Emerald
The online selection is only part of our sourcing reach.
Certain gemstones are acquired individually for clients and never appear in public collections.
Enquire about a stone you don’t see hereFrequently Asked Questions
What is emerald?
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, colored by chromium or vanadium. It belongs to the same family as aquamarine and morganite, and it has held first-rank status among gems for thousands of years.
What is the jardin in an emerald?
The jardin, French for garden, is the pattern of natural inclusions inside an emerald. It is a fingerprint of natural growth rather than a defect, and the market accepts it in emerald as in no other major gem.
Are emeralds oiled?
Nearly all emeralds on the market are treated with cedar oil or resin to improve clarity, a practice as old as the trade. We state the treatment on every listing, because an emerald described without it is not fully described.
Why do Colombian emeralds cost more?
Colombian stones carry a historic premium for their warm, saturated green and the prestige of the source. Zambian emeralds tend cooler in tone and often cleaner, at friendlier prices. Documented origin is stated on our listings.
How is emerald quality evaluated?
Color rules everything: a vivid, saturated green forgives inclusions that would sink another stone. Clarity, cut, and size follow, and a strong color in a smaller stone beats a pale color in a large one.
Is emerald durable enough for a ring?
Emerald measures 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but its inclusions make it more brittle than the number suggests. Protective settings and careful wear are the rule, and it rewards being treated as the precious object it is.
How should I care for an emerald?
Clean only with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can remove the oil and damage the stone, and keep it away from heat and solvents.
What documentation comes with a stone?
Every emerald ships with the Sosna Gems Colored Stone Report, our internal documentation. Independent laboratory certification can be arranged on request, and stones with existing laboratory reports have the laboratory named on the listing.
Can you source an emerald beyond the visible selection?
Yes. Emeralds are a category we frequently source individually, including origin-documented stones that never reach the public collections. Contact us with your parameters for color, clarity, and budget.
How do I choose between two similar emeralds?
Choose color over clarity. The stone with the richer, more even green is almost always the better emerald, even when it carries more jardin, because in this species color is what you pay for and clarity is what you negotiate.