What is an emerald?
Emeralds are a green gemstone, a variety of the mineral beryl. Emerald engagement rings provide a distinct ’emerald green’ pop of colour to any ring design. This coloured precious gemstone has a distinguished reputation for its striking tones that range from deep woodland to iced pistachio.
With a low facet structure, emeralds emit a softer brilliance which is balanced by their wider depth of colour compared to traditional diamonds. An emerald engagement ring’s charming appearance looks beautiful when set in any metal colour and can be incorporated into both vintage and contemporary ring designs.
While emeralds register at 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, most emeralds are treated with oils and resins that fill their natural internal fractures, reducing the chance of breakage or damage to the stone. A uniquely designed emerald ring is sure to catch the eye, mesmerising anyone and everyone who sees it.
Emerald engagement ring gallery
Be inspired by our emerald engagement rings, individually designed with love by you and crafted by us.
Emerald cut emerald with a round diamond halo set in yellow gold
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Emerald cut emerald with a round diamond halo set in yellow gold
Emerald cut emerald bezel set with milgrain and pavé
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Emerald cut emerald bezel set with milgrain and pavé
Pear shaped emeralds set in the basket with a yellow gold band
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Pear shaped emeralds set in the basket with a yellow gold band
Round blue sapphire yellow gold engagement ring with custom cut trillion emeralds
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Round blue sapphire yellow gold engagement ring with custom cut trillion emeralds
Round emerald bezel set in a yellow gold floral halo
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Round emerald bezel set in a yellow gold floral halo
Emerald cut emerald set in yellow gold with marquise side diamonds
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Emerald cut emerald set in yellow gold with marquise side diamonds
Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in platinum with round diamonds and milgrain
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Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in platinum with round diamonds and milgrain
Emerald cut emerald set in platinum with a baguette halo
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Emerald cut emerald set in platinum with a baguette halo
Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in rose gold with engraving
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Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in rose gold with engraving
Round diamond engagement ring with custom cut emerald and sapphire floral design
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Round diamond engagement ring with custom cut emerald and sapphire floral design
Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in platinum with pear diamond side stones
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Emerald cut emerald engagement ring set in platinum with pear diamond side stones
Oval shaped emerald set in platinum with a round diamond halo
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Oval shaped emerald set in platinum with a round diamond halo
Emerald cut emerald and diamond moi et toi platinum engagement ring
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Emerald cut emerald and diamond moi et toi platinum engagement ring
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Can you wear your emerald engagement ring everyday?
An emerald engagement ring is a heartfelt and exciting choice for a wedding ring, but there are a few things you should know before purchasing an emerald. A natural emerald, with its distinctive texture and inclusions, makes for an extraordinary engagement ring, however there are some small risks that come with the gemstone. An emerald only ranks 7.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is softer than a sapphire which ranks at 9, and far from a diamond which has a perfect 10. While an emerald is still a comparatively hard gemstone, it can falter under everyday wear and tear if it isn’t of a high enough quality or not set properly.
If you know an emerald is right for you, then there are some simple things to keep in mind to make sure your gemstone will last the test of time. To start, an emerald center stone with a minimal amount of inclusions is ideal. The inclusions found in the gemstone give it a distinct look, but contribute to the fragility of the stone. But not to fear: at Taylor & Hart, we have strict quality checks and always ensure that we’re providing you the most robust and beautiful emeralds on the market.
Additionally, if purchasing an emerald center stone, consider bezel setting the gem. This will give the emerald more protection, and decrease the risk of damage to your ring.
Why choose an emerald engagement ring?
Emeralds are a stunning, classic choice for an engagement ring. In contrast to the icy clarity of a diamond ring, emeralds are rich in color with a unique visual appearance because of their intricate inclusions. This combination gives the emerald a distinct depth, with a fabulous forest green that permeates the stone. An emerald is the perfect choice for a woman who is seeking something extraordinary.
Another perk of emeralds is that they can sometimes be cheaper than diamonds of a similar carat. Emeralds are either used as a center stone, or they can be used as accompanying side gemstones to a centre diamond. Emeralds pair beautifully with platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. The luscious green also pairs well with other colored gemstones, meaning any combination will have magical results.
What does an emerald symbolize?
Throughout history, emeralds have been revered for their mystical, regal qualities. Known as the “Jewel of Kings” emeralds are famous for their luscious green color which has many meanings.
During antiquity, emeralds were mined in Egypt and popularised by the great Cleopatra, who believed that the emerald gemstone represented fertility and immortality. Famously, she would adorn herself with handmade emerald jewelry, and decorate her palace with the stone.
Those who are born in May are lucky enough to call the emerald their birthstone. Alternatively, in astrology the emerald is the stone that represents the cancer sign. The green color represents growth, peace, and balance.
Ultimately, the emerald’s enchanting forest green color reminds us of nature and the beauty of our green earth. The hypnotising color and velvet texture of emeralds are symbolic of renewal—a central process of nature.
An Egyptian gold finger emerald ring
What are the best cuts for emeralds?
Emeralds can be a brittle stone with many inclusions; for this reason, the famous ’emerald cut’ was developed. The emerald cut was developed through the step cut or the trap ring setting, which feature rectangular facets and larger tables. These cuts are uniquely designed to enhance the stability and form of a stone, which allows a gem that is naturally fragile to be worn in everyday jewelry. An emerald cut engagement ring with an emerald center stone is one of the most popular styles for this unmistakeable gemstone.
Some high quality emeralds won’t have many inclusions, allowing them to be cut in the classic round, oval, or other fancy shapes. Emeralds also make beautiful side stones, which you can pair with a diamond center stone to make a dazzling emerald and diamond engagement ring.
Where do emeralds come from?
Emeralds come from many corners of the globe, but today almost 80% of all production comes from three main areas in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor. Zambia is the world’s second biggest producer, responsible for around 20% of the world’s production.
Should emeralds be dark or light?
Emeralds range from a light seafoam color to a dark mossy tone. The color of the gemstone is graded by three factors: color, tone, and hue. The most prized emerald color is ‘very good’ or ‘exceptional’, terms used to describe an emerald rich with color, but bright enough that it doesn’t lose its signature fire. The tone of the emerald refers to the saturation of color, ranging from light to deep intense. The hue of the emerald is what describes the exact color, and this ranges from light yellow green to strong bluish green, with the most desirable hue being an intense bluish green.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong color for an emerald, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Some people prefer the classic forest green, deep hue, while some love the fire and glow of a lighter green emerald.
What are the costs of an emerald engagement ring?
An emerald can vary in cost, depending on the quality and provenance of the stone. The most expensive emerald is the Colombian emerald, and then Zambian emeralds.
Similar to a diamond, the gemstone is evaluated depending on the 4 C’s, but with a different weight of importance given to the factors. In an emerald’s case, colour is the most important element, and then clarity, cut, and carat.
Emeralds with vivid saturation and good clarity will be found at a high price point. Due to their nature, most emeralds are highly included. So to increase clarity, most emeralds are treated with oil to enhance the visibility within the stone. Carat is an important factor in the price, however with an emerald it is recommended to get a smaller carat with exceptional colour and clarity.
How much is a 1 carat emerald?
An emerald cut, 1 carat emerald starts at around £2,500.
How much is a 2 carat emerald?
An emerald cut, 2 carat emerald starts at around £7,000.
Celebrity emerald engagement rings
The magical beauty of emeralds have always attracted the most stylish celebrities, the classic cut and extraordinary colour make the emerald a revered gemstone. The rarity and beauty of larger high quality emeralds make the emerald engagement ring a celebrity magnet.
Jackie Kennedy’s emerald engagement ring consisted of a beautiful 2.84 carat emerald-cut emerald and a 2.88 carat emerald cut diamond. Jackie remodelled the ring once, replacing the emerald and diamond baguettes with marquise diamonds. Jackie’s flamboyant engagement ring reflects her iconic style.
Zoe Saldana’s bohemian engagement ring features a eight to ten carat pear shaped emerald, set in platinum pave with trillion side diamonds. This grand, fancy-cut emerald perfectly suits her elegant style.
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Victoria Beckham’s emerald cut emerald engagement ring is an absolute stunner. Featuring a 20 carat emerald, the ring is finished with pave diamonds. Victoria famously has 14 engagement rings, but only one emerald!
Halle Berry’s unique 4 carat Colombian emerald engagement ring, bezel set in 18kt yellow gold, features a bespoke etching design on the thick band. The art-deco style of the ring is well suited to her relaxed, chic style.
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Design an emerald engagement ring
Related pages
- Coloured gemstones
- Emerald vs tsavorite gemstones
- Emerald gemstone guidance
