Emeralds owe their vibrant green color to the presence of chromium, and sometimes vanadium, in their crystal structure.
How can I tell if an emerald is real?
Real natural emeralds often have visible inclusions known as 'jardin'. Using a jeweler's loupe, you can spot these imperfections, which are common in loose emeralds.
What's the most famous emerald out there?
The Bahia Emerald is one of the largest and most famous, known for its incredible size and the legal battles surrounding it.
How should I clean my emerald jewelry?
To clean emerald jewelry, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or high heat, which can damage the stone, especially if it's an emerald cabochon or treated loose emerald.
What's the best setting for an emerald ring?
A bezel or halo setting works best for an emerald cut ring, as it helps protect the edges of the loose emerald from knocks and scratches.
Are emeralds more expensive than diamonds?
Top-quality Colombian emeralds can sometimes be rarer and more expensive than diamonds, depending on carat weight, gemstone clarity, and the stone's origin.
Can emeralds scratch easily?
Although emeralds score 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, their inclusions can make them brittle and prone to chipping, so they need to be handled with care.
GemSelect Certified Store Reviews
GemSelect: Over 22 Years in the Gemstone Business! Thank you for trusting us with your purchase!
Overall Rating -> 10
I've purchased from here many times over the last decade+. I find the information easy to understand, helpful, and interesting. I have always been satisfied that I got exactly what I ordered. Pictures and descriptions are clear and unique to each stone.
Posted By Maggie in August, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 9
It is a good experience, it is easy to view the item, and easy to check out.
Posted By Neo in November, 2024
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
I found what I was looking for...had to look up millimeters to inches. It would be nice to see something, like a quarter, in the pix to show relative size. I plan on buy loose gemstones for every month in the calendar
Posted By TheP in January, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
easy site to navigate
Posted By Curt's Cabochons in June, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 8
The website was nice and I bought some gems
Posted By Jay in December, 2024
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
excellent deals-excellent service-fair prices
Posted By JD in April, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 8
Love the ease of access. Easy to find what you are looking for, and fair pricing.
Posted By NickBehnke in October, 2024
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 10
nothing but good. always have a great selection. I am a hobbyist and only collect. Great prices. I could take all day looking at a small percent of all the gemstone, fantastic
Posted By Steve m. in February, 2025
Source: Bizrate
Overall Rating -> 8
Excellent selection of stones -including ones I had never heard of before -nice site and fairly easy to use