natural beauty by maximizing its color, brilliance, and clarity. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are often cut in shapes that preserve their natural crystal structure, which can influence the price. An expertly cut emerald that showcases its best features, such as rich color and minimal visible inclusions, will command a higher price per carat.
