1.68 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

Emeralds have been symbols of renewal, sovereignty, and enduring elegance since antiquity, treasured by civilizations from the pharaohs of the Nile to the courts of Renaissance Europe. This pear-shaped emerald channels that same lineage of classic beauty, a gemstone whose deep green resonates with verdant landscapes and the timeless desire for heirloom quality. Its silhouette, tapered and graceful, evokes both the refined restraint of classical jewelry and the emotional intensity of objects passed through generations. Worn as the focal point of a ring, pendant, or drop earring, a fine emerald like this becomes more than an ornament; it becomes a narrative of legacy and taste, a piece that reads as naturally at a formal state dinner as it does in quiet daily moments.

This particular stone is a transparent 1.68 carat pear shape green emerald, measuring 11.60 x 6.64 x 4.14 mm, cut in a mixed brilliant style to balance internal fire with surface brilliance. Its vivid color intensity is the first thing one notices, a saturated, lively green that reads confidently even at a modest carat weight, while its excellent polish allows light to play across the facets with a crisp, almost liquid sheen. Clarity is described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, an authentic characteristic that confirms natural formation rather than laboratory perfection, and these minor inclusions are often what give an emerald its unique internal character. The enhancement is standard, performed to industry practice to stabilize and enhance the gem without compromising its natural beauty, and its origin in Zambia places it among some of the most respected sources for fine green emeralds, known for clean color and strong saturation.

When imagining this emerald in a custom piece, consider classic pairings that honor its history while celebrating its singular color. A halo of round brilliant diamonds will lift the center stone, creating a luminous frame that both protects the pear tip and magnifies the green through reflected white sparkle. Tapered baguette diamonds along the shoulders of a ring provide an elegant linear counterpoint to the pear profile, offering a vintage, cartier-like silhouette that reads as timeless. For a richer, warmer aesthetic, small yellow sapphires or cognac diamonds can flank the emerald, amplifying its verdant tones through warm contrast, while cool metals such as platinum or 18 karat white gold will enhance the stone’s vividness for a more modern, refined statement. For jewelry intended to feel romantic and soft, a trio setting of one pear emerald accompanied by two pear morganites or soft pink sapphires creates a classical, feminine palette that nods to Victorian sensibilities. In necklaces or earrings, consider pairing the pear emerald with smaller round or pear-shaped emeralds to create graduated drops, or intersperse with tiny bezel-set diamonds for movement and secure wear.

From a design and practical perspective, the pear shape offers versatility, and orientation matters. Point down in a pendant for elongation and fluid movement, point up in a ring to create a slimming, finger-flattering line. Secure the tip with a protective prong or a partial bezel to guard against knocks, while leaving the pavilion facets visible to preserve the gem’s depth and brilliance. The mixed brilliant cut responds beautifully to both halo and open-backed settings, so a well-considered balance between protection and light exposure will maximize both beauty and longevity. At The Natural Emerald Company, we will work with you to select the ideal metal, accents, and setting architecture to transform this 1.68-carat Zambian emerald into a piece that reflects your personal story, while honoring the stone’s ancient lineage. For those who value tradition, provenance, and a design that can be handed down, this emerald is a rare opportunity to commission something truly timeless.