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Writer's pictureAngela Cisneros

Alternative Engagement Rings, Emerald

Emeralds have been adored for thousands of years! Kings, queens, emperors, and empresses have worn Emeralds in jewelry and crowns. Cleopatra is the most famous historical figure to love Emeralds, and she loved them so much that she had her own mine. But, do they make a good alternative to a diamond center in an engagement ring? Here are some pros and considerations when choosing Emerald.


Pro

· Luscious Green Color: The color green has always been associated with new life and growth which makes a fitting representation in an engagement ring. One of the most important parts about choosing an Emerald, even over size and shape, is that you have to love the color! Not all Emeralds are the same, and they can range from bluish green to green, so choose an Emerald that wows you.


· Worn by the Elite: As mentioned above, Emeralds have been worn by people of power since they were first discovered. In more recent years, several women of influence have chosen an Emerald engagement ring. Jackie Kennedy had a 2.84ct Emerald alongside a 2.88ct Diamond. In 2007, Victoria Beckham upgraded to a 15ct Emerald engagement ring, and Halle Berry has a 4ct Emerald set in yellow gold.




Considerations


· Durability: Due to the characteristics of Emeralds, they are less resistant to scratching and less resistant to breaking and cracking than Diamonds. That doesn’t mean that you should not have an Emerald in your engagement ring, it just means you will need to be more conscious of taking care of it. For instance, take it off when doing household or yard chores, exercising and sports, and sleeping. This isn’t a suggestion either!


· Cleaning and Upkeep: Something you may not be aware of is that Emeralds are routinely treated with oil to enhance their appearance. Due to the nature of Emeralds, they have a lot of inclusions that can both interfere with beauty and durability (see previous paragraph). Since Emeralds were first discovered, they have been treated this way, so oiling is not a new practice. With that being said, when you take it to a jeweler to clean or repair, your Emerald needs to be treated different than a Diamond. An Emerald should not go into an ultrasonic cleaner. The vibration and heat can take out the oil filling and possibly cause it to break. You will need to spend extra money to have your Emerald pulled and reset when doing any work to it that includes heat from a jeweler’s torch because the heat can take out the oil filling.


Sometimes we are under the impression that colored gemstones are just like Diamonds except for their body color, but each gemstone is a separate mineral with varying characteristics which means the durability of each gemstone is different from each other. There is a reason why they say “a Diamond is forever,” and it’s because a Diamond’s resistance to scratching, chipping, & breaking is very high, and no other gemstone can match it.


With that being said, if you love the luscious color of green for your engagement ring, then you should have one! In no way do I want to dissuade you from an Emerald, but understanding the different care you will need to take for your Emerald engagement ring is just part of the process! I would love to help you create the wedding ring of your dreams, whether it be for a new engagement or an upgrade (I mean Victoria Beckham has had 15, so what is one or two upgrades for you? Haha!)! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

  • One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

  • Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

  • Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 24 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.angelacisneros.com/book-appointment


Photo Credit: https://frankdarling.com/emerald-engagement-rings-make-a-major-statement/

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