1.96 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

From the moment this emerald first formed deep within the earth, it began a long and patient journey, one that spans millions of years and many layers of geological history. Buried within Zambian host rock, rich hydrothermal fluids infused with beryllium, aluminum, and silica came together under precise pressure and temperature conditions to grow crystals of beryl. Over ages of time, trace chromium and vanadium worked their way into the crystal lattice to produce the vivid green that we now cherish as emerald. The Natural Emerald Company traces its gems back to those mineral origins, and when our gemologists first examined this stone, they saw not just a green jewel, but the imprint of ancient geological processes. Carefully extracted from Zambian mines, this pear shaped beauty began its transition from rough crystal to a polished gem that would capture light in a way only nature and expert hands can coax forth.

This particular emerald weighs 1.96 carats and has dimensions of 10.39 by 7.21 by 4.84 mm, a graceful pear shape cut into a mixed brilliant style that gives it lively performance under any light. Its transparency is clear and open, described as very very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a clarity grade that means the stone reads as clean to the eye while retaining the natural inclusions that attest to its authenticity. The color is intense, an arresting green that sits squarely within the deep, vivid spectrum Zambian stones are celebrated for, with an excellent polish that allows each facet to breathe and reflect. Enhancement is standard, a traditional and stable treatment that improves the gem without altering its essential character. From the first handling by our cutters to the final grading by our team at The Natural Emerald Company, every stage of this gem was treated with the same respect and exacting standards that help a raw crystal become a wearable treasure.

What gives this emerald a sparkle that is unmatched by many other gemstones is the unique combination of its internal crystal structure and the artistry of the cut. Beryl has a chemical constitution written as Be3Al2Si6O18 and crystallizes in the hexagonal system, creating a lattice that interacts with light in distinctive ways. Emerald exhibits strong pleochroism, which means it can show different intensities of green when viewed from different angles, and this stone displays a deep, saturated green along its primary axes. Its refractive index, which ranges in emeralds around 1.56 to 1.60, together with a modest birefringence, produces a brilliance that is softer and more velvety than the hard fire of diamonds, but no less captivating. The mixed brilliant cut used here merges the scintillation of brilliant facets on the crown with the color enhancing geometry of a step influenced pavilion, so each facet channel becomes a mirror that returns light to the eye while preserving the richness of the green. The slight inclusions that live within the stone, often called jardin in emeralds, scatter light subtly and create micro reflections that add depth and life, an optical texture that makes the gem seem to glow from within rather than merely reflect light from its surface.

When this emerald arrived at our workshop, our master cutters and polishers considered its natural tendencies, the directionality of its pleochroism, and the way internal growth features lay within the crystal. The choice of a pear shape with a mixed brilliant treatment was intentional, aimed at balancing face up color with lively scintillation and strong focal presence. The result is a gemstone that will anchor a pendant, command attention in a ring, or become the heart of a bespoke design that tells a story. Beyond its physical beauty, this emerald carries cultural resonance, echoing associations of renewal, wisdom, and prosperity across civilizations, qualities that make it an ideal heirloom or an expression of personal rebirth. For those who seek to connect with a gem that is both the product of ancient Earth and the refinement of human skill, this 1.96 carat Zambian emerald from The Natural Emerald Company offers a rare combination of intense color, welcoming clarity, and a structure that delivers an inner fire uniquely its own. If you wish to explore settings or to learn more about how this gem will perform in different jewelry styles, our team is ready to guide you through the next steps with the same care that shaped this stone.