The Buyer’s Guide

Emerald colour ranges from yellowy-green to bluish-green, but the primary hue is always green. Look for vividness rather than a specific tone — intensity of colour is what separates a fine stone from an ordinary one.

One carat equals 0.20 grams. The larger the emerald, the more its price per carat rises — because large stones with good colour and clarity are significantly rarer than small ones of equivalent quality.

Perfectly clear emeralds are exceptionally rare. Natural inclusions are accepted in all commercial grades. Look for stones where inclusions are barely noticeable — and never let minor clarity diminish a stone of outstanding colour.

A skilled cutter knows how to coax the best from a rough emerald — concealing inclusions, maximising colour saturation, and revealing the gem's characteristic inner glimmer. Cut is what brings the stone to life.