Discover the magic of Emeralds
Choosing a gemstone is more than just selecting something beautiful, it’s about finding a stone that speaks to you, reflects your style, and fits effortlessly into your everyday life.
Emeralds have captivated jewellery lovers for centuries with their vivid green glow and unmistakable character… but are they the right choice for you?
Let’s explore what makes emeralds so special, and how to wear and care for them beautifully.
A Few Fun Facts About Emeralds
Emeralds are one of the “big four” precious gemstones (alongside diamonds, rubies and sapphires), and they’ve been treasured for thousands of years.
Gifted for May birthdays and 35th wedding anniversaries
Cleopatra was famously obsessed with emeralds and even claimed ownership of Egypt’s emerald mines
The lush green colour comes from traces of chromium and vanadium
Almost every emerald contains natural inclusions, often referred to as “jardin” (French for garden), making each stone completely unique
Historically, emeralds were believed to symbolise love, rebirth and wisdom
It’s this individuality that makes emeralds so captivating, no two are ever quite the same.
Chemical Composition & Hardness
Emeralds belong to the beryl family of minerals, with the chemical composition:
Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)
On the Mohs hardness scale, emeralds sit at 7.5–8, which means they are relatively hard, but not as tough as diamonds or sapphires.
What’s important to understand is that while emeralds are hard, they can also be more brittle due to their natural inclusions. This makes how they’re set and worn especially important.
The Best Ways to Set Emeralds
When designing with emeralds, it’s all about protecting the stone while letting its beauty shine.
We often recommend:
Rubover settings – a smooth metal surround that protects the edges beautifully
Halo designs – small diamonds around the emerald can add some protection and sparkle
Claw settings (with care) – designed thoughtfully to protect any vulnerable corners
For rings that are worn every day (like engagement rings), we’ll always guide you towards designs that balance elegance with durability, because your jewellery should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.
How to Care for Emerald Jewellery
Emeralds do need a little extra love to keep them looking their best.
Here are our top tips:
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals
Clean gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush
Remove your jewellery for activities like gardening, gym sessions or heavy lifting
Store separately to avoid scratches from harder gemstones
Many emeralds are also treated with oils to enhance their clarity, this is completely normal, but it does mean gentle care is key.
Looking for Something More Hard-Wearing?
If you love the look of emeralds but want something a little more robust for everyday wear, there are some beautiful alternatives:
Green sapphires – incredibly durable and perfect for daily wear
Tourmaline – offers a similar rich green with fewer inclusions
Tsavorite garnet – vibrant, bright green and generally more durable than emeralds
We’ll always give honest, practical advice to help you choose a gemstone that suits both your style and your lifestyle.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of emeralds or simply curious to learn more, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We warmly invite you to book a Private Gemstone Viewing Experience or one of our relaxed design consultations, complete with a cup of tea, coffee or maybe a glass of bubbly and plenty of time to explore your ideas.
