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Gem Profile- Emerald

by Judy Ellis
Emerald is the May birthstone. Emerald is also the traditional stone for the 35th wedding anniversary, as well as an alternate for the 20th. Metaphysically, emerald is said to encourage loyalty, unconditional love, unity, and friendship, and emerald is also said to strengthen memory and mental focus.
Emerald is a variety of beryl, like aquamarine.

Its green color comes from chromium and sometimes vanadium.

Beryl rates 7.5-8 on Mohs scale, but emerald's inclusions make it prone to cracking.

Found in translucent hexagon-shaped crystals, calcite matrix, or opaque green.

Batya Morris wire-wrapped an emerald in matrix bead into a reversible pendant.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Emerald - , General Education, , Emerald in Matrix bead
Most emeralds are oiled with cedar oil, synthetic oil, or polymer after cutting to improve clarity.

This is a traditional gem industry practice, considered valid.

Green-tinted oil would be deceptive.

For high-quality emeralds, sellers should disclose treatments, including oiling, when asked.

Jane Duke wrapped a 5.28-carat emerald in 14kt gold-filled wire on a beaded chain.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Emerald - , General Education, , Emerald in 14kt Gold Filled wire
Emerald ranks among the original "precious gemstones" from the 1858 system.

Precious gems included ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond, and sometimes pearl.

Colored stones once outvalued diamonds due to their abundance pre-cartel.

Semi-precious encompassed others like peridot, turquoise, aquamarine, amethyst, and lapis lazuli.

Modern gem trade and discoveries like alexandrite, tanzanite, and tsavorite prompt avoiding "precious" and "semi-precious" terms.

Charlotte Webb wire-wrapped a 68-carat opaque emerald cabochon from South America in sterling silver, accented with Swarovski crystals.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Emerald - , General Education, , Emerald in Sterling Silver wire
In ancient times, emeralds came from Egypt, India, and Austria.

Colombia leads modern production at 50-95% of world supply, rising over the last decade.

Zambia, Russia, Germany, India, Madagascar, Australia follow, yet high-grade emeralds remain rare.

Mid-20th century simulation efforts occurred, especially in California.

Most synthetic emeralds now originate from Russia, mimicking Colombian chemistry as "Colombian Created Emeralds" or "Tairus Created Emeralds."

Batya Morris wire-wrapped an emerald in matrix cabochon into a reversible pendant.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Emerald - , General Education, , Reversible emerald pendant
Resources & Recommended Reading

Emerald on Wikipedia

Emerald on Mindat.org

Materials

Wire
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Emerald CZ
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Swarovski Crystal Beads Emerald
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Tools

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  • Category: General Education
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