Your guide to Emeralds

Emerald

Emeralds are loved by many for their beautiful brilliant green colour. They are a green variety of the mineral Beryl.

While the price and quality of emeralds can vary from as little as $1 per carat, at the top end of the market in 2000, auctioneers Christies sold a 10 carat emerald for over $1 million, equal to over $100,000 per carat.

Part of the value of emeralds is decided not only by brilliance an clarity but also on colour. While many may think dark or light emerald are worth more it is in fact the most intense bright greens that are valued most.

Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May and In some cultures, the emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary.

One of the largest emeralds on public display is the chalk emerald. It is a 37.82 carat Columbian emerald that has been recut and mounted onto a ring, surrounded by sixty pearshaped diamonds totalling 15 carats.