Gem index Emerald green background

Emerald

Gem Index - Emerald

"There’s something magical about Emeralds... One of the most precious gemstones on Earth, they’re ancient, rare and beautiful. For me, the rich green tones evoke a sense of mythical nostalgia; I love the thought of Cleopatra adorning herself with emeralds."

MOIRA PATIENCE

Gem Index Emerald

What are Emeralds?

Natural Emeralds were formed millions of years ago and are exceptionally rare because of the specific conditions required.


They're part of the beryl mineral family, which also includes aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor, but the green emerald stands out as the most precious.

Beryl

Mineral

7.5 - 8

Hardness

May

Birthstone

20th & 35th

Anniversary

Moir Patience bespoke emerald and diamond art deco drop earrings

Where are Emeralds Found?

Emeralds have been mined by ancient empires for centuries. The earliest known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating back to at least 330 BC. Today, most emeralds come from South America, mainly Colombia and Brazil, but they’re also found in Africa, Afghanistan and China.

Moira Patience Fine Jewellery Bespoke Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring

Hardness

With a hardness rating of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Emeralds are quite tough, but they can also be brittle due to their natural characteristics.


In emeralds we expect to see inclusions, unless very very rare. Inclusions affect clarity and integrity, but they also give each gemstone its unique character and let you know it’s a real and natural gem.

Moira Patience Emerald and diamond necklace

Myths & Legends

The Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra had a passion for Emeralds. It’s said that she adorned herself and her palace in them and even gifted emeralds carved in her likeness as a display of her prestige and power.

Moira Patience bespoke emerald and diamond engagement ring

Colour

Emerald has been the standard for green among coloured stones for centuries. Emeralds that are highly transparent, with an even colour are extremely rare and valuable.


The colour of an emerald, varying from bluish green to pure green with intense saturation, is influenced by the quantities of chromium, vanadium, and iron in the gemstone.


Moira Patience bespoke emerald and diamond earrings

Caring for Emerald Jewellery

Although Emeralds are hard they can be brittle, especially if they're heavily included so they need particular care in order to look their best.


The best way to clean emerald jewellery is with warm soapy water. However, do not soak emeralds in soapy water and never soak emeralds in solvents like alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner.


Other jewels, especially diamonds, can cause damage to emeralds so make sure your emerald isn’t rattling around in a jewellery box.

Any questions about Emeralds?

Moira's Emerald Jewellery Commissions

Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring

Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring

Emeralds like this are worth the wait... My clients were looking for a beautiful bright emerald with as little inclusions...

Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring

Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring

I loved working with B & I on this gorgeous emerald engagement ring. We sourced this stunning bright cushion cut emerald...

Emerald & Diamond Earrings

A lovely customer came to me with some absolutely jaw dropping emeralds. They were in a very traditional setting and she didn't wear them much...

Moira Patience Fine Jewellery Bespoke Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring
Moira Patience Fine Jewellery Bespoke Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring

Organic Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring

The brightness of this emerald is everything! The shape is really unusual too. I love how the client went for the idea of...

emerald and diamond earrings
emerald and diamond earrings

Emerald & Diamond Earrings

It took a wee while to source these gemstones - colour matching a pair of emeralds this size, quality and shape is not easy. However, I think we hit the jackpot...

Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring

I revamped my clients original engagement ring by adding the little side diamonds to give the overall ring a wee bit of oomph...

Moira Patience Emerald and diamond necklace
Moira Patience Emerald and diamond necklace

Bespoke Catch for Victorian Emerald & Diamond Pendant

My client wanted a chain and clasp made for this stunning Victorian emerald and diamond pendant/brooch...



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