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Explore what is inside an emerald: jardin, three-phase inclusions, fractures, clarity enhancement and how to care for your stone.

The emerald cut was shaped by emerald itself. Learn how cropped corners, step facets and color-first design protect and flatter this gem.

Daylight, LED and warm light all change how an emerald looks. Learn why, and how to judge emerald color under different lighting.

Why are emeralds green? Learn how chromium, vanadium and iron in beryl create emerald color, and how hue, tone and saturation shape value.

The Bahia Emerald is an enormous emerald specimen discovered in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in 2001. It weighs about 840 pounds (roughly 380 kilograms) and is reported to contain around180,000 carats of emerald crystals still embedded in their dark host rock. After leaving Brazil, it traveled through the United States, survived a reported flood...

Mughal emeralds are the large, often carved emeralds treasured by the Mughal emperors, who ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from 1526 to 1857. Most of the finest stones were mined in Colombia, carried across the world by Spanish and Portuguese traders, and then carved by Indian craftsmen with flowers, leaves, and sacred inscriptions, especially...

Colombian emeralds reached Europe in the 16th century, soon after Spanish conquistadors encountered the emerald deposits of the Colombian Andes: first at Chivor in 1537 and later in the territory of the Muzo people. From ports such as Cartagena, the stones crossed the Atlantic aboard Spanish galleons to Seville. From there they spread to European...

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt (reigned 51–30 BCE), is famously linked with emeralds because Egypt controlled the most important emerald mines known to the ancient Mediterranean world. These mines lay at Mons Smaragdus, “Emerald Mountain,” in Egypt’s Eastern Desert near the Red Sea. For a queen who used luxury and image...

For generations, diamond engagement rings have been the traditional choice for couples around the world. However, Emerald Engagement Ring Trends show that more people today are choosing rings that feel personal, distinctive, and reflective of their own love story. As a result, natural emerald engagement rings have experienced a remarkable rise in popularity, offering a...

When shopping for a natural emerald, one of the first questions buyers often ask is, “Should I choose a Colombian or a Zambian emerald?” Understanding Colombian vs. Zambian Emeralds can help buyers appreciate the distinctive characteristics associated with these two renowned origins, both known for producing some of the world’s finest emeralds. While an emerald’s...