1.24 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

This 1.24 carat oval green emerald from Zambia is a gem that balances beauty, durability, and value in a way few stones on the market can match. Measuring 8.04 by 5.94 by 4.43 millimeters, this transparent emerald displays a medium color intensity that reads lively and natural under varied lighting, without tipping into the overly dark tones that can mute sparkle. The mixed brilliant cut has been executed to exacting standards, producing a lively play of light across the table and crown while preserving depth of color in the pavilion. With a clarity grade described as very slightly included at eye level, you are getting the rare combination of transparency and character that collectors and designers prize, inclusions that are present but subtle enough to allow brilliant light return. The polish is excellent, giving clean facet junctions and a smooth surface that enhances the gem’s visual appeal and makes it an ideal candidate for fine jewelry. The enhancement is standard, a treatment that is widely accepted in the trade and used to bring out the inherent beauty of high quality natural material. When you compare this stone to many others available today, it stands out for its transparent body color, pleasing size for everyday jewelry, and the professional cut and finish that maximize both brilliance and usable face up appearance, factors that translate directly into wearability and long term desirability.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, emeralds sit around 7.5 to 8, which places them well above common gemstones such as quartz which is a 7, and slightly below corundum family stones like sapphire and ruby which are a 9, and of course below diamond which is a 10. This Zambian emerald therefore offers solid resistance to everyday wear, outperforming many softer colored stones such as opal or turquoise, which are prone to scratching and surface damage. Compared to topaz, which rates an 8, emeralds are comparable in hardness but often contain natural inclusions that can affect toughness if not properly set and cared for. The very slightly included clarity of this particular stone means it is less prone to fragility compared to more heavily included emeralds, while the excellent polish and precise mixed brilliant cut reduce surface vulnerability and enhance light performance. In practical terms this stone is durable enough for most ring settings, pendants, and fine everyday pieces, provided it is set with protective design considerations, such as bezel or partially bezel settings, and cared for with avoidance of hard knocks and harsh cleaning methods. When customers compare this emerald to higher hardness stones like sapphire, they gain the advantage of a distinctive green hue and rarity for the same or often lower price point, making it a smart choice for those who want the personality of emerald color without paying a premium for corundum.

Value and uniqueness are where this Zambian emerald truly shines, and The Natural Emerald Company is proud to offer this gem to discerning buyers. Zambia has become respected for producing emeralds with a vibrant blue green to pure green palette, and this stone’s medium intensity color provides that coveted balance between vividness and wearable elegance, a trait that places it favorably when compared to commercially treated or heavily shaded material that can look lifeless when mounted. The mixed brilliant cut helps the gem compete with the sparkle of well cut sapphires and topazes, while the transparency and very slight inclusions keep the piece grounded in natural beauty rather than appearing laboratory perfect. For buyers who are weighing options in the market, this emerald represents superior value because it combines natural origin, a reputable enhancement standard, and a polished finish that is ready for setting. When considering care, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, do not expose the gem to sudden temperature shocks, and clean gently with warm water and mild soap and a soft brush. Professionally serviced settings and periodic inspections will protect the gem from accidental knocks. If you want an emerald that delivers authentic color, strong light performance, reassuring durability on the Mohs scale, and the provenance of Zambian origin, this 1.24 carat oval from The Natural Emerald Company is a compelling choice, offering aesthetic distinction and long term satisfaction when compared with the broader range of colored stones available today.