Assessment Techniques

The best first assessment of the gem is carefully observing it without any visual aids. Examine the gem in all directions, use different lighting conditions i.e, natural light, halogen, fluorescent. This first impression is very important to find out the characteristics and quality of the stone.

Tip. Don't use magnifying lenses at this stage.

Determining the value of the emerald:

1. COLOUR is the most important factor in the price evaluation and the most difficult to determine. With some experience, usually this first colour examination will indicate the origin of the stone- the country and even the region where it comes from. Mines within the same country will produce different colours and hues. To distinguish the different colours, tones and hues and how they influence in price, please read colour.

Carefully examine the surface by tilting the emerald and expose it under oblique lighting techniques. Observe the vividness and the faceting style of the gem. Make sure the gemstone surface is free of anything that might interfere with your observation, such as grease or dust. If cracks and fissures are detected with the naked eye, it is a sign of a highly-treated stone; the risk is that it could be easily damaged in the future.

2. CLARITY is the next most significant characteristic in price estimation. Once you have completed the initial observation and if you have not observed damages that could jeopardize the gems integrity, proceed and examine the stone with a 10X loop holding it with tweezers.

Firstly, look directly into the stone, focus on the inclusions. Remember that there is no natural emerald without inclusions and these will verify the right identity of the stone. They will give character and makes it unique. It’s very unlikely to find two emeralds with same inclusions. With experience, they can also help you establish the mine origin. On the other hand, be vigilant of large inclusions i.e. large bubbles / cracks that can affect the overall brightness and durability of the emerald. Be sure that inclusions are not located in a corner or on an edge where they might reduce durability.

Secondly, examine the surface of the stone, looking at it in an oblique angle. Try not to look perpendicular to the surface. This method will let you inspect the treated areas of the gem, from the surface where the treating substance permeated.  To assist you with your observation of the internal features and fractures, alternate between light and dark backgrounds. Try to determine the treating / enhancing agents that will affect the overall presence and durability of the stone in the future. When in doubt, seek the assistance of a qualified gem testing laboratory. Please refer to clarity.

3. CUT is the third most important factor in the price assessment of a gemstone. It will affect the brilliance of the gemstone. Observe the overall cutting, shape and polishing of the surfaces. Look for symmetry, have in mind that the ideal cut generates greater live and sparkle on the gem. please go to cut for more information

4. CARAT most definitely will influence the value of the gem as well. Larger emeralds are found less frequently in nature, and therefore a 1-carat emerald will cost more than double than a 1/2-carat emerald, assuming colour, clarity and cut remain constant. Please read more about carat.

Tips. Buy gemstones from well established, reputable dealers or jewellery stores.
Shop around for a reasonable price. Best value for your money, but be aware of emeralds at below market value. “If its too good to be true” find the catch, there are many unscrupulous sellers supplying synthetic for natural or very poor quality emeralds for fine emerald prices.