EMERALD FAQ’S ANSWERED! LAURIE SARAH WILL DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING IN THIS BLOG:
- EMERALD AS A BIRTHSTONE
- EMERALD TREATMENT AND HARDNESS
- COLORS OF EMERALD
- EMERALD ALTERNATIVES
- EMERALD JEWELRY CARE
- SOME BEAUTIFUL EMERALD JEWELRY WE’VE CREATED!
The most beautiful way I have ever heard emerald described is that it’s the gemstone with a garden in it. Look at all the beautiful variations of green that it comes in! Its natural inclusions tell a story in each gem! And when it comes to creating a beautiful piece of jewelry with Emerald, my husband and I can set Emerald into almost any of our existing pieces, or create something custom just for you!
EMERALD AS A BIRTHSTONE
Emerald is the traditional gemstone for May. It is also the traditional gemstone for the 20th and 35th Anniversary! Its name comes from the Greek word smaragdos which means green gem. The common alternative birthstones to Emerald are Agate and Aventerine. Check out our “Gift Collection” for ideas for Mother’s Rings, Birthstone Rings, and gifts for Moms, Grandmas and others!
EMERALD TREATMENT AND HARDNESS
Emerald is 7.5 to 8 on the MOHS hardness scale, which is pretty good, but its crystalline structure is such that it fractures easily, making it a gem that must be handled with care. Thus the reason why it is generally not used for an everyday piece. But it makes a stunning “going out” piece!
Treatment is common. Pale emeralds are commonly dyed to improve their color. Oils, resins and waxes are often used to fill up natural fractures. The less treatment, the more expensive the gem. We’ll help you decide which emerald is best for you.
COLORS OF EMERALD
Emeralds come in all sorts of different, amazing colors of green! Below are some from our collection.
Columbian Green
Light Green
Medium Green
Dark, Rich Green
Dark, Rich Green
EMERALD ALTERNATIVES
The most popular Emerald Alternative is Chatham Emerald, which is a genuine emerald grown in a laboratory. If you want the nice, emerald green, but without the natural inclusions, or if you’re looking for a more budget friendly gem, Chatham Emerald is a nice choice.
Here are some Chatham Emeralds getting ready to be set in a bracelet!
If you’re looking for an alternative that is a genuine gemstone, Green Sapphire can work. Here are a few from our collection.
EMERALD JEWELRY CARE
As previously mentioned, emeralds need a little extra care to make sure that they don’t crack, chip, or break. They should never be exposed to too much heat. Even hot water can effect emeralds that are treated. Always take your emerald jewelry off before putting on any kind of lotions or beauty products. Don’t shower with your emerald jewelry on. Air pressure can effect them too, so it’s not advisable to take them on your next flight. Our Jewelry Cleaner works great to clean up your Laurie Sarah Emerald Piece! However, our Ultrasonic Cleaner is not recommended for emerald pieces. For more about jewelry care, please see our Basic Jewelry Care Blog.