Emeralds are commonly referred to as a “soft” gem, which implies that they scratch easily and are difficult to maintain. The problem with this notion is that emeralds are actually extremely hard and quite scratch-resistant. While they aren’t as indestructible as diamonds, and may need a little extra care and attention, emeralds are actually a very wearable gemstone and can be a great choice for an engagement ring.
Are Emeralds Good for Engagement Rings?
Emeralds can be stunning choices for engagement rings due to their unique beauty and captivating green color. While they are softer compared to other popular gemstones, they can still be used in engagement rings if certain precautions are taken. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, the universally accepted scale for the toughness of a gemstone, emeralds rank around an 8. While diamonds sit alone at 10 on the scale, the only other gemstones that beat emeralds are sapphires, rubies and corundum. Emeralds are about equal to “hardened steel” as well as other gems including topaz, aquamarine, and beryl.
Toughness is the area where emeralds come up a little short relative to other gemstones. Emeralds are brittle due to their inclusions. Jewelers call these special inclusions its “jardin” (or its garden). Emerald jardin is normal, however it’s important to understand that some of these inclusions may reach the surface which makes the stone vulnerable to chipping. When choosing an emerald, be sure to look for a stone with no (or only minor) surface-reaching inclusions, and if you’re planning on making it your primary stone, it’s wise to use a protective setting, such as a bezel or halo.
While gaining in popularity, emerald engagement rings are a less common choice which would make your ring more unique than a traditional diamond one. Emeralds can be found in a variety of shapes, just like diamonds, the most common being an emerald cut, devised to celebrate its vivid green tones and high clarity. While green emeralds will pop beautifully with any metal, yellow gold is a particularly striking match. Emeralds emit a softer glow than other gemstones, so you may choose to add some detailing to your ring to boost its sparkle; add a diamond halo or choose a three stone ring and flank your emerald with a diamond on either side.
Are There Any Downsides to an Emerald Engagement Ring?
Due to their naturally occurring inclusions which is what makes them brittle and prone to possibly chipping or cracking, most emeralds are treated with an oil-filler for clarity, which means that they can never go into a jewelry cleaning machine of any type. These machines might damage the emerald in addition to removing the oil-filler, and any jewelry cleaning solution you use should be checked to be safe for emeralds. Warm, soapy water and a toothbrush will likely be all you need to care for your ring. While they require some oiling, and special attention, an emerald ring that’s well taken care of will stand out beautifully.
High quality emeralds are actually more rare and come with a higher price tag than diamonds as the conditions for creating an emerald are a bit more specific. Emeralds require hydrothermal veins with the right atmosphere to cause crystallization, unlike diamonds which mostly require carbon, heat and pressure. However, since emeralds have a lower density, a one-carat emerald will actually appear larger than a one-carat diamond. As mentioned before, you’ll also want to choose an emerald that has as few surface-reaching inclusions as possible.
While emeralds may not be as durable as some other gemstones, their beauty and uniqueness can make them a wonderful choice for an engagement ring, especially if the wearer is mindful of their care and doesn’t mind providing a bit of extra attention to maintain the stone’s brilliance over time. Protective settings and regular maintenance by a professional jeweler can also help mitigate some of the risks associated with wearing an emerald engagement ring daily.
If you’re looking for a custom engagement ring, book an appointment and learn more about our custom jewelry design process. You can also call us at (720) 560-3548 with any questions. We look forward to helping you design the perfect ring!
FAQs
Are emeralds too soft for an engagement ring? The short answer, absolutely not! Let's dive deeper into why emeralds actually make an excellent choice for your engagement ring and debunk some of the most common myths regarding emeralds.
Are emeralds too soft for engagement rings? ›
No. Contrary to popular belief, Emeralds are actually quite scratch resistant, being a 7.5-8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means they are pretty durable for everyday wear! What is actually more important to understand about Emeralds is that many have extensive inclusions.
Why can't you wear emeralds every day? ›
When considering buying an Emerald It is important to be aware that they are brittle gemstones. This means they are softer than sapphires, rubies and diamonds and are more prone to scratching and chipping over time. Don't panic, they are perfectly fine to wear everyday, they just require more care when being worn!
Can emerald be used as an engagement ring? ›
Using an emerald as an engagement ring is a splendid choice that adds a touch of vibrant individuality to your love story. The deep green hue of an emerald symbolizes new beginnings and is a striking departure from the traditional diamond.
Do emerald cut diamonds sparkle less? ›
Compared to round and other brilliant-cut stones, emerald-cut diamonds have a more subdued sparkle.
What not to do with emeralds? ›
Never soak emeralds in solvents such as alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner. Do not expose your emeralds to hot lights, excessive solar radiation, or other sources of heat as they may dry out fracture fillings.
Why are some emeralds so cheap? ›
Rough, uncut emeralds are worth less than their faceted counterparts, for a few reasons: Emerald rough from Muzo Mine, Colombia. Labor! A bad gem cutter can turn an expensive emerald rough into a cheap emerald.
What are the disadvantages of emerald? ›
Excessive exposure to emeralds may lead to overstimulation and hyperactivity in some individuals. Additionally, there is a caution against relying too heavily on gemstones for emotional well-being, as it may disrupt one's natural emotional equilibrium.
When should you not wear emerald? ›
Allergies or Skin-Related Issues: If you are grappling with allergies or other skin-related issues, it is strongly advised not to consider wearing an emerald stone.
Can I shower with an emerald ring? ›
Store your emerald jewelry separately, in a pouch or envelope. Other precious gemstones in your collection (such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires) are harder than emeralds and can scratch and damage your emerald jewelry. Do not shower while wearing emerald jewelry.
Softer gemstones, such as opal, pearls, or turquoise, are prone to scratching, chipping, or being damaged during everyday wear. Given the significance and longevity of an engagement ring, it's advisable to avoid softer gemstones or to ensure they're cut and set in the most protective manner possible.
What not to do with an emerald ring? ›
Emerald rates a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Heat can damage emeralds, especially by extending existing fractures. Light and chemicals can cause the oils, resins, and polymers used to fill surface-reaching fractures to alter in appearance or deteriorate.
What does an emerald cut engagement ring say? ›
What does emerald cut symbolize? Emerald cut diamonds are known for their classic, vintage, and timeless appeal. The rectangular shape of the emerald cut diamond creates an elegant and sophisticated look that is perfect for someone who appreciates vintage jewelry. The emerald cut symbolizes class, elegance, and luxury.
Why is emerald cut not popular? ›
Emerald cuts are popular with people who have long, thin fingers because they emphasize that trait. It elongates their appearance in a manner that princess cuts do not. However, some buyers deliberately avoid emerald cut engagement rings since they do not consider this trait to be complementary to them.
Why do celebrities like emerald cut diamonds? ›
Elegance, Sophistication, and Class
It's a popular cut for celebrity rings and for people who want their ring to showcase their refined taste, as the cut exudes status and elegance. The long, step cut look gorgeous on the finger and don't have the dramatic sparkle that other cuts do.
Are emerald diamonds classy? ›
Emerald cut diamonds have long been considered the most elegant diamond shape. They are very distinctive in their overall look and in the type of optics they generate.
Do emerald rings break easy? ›
Because emeralds are such a natural stone, they tend to include some inclusions. As a result, they are very brittle and can easily break if they experience a strong blow.
Is it OK to get emeralds wet? ›
If your emeralds become heavily soiled, you can give them a deep clean using a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Be sure to use only a small amount of water, and avoid soaking your emeralds for an extended period of time. After cleaning, dry your emeralds thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Are emeralds very fragile? ›
Emeralds are a very durable gem that can be worn every day, despite their delicate appearance convincing many people otherwise. What is known as durability in gemstones is made up of three different parts: hardness, toughness, and stability.
Can you wear emeralds in the shower? ›
Don't bathe or shower with your jewelry. Soaps typically contain a grease or oil base that adheres to the stones and attract dust particles in the air which build up quickly and showers often contain hard tiles which can impact any gems especially when you're flailing your hands around with soap in your eyes.
