The Expert’s Guide to Buying an Emerald Engagement Ring
If you’re considering an Emerald for your engagement ring (we're obsessed too) start here to find answers to your burning questions. In this guide we cover the basics as well as dive deep into what to look for when choosing the perfect green-hued beauty. Stick around to see our Top 10 AB Styles for Emerald Rings. From researching to purchasing to care & cleaning - we’ve got you covered.
First things first, let’s cover the basics of Emeralds:
What is an Emerald?
Bear with us while we get super-technical for a moment! 🧐 Emeralds are formed when chromium, vanadium, and iron are present in the mineral beryl. The varying presence of these three elements gives emeralds their range of colors. To be considered an emerald, it must fall within the color range of bluish green to green to slightly yellowish green.
Additionally, emeralds must also have a rich enough color and enough saturation to be considered an emerald vs just “green beryl.” Whew, now that we got that out of the way, onto the fun stuff!
What do Emeralds mean?
Emeralds have been known through time be a representation of Truth and Love (looking at you, Sagittarius and Cancers). The Emerald is also known as the stone of intuition and is associated with the revelation of future events and truths. Legend also states that when emeralds were placed under the tongue, they would reveal the truth and protect against evil.
Emeralds also were believed to heal diseases. Talk about a handy item to have on you every day! Let’s not forget these green-hued beauties are also the birthstone for the month of May.
Where do Emeralds come from?
Emeralds were first mined in Egypt as early as 1500 BC and were Cleopatra’s most adored stone of choice. Most Emeralds today were mined in Colombia, Madagascar, Brazil, Canada, and Zambia, although Emeralds are mined throughout the world, including the United States!
Why are some Emeralds treated with oil?
Who DOESN'T need a little moisturizer to look their best from time to time? While not all Emeralds are treated with oil, the vast majority are and it is used in some of the finest emeralds worldwide. Emeralds with no oil are very rare and valuable. Unlike sapphires and rubies, emeralds are never treated with heat to enhance their color and are only treated to improve their clarity and overall appearance.
Most Green Emeralds have tiny inclusions within the stone, these inclusions and fractures are treated with oil, wax, or resin, with oiling being the most common treatment used. When an emerald is certified, you can look to see how treated the emerald is by checking their clarity enhancement grading: minor, moderate, and significant.
Do the “4 Cs” apply to Emeralds?
The 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, + carat weight) do apply to Emeralds, but in a slightly different way! The most important things to keep in mind when choosing an emerald is their color and origin. While Emeralds come in all different shades of green, the most desirable color is bluish-green, to pure-green, with intense color saturation being ideal. As for origin, today, most of the emerald production originates from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
Famous Emerald Rings
Emerald Rings are popular amongst celebs. Let's take a look at a few examples of Green Emeralds amongst some renowned Hollywood clientele.
Well known for having a collection of 15 different engagement rings, Victoria Beckham shows a pop of color with her massive cushion cut Emerald engagement ring, set in a sculpted spiral diamond band.
Shown above is Elizabeth Taylor's Bvlgari square richly green Emerald cut Emerald, which was sold at auction un 2011 for $3,330,500. A steal if you ask us ;)
Megan Fox turned heads and sparked conversation when her fiancé proposed with this Emerald and Diamond Toi Et Moi ring, which Singer Machine Gun Kelly chose to represent each of their birthstones with their wedding rings, a diamond for April, and an Emerald for May. He may be into Bad Things, but he did good here!
Top 3 Reasons to buy an Emerald Engagement Ring
1. Emeralds look good on anyone and everyone
Emeralds’ rich and vibrant tones are absolutely stunning and can look good on anyone and everyone no matter your color, gender, or style. Whether emeralds are set in platinum or gold, these beauties will pop from across the room on whoever is wearing them. Their wide range of colors offers a perfect shade for every bride. Here are just two examples of the most beautiful and vibrant shades of emeralds that you can choose from:
Florian: A beautiful example of a glowing emerald that is both classic and one of a kind.
Zinfandel: A bold, deep hue creates this chic emerald that steals the show.
2. Emeralds are less common and make your look more unique
Every bride wants to be unique and memorable walking down the aisle and having a one of a kind emerald gives that extra touch. Because diamonds are the more expected choice, emeralds are a colorful and timeless option to make your Big Day Look even more special.
3. Emeralds can give you a beautiful and big look without the extreme price
A traditional diamond can be just as stunning as an emerald but can get pricey. If you are wanting a big look without a hefty price, emeralds are a great way to fill the gap! You can also have the best of both worlds by adding diamond side stones to still incorporate the traditional feel. Here are a few options that are a great way to showcase emeralds with diamond accents:
Mallory: An elegant piece that combines both a dreamy elongated emerald thats accentuated by two vivid antique diamonds.
Remmy: A sleek and chic choice that gives a stunning Art Deco look.
Emarata: A gorgeous and timeless concept that incorporates both a vibrant emerald and a glittering diamond.
**Pro tip: If you're not ready to commit to a fully emerald engagement ring, emeralds can always make a beautiful accent! These beauties are great examples of adding that extra pop of color:
Petra: An everlasting diamond with lovely emerald accents that add a perfect hint of color.
Ave: This stunning Asscher cut ring with the highlight of perfectly hued emeralds makes this piece every bride to be's dream.
Are Emeralds Safe for Everyday Wear?
Yes, and no. They are safe to wear everyday as long as they are worn appropriately. They are a softer stone than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, so you must be mindful of whacking or smashing the stone and remove the stone at appropriate times such as when you sleep, shower, workout, or are lifting heavy things. This being said, millions of people safely wear these stones daily! Just be sure to get insurance- which is what we recommend with any stone!
How to Clean an Emerald Engagement Ring [Step by Step]:
Because emeralds can be treated with oils and other fracture filling treatments, it is very important to be careful when cleaning your emerald jewelry as you can possibly remove the treatments or crack the emerald. A light wash in water can do the job! Here is how to clean your emerald engagement ring at home [step by step]:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a few squirts of simple dish soap (no baking soda, harsh chemicals, added moisturizers, etc - plain Dawn or the equivalent is fine).
- Let it soak for 5 - 10 minutes to loosen up any grime.
- Gently scrub with a baby toothbrush - gently :)
- Don't forget the backside of the stone.
- Rinse under warm water.
- Let air-dry or dry with a microfiber cloth.
Top 10 Vintage + AB-made Styles for Emerald Rings
1.) Mallory
A beloved beauty whose colors are so bright and vibrant. We love the hue of this emerald with slight blue undertones to the vivid green. The antique diamonds on the side add the perfect shimmer to this low-profile, stackable piece. Shown here is the Mallory 1.70 but we have other options available in this AB-made design or can create you a custom piece!
2.) Marionette
An incredibly rare authentic antique dream. This vintage emerald ring centers a beautiful, high quality emerald set in one of the most intricate rings we've encountered. A delightful piece of history. This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
3.) Florian 2.09
We created a ring around this dreamy emerald in its original antique setting. We chose a pair of bright and vibrant antique diamonds to accent the gorgeous glow of the emerald for a finger-spanning, antique-feeling beauty. Shown here is the Florian 2.09 but we have other options available in this AB-made design or you can contact us to create you a custom piece!
4.) Remmy 3.34
This emerald has such a beautiful deep, blue-green hue that pairs perfectly with our beautiful 18kt gold. We created this ring to have some strong linear Art Deco themes and keeping that low-to-the-finger wear that we love. Shown here is the Remmy 3.34 but we have other options available in this AB-made design or you can contact us to create you a custom piece!
5.) Mabel
This amazing ring is one for the ages! The 3+ carat emerald has a beautiful hue and a large face-up appearance! The details are perfectly executed for both a bold and elegant look! The ring sits incredibly low with a finger-hugging wear! This ring also has intact French hallmarks! This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
6.) Zinfandel 3.60
This perfectly hued pear shaped emerald center stone is well-protected in a delightfully chunky bezel setting for a chic and bold look thats heavy on the gold and deep in emerald color. Shown here is the Zinfandel 3.60 but we have other options available in this AB-made design or you can contact us to create you a custom piece!
7.) Liesel
What a find. This antique beauty has an incredibly unique design that is perfectly executed. Super sleek and low to the finger. The emerald halo makes this piece ultra-unique. This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
8.) Emarata
This ring features an antique emerald in its original antique collet setting that we built this beautiful ring around. We chose this vibrant, softly cushiony diamond as the perfect match to a gorgeous emerald. The stones are set on a buttery smooth golden band for an incredibly comfortable wear. This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
9.) Clermont
What a find. Bright, beautiful antique stones are set in chunky, solid 18kt yellow gold. This emerald gemstone ring is suitable for any finger and would make a super statement-y engagement ring or simply a great piece of history on the other fingers. This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
10.) Liddia
An extraordinary authentic Art Deco piece. It makes the perfect cocktail ring with its big display or the chicest engagement ring. This piece is one-of-a-kind, so if it's sold out as you're reading this, browse our collection of other emerald beauties or contact us to see if we can recreate a custom version for you!
Creating a custom Emerald Engagement Ring.
If you want to wear a beautiful custom emerald ring, we can create one for you! Our custom projects start at $10,000 and can go up from there depending on the specs of the stone!
The starting point is establishing a budget. From there, we can source a couple of options and send some photos, videos, and suggestions. Once we choose the final stone, there is a 50% deposit to get started. It takes about 4-6 weeks to complete and then the balance is due upon completion!
The ring will come with a GIA certificate and an appraisal that you can use for insurance. We can create any style you like - from an emerald solitaire to a detailed Art Deco-inspired piece!
If you would like to create a beautiful custom emerald ring, you can feel free to email us at info@andriabarbone.com!
