This week we spent time learning about the “Big Three,” as they are referred to in the jewelry industry: ruby, sapphire and emerald. I would like to focus on emeralds because I feel that I have misunderstood this stone more than any other. Emeralds are a precious stone variety of beryl, and typically have natural inclusions noticeable to the unaided eye. Inclusions will decrease or increase the value of the stone depending on numerous factors; such as size of inclusions, placement in the gem and type of inclusions. Eye-clean emeralds are extremely rare and exceptionally valuable. Frankly, most of us will never see an eye-clean emerald in our life time. Trade members and some consumers accept emerald inclusions as part of its character and charm, yet others do not see inclusions this way. I myself have not liked the way inclusions look in a gemstone until I arrived at GIA and have started to learn about the complexity of them. I am acquiring an appreciation for what mother nature does in gemstones.
The emerald inclusions are sometimes described as mossy, plant roots or garden-like. They are also referred to as “jardin," which in French, means garden. Leave it to the French to make anything sound good!!!
Most emeralds on the market today are treated with fracture filling, improving the clarity of the gemstone. Although this does not make the stone eye-clean it does enhance the color and clarity of the gemstone. Just about everything we buy today is treated. For example, the fabrics in the clothing and the furniture we buy have been treated before selling. Without treatments, supplies of many gems would decline in the jewelry world, and their prices would rise astronomically, making them unaffordable to most. Why should jewelry be any different from anything else we buy. So, all-in-all, treating gemstones sounds like a good thing to me. Would you agree?
Just a few emerald bobbles below for you to view from Provident Jewelry at 766 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. We would love to talk to you about the variety of items we have to offer and I especially would love to talk to you about everything or anything jewelry related. Until next week and thank you for your interest! M xo
I too love the emerald stone. I do agree that some inclusions or imperfections as some people see them as, give the stone character and a personality of it's own. I would rather a completely natural stone verses a treated stone but the treated stones sure are vibrant!
ReplyDeleteLove that you are sharing your new experiences and knowledge! Keep it coming!
Thank you for your comment and support, it's appreciated!
ReplyDeleteWell Said ... "the fabrics in the clothing and the furniture we buy have been treated before selling. Without treatments, supplies of many gems would decline in the jewelry world, and their prices would rise astronomically, making them unaffordable to most. Why should jewelry be any different from anything else we buy."
ReplyDeleteSpot On! It is astonishingly hard to get this point across to the end consumer and you have done a wonderful job here doing that. Also, this is my favorite stone and luckily enough, my birthstone!
Dee ~
ReplyDeleteOh, and how FABULOUS you must look in emeralds with your gorgeous features... It's great to get your feedback and with your experience in the jewelry business your comments have real value to me!!!
M