1.23 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

This round, transparent green emerald weighs 1.23 carat, with measured dimensions of 7.07 by 7.05 by 4.60 millimeters, and presents a mixed brilliant cut executed to emphasize both color saturation and optical return. The cutter has combined a brilliant style crown with a modified pavilion geometry to balance scintillation and color depth, producing a lively face up while maintaining strong color concentration in the table area. The finish shows excellent polish across all facet planes, and facet junctions are well defined, which enhances the crispness of reflected light and the evenness of pavilion return. The round outline is symmetrical within tight tolerances, and the stone sits with a slightly compact face up due to a pavilion depth that is approximately 65 percent of the average diameter, a proportion deliberately chosen to intensify the green rather than maximize spread.

Color evaluation registers as medium intensity green, with a slightly bluish secondary tone that is characteristic of Zambian material. This tone gives the gem a fresh, cool green rather than a warm avocado green, and the medium saturation allows for a versatile appearance under mixed lighting environments, maintaining attractive hue without appearing too dark in tungsten light or too flat in daylight. The origin is Zambia, and the crystal chemistry typical of that locality contributes to the slightly bluish nuance and stable tone, making this piece particularly suitable for buyers who prefer true green with a cool cast. Standard enhancement has been applied, consistent with industry practice for emeralds, and this treatment has been performed to maximize transparency and surface stability while preserving natural color and character.

Clarity is graded as slightly included at eye level, which in emerald terminology denotes visible but non disruptive internal features that are integral to the gem character. The stone displays natural internal structure that provides a fine jardin effect when viewed off angle, and the inclusions do not significantly interrupt the pavilion light path or diminish the overall brilliance and scintillation. Because the cutter prioritized an arrangement of crown facet angles and pavilion planes that disperse light evenly across the table, the inclusions tend to be masked by lively facet reflections in many viewing orientations. The excellent polish further mitigates any softening of facet definition that could make inclusions appear more prominent, and the result is an emerald that reads as lively and transparently vibrant, while still retaining the telltale natural hallmarks that connoisseurs appreciate.

When planning a custom mounting, this emerald responds particularly well to settings that exploit its medium intensity and cool green cast. For maximum contrast and apparent brightness, a fine white diamond halo of small melee diamonds set in platinum or high white gold will increase perceived color contrast and add scintillation, using a micro prong halo geometry to keep the visual focus on the primary round stone. A three stone composition with tapered baguette or trapezoid side diamonds offers a linear counterpoint that emphasizes the round center, while a pair of rich yellow or cognac colored sapphires or garnets as side stones will warm the visual presentation and create a strong color contrast for a bolder design. If protection and everyday wearability are priorities, a low bezel or partial bezel in 18 karat yellow gold will both secure the gem and add a warm reflective framework that subtly enriches the green. For prong settings, a six prong seat distributes stress more evenly across the girdle and complements the round outline, while a four prong seat creates a cleaner, more modern profile and allows more light to enter the crown facets.

In a pendant or ring where the goal is to showcase the gem as a single focal point, consider combining the round emerald with pavé shoulders of small brilliant cut diamonds that follow the curve of the band or bail, using melee sized between point zero one and point zero two carat equivalents to maintain proportionality and avoid overpowering the center. Alternatively, a surround of calibrated sapphires matched for tone can create a gradient effect that extends the visual field of green, useful for designs that seek color continuity rather than contrast. Metal choice will materially alter face up appearance, with platinum and white gold maximizing brightness and contrast, and yellow or rose gold imparting a warmer appearance and subtly intensifying the green saturation. Because this stone was cut with a slightly deeper pavilion to enrich color, set designs with modest bezel depth or secure prong cups should accommodate the pavilion length without raising the crown excessively, preserving the intended balance of sparkle and color.

At The Natural Emerald Company we prepare this emerald with documentation of origin and enhancement status, and we are available to consult on specific faceting orientation and setting geometry to ensure the final jewelry piece aligns with your design and wearability objectives. Our cutters and setters can advise on prong count, bezel wall thickness, and halo proportions to protect the stone while maximizing optical performance, and we can propose side gem types and sizes scaled to the one point two three carat center to create harmonious proportions. If you prefer a particular metal tone or a bespoke arrangement of accent gems, we will provide mock ups and light studies so you can evaluate face up color and brilliance under representative lighting conditions. Contact The Natural Emerald Company to discuss custom mounting options, and we will supply exacting measurements and photographs to support your design decisions.