1.38 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

This loose emerald is a precise, gem-quality presentation of classic emerald attributes, weighing 1.38 carats and measuring 7.70 by 6.06 by 4.34 millimeters, cut in a traditional emerald cut that both flatters and stabilizes the rough. The emerald cut is a step cut that emphasizes color and clarity over scintillation, producing broad, even planes that allow an informed buyer to assess the gem at a glance. This stone carries a clarity grade of slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which denotes visible, but not distracting, inclusions when viewed without magnification, and is a common and acceptable state for natural emeralds. Color intensity is described as intense, delivering a saturated, vivid green that fills the table and pavilion with depth, while an excellent polish ensures that the facet junctions are clean, the surface reflections are crisp, and the gem returns light evenly rather than appearing dull. Enhancement is standard, which for emeralds means well-established, widely accepted treatments such as clarity enhancement with oils or resins applied to improve apparent transparency and stability; this should be disclosed and taken into account when assessing long-term care and value. Together, these attributes describe a balanced and very wearable 1.38 carat emerald that conveys visual impact while remaining within the expectations of an experienced collector or a discerning jewelry designer.

The stone’s Zambian origin is a defining element of its character and market appeal, and it adds a distinct layer of provenance value that educated buyers should consider. Zambia, and in particular the large-scale deposits such as the Kagem mine, produces emeralds that are often characterized by deeper, more saturated bluish-green tones and an ability to achieve strong color at modest depths, driven by the gem’s unique trace element chemistry, where vanadium and iron can play a significant role alongside chromium. These geochemical signatures not only influence hue and tone, they also contribute to the gem’s visual identity in jewelry, producing a green that can appear cooler and more forest-like compared with some Colombian material, and which photographs and wears with a different, contemporary elegance. Additionally, Zambian emeralds over the past decades have gained recognition for relatively favorable clarity profiles relative to many other sources, meaning that stones like this 1.38 carat example, with slightly included clarity at eye level, can offer excellent transparency and a modern look without the heavy reliance on heavy filling or dramatic compromises in brilliance. Provenance matters in both aesthetic and market terms, because origin can affect rarity, sourcing traceability, and buyer preference, and this stone’s Zambian pedigree connects it to a transparent, active supply chain and an increasingly respected regional style that many connoisseurs and investors seek.

For the educated buyer considering this gem, the combination of measurable parameters and origin creates a compelling value proposition that blends beauty, wearability, and sound disclosure. The emerald cut and the gem’s dimensions present an elegant face-up size that will set attractively in both classic and contemporary designs, while the slightly included clarity grade and standard enhancement practice are fully consistent with industry norms for natural emeralds and should be factored into insurance, setting, and conservation choices. Because emeralds are typically softer and more included than many other gem species, we recommend settings that protect the girdle and corners, such as secure prong arrangements with protective shoulders or partial bezels, to preserve the excellent polish and maintain long-term durability. The intense color offers strong presence in a ring, pendant, or pair of bespoke earrings, and because this is a transparent stone rather than heavily included material, its faceting and polish maximize the color without appearing opaque, which translates to greater versatility in design and higher retail desirability.

At The Natural Emerald Company we place a high priority on clear, factual disclosure and supporting documentation, because provenance, treatment disclosure, and measured gemological data are integral to making an informed purchase. We provide high-resolution imagery, accurate measurements, and a full description of treatments and origin so that clients may evaluate the gem against their own criteria or arrange independent laboratory verification if desired. For collectors who value origin-specific material, a well-illustrated Zambian emerald such as this combines the desirable saturated bluish-green aesthetics with a transparency that appeals to both connoisseurs and designers, and it occupies a market position where quality, traceability, and honest disclosure together preserve both enjoyment and long-term value. If you would like additional lighting views, scoped imagery, or advice on appropriate mounting styles to protect and showcase this 1.38 carat emerald, The Natural Emerald Company will be pleased to assist you, offering guidance shaped by gemological experience and an emphasis on preserving the stone’s natural beauty and investment qualities.