Mohs hardness:
7.5-8

Refractive index:
1.577-1.583

Birthstone:
May

Everything you need to know

What is an Emerald?

Emeralds have long been treasured for their vivid green color, which represents renewal, growth, and prosperity. Throughout history, they have been associated with love and wisdom Cleopatra herself was known for her passion for emeralds. While slightly softer than diamonds, their beauty and rarity make them one of the most valued gemstones in the world. An emerald’s rich color and unique inclusions, often called ‘jardin’ (French for garden), give each stone its own character and story.

How to buy an Emerald?

Color - Color is the defining quality of an emerald. The most prized stones display a bluish-green to pure green hue with a deep, vivid intensity that captures light and draws the eye instantly.

Cut - Emeralds naturally grow in six-sided crystal shapes, which makes them perfect for the classic “emerald cut.” This rectangular step-cut style not only highlights their vivid color but also helps reduce the risk of damage. Because emeralds are more delicate than other gemstones, expert cutting is essential to enhance their tone and saturation while protecting the stone’s beauty

Clarity - Unlike diamonds, most emeralds show natural inclusions. Rather than being considered flaws, these unique patterns—sometimes called a “jardin”—add character and individuality, making each emerald truly one-of-a-kind.

Carat Weight & Size - Emeralds are less dense than diamonds, which means a one-carat emerald often appears larger than a one-carat diamond. This makes them a striking choice for statement jewelry.

Price - The value of an emerald is influenced by its color, clarity, origin, and transparency. Because of their rarity, fine-quality emeralds are often more expensive than diamonds of the same size. Eye-clean emeralds, with no visible inclusions, are extremely rare and command exceptional prices.

Treatment - To enhance clarity, emeralds are sometimes treated with natural oils, resins, or polymers. At Nivoda, we ensure full transparency around treatments so you can make an informed and confident choice.

Origin - Nivoda’s emeralds are sourced from some of the most respected origins in the world, including Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Each location produces stones with distinctive tones and character.

Evaluation - Emeralds are graded on color, cut, clarity, and transparency. Those with exceptional color and strong clarity stand at the highest level of quality, making them among the most treasured gemstones in fine jewelry.

How to clean an Emerald?

The best way to clean an emerald gemstone is with extra care, since emeralds are more delicate than diamonds or sapphires.

Gentle Cleaning – Use lukewarm water, a mild soap, and a very soft cloth or brush.
Avoid Harsh Methods – Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or strong chemicals, as emeralds often have tiny fractures and oil treatments that can be damaged.
Rinse & Dry – Rinse thoroughly with clean lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Regular Care – Store emerald jewelry separately to prevent scratching, and have it professionally cleaned or re-oiled if needed.

At Nivoda, we recommend professional maintenance every few years to keep your emerald shining at its best.

Natural Emeralds
Natural emeralds generally have more inclusions than other gemstones. These visual variations that look like irregular patterns are often considered to be quite beautiful in gemstones.
Labgrown Emeralds
Lab grown emeralds are identical to natural emeralds in chemical composition but typically do not have inclusions, unlike natural emeralds.

What gives a gemstone its magic?

It’s the perfect harmony of color, clarity, carat and cut. The cut ignites brilliance by directing light, the color defines its character, and the clarity tells the story of its natural origin, whether flawless or marked with unique inclusions like an emerald’s “beauty marks.” Carat adds to presence, but a masterful cut can make a gem feel larger than life. And when it comes to wearability, hardness matters, diamonds reign supreme at 10 on the Mohs scale, with sapphires and rubies close behind at 9, making them exceptional for daily wear. At Nivoda, every gemstone is carefully curated to ensure your jewelry shines with unmatched beauty and durability

shop gemstones

Want to learn more?

Sign up for our Gemstone Newsletter to keep up with all new updates