Emeralds

Emeralds, like all colored Gemstones, are graded using four basic parameters or  the four Cs of Connoisseurship; Color, Cut, Clarity and Crystal. The last C, crystal is simply used as a synonym that begins with C for transparency.

Normally, in the grading of Colored Gemstones, color is by far the most important criterion. However, in the grading of Emerald, crystal is considered a close second. Both are necessary conditions. A fine emerald must possess not only a pure verdant green hue, but also a high degree of transparency to be considered a top Gem.

Yellow and blue, the colors found adjacent to green on the spectral color wheel, are the normal secondary hues found in emerald. Emeralds occur in hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green. The primary hue must, of course, be green. Only gems that are medium to dark in tone are considered emerald. Light toned gems are known by the generic name, Green Beryl.

Emeralds tend to have numerous inclusions and surface breaking hairline cracks. Unlike Diamonds, where  10X magnification is used to grade clarity, Emeralds are graded by eye. Therefore, if an Emerald has no visible inclusions to the eye, it is considered flawless.

Stones that lack surface breaking fissures are extremely rare and therefore almost all emeralds are treated, or 'oiled', to enhance the apparent clarity. This is most commonly done with the application of Cedar Oil.

Emeralds in antiquity were mined by the Egyptians and in Austria, as well as Swat in northern Pakistan.

Nowadays, Emeralds come from three main emerald mining areas in Colombia at  Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor.

Emeralds are also found in other countries, such as Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Italy, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Spain, United States and Zimbabwe.

In the US, emeralds have been found in Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina. In 1998 emeralds were discovered in the Yukon.