2.54 Ct. Emerald from Zambia

Across centuries and continents, the emerald has been a symbol of renewal, prestige, and quiet power, treasured by pharaohs, emperors, and collectors who understand the language of color and light. This Zambian emerald in our collection at The Natural Emerald Company carries that same timeless presence, a piece that bridges ancient traditions with modern craftsmanship. We present a transparent 2.54 carat emerald with an emerald cut, a gem whose proportions and clarity evoke classical jewelry of bygone eras while remaining perfectly at home in contemporary designs. Measuring 8.33 x 7.60 x 5.31 mm, its step cut emphasizes a deep, even field of green, inviting the eye to linger on the stone and to appreciate the harmony between hue, cut, and polish. The origin in Zambia speaks to a rich mining history that has produced some of the world’s most desirable emeralds, and this gem embodies that legacy with an intense color intensity and an excellent polish that gives the table a mirror like finish.

The emerald cut is a design steeped in history, a cut that first appeared in European jewelry as a way to reveal the inner character of the stone through broad, open facets, and this example is no exception. Its facets run in clean, parallel lines that draw attention inward, showcasing the vivid green which moves from lively to deep as light travels through the crystal. The clarity is very slightly included evaluated at eye level, meaning the inclusions are present yet restrained, visible only upon careful inspection and adding the natural fingerprint that confirms authenticity and origin. Standard enhancement has been applied in accordance with accepted trade practices, improving the gem’s stability and appearance while preserving its natural character. The excellent polish sharpens facet junctions, increases light return, and accentuates the emerald cut’s elegant geometry, making this stone an ideal focal point for heirloom rings, a refined pendant, or a striking pair of studs that carry a story.

When considering precious stones for daily wear, durability is a central concern, and this Zambian emerald balances beauty with practicality. Emerald is a member of the beryl family, with a hardness typically around 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which confers good resistance to scratching from everyday materials. Toughness varies more than hardness among emeralds due to natural inclusions, and those internal features are the reason standard enhancement is commonly used, often in the form of oiling or resin filling, to improve stability and visual appeal. This particular gem’s transparency and very slightly included clarity mean it is structurally sound for frequent wear provided it is set thoughtfully. For a piece intended for daily use, we recommend protective settings that shield the edges and corners, such as a bezel or a halo with secure prongs, which reduce exposure to knocks while still celebrating the stone’s classic profile. With regular gentle care, an emerald of these proportions and finish can be enjoyed every day while retaining its luster for decades.

Caring for this emerald is straightforward, and understanding appropriate maintenance will extend its life and preserve its beauty. Avoid exposing the stone to harsh chemicals and extreme heat, keep it away from aggressive household cleaners, and remove it for heavy manual work or contact sports. Clean the gem with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, and dry it with a soft cloth to maintain the excellent polish. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on emeralds that have been treated, as these methods can disturb enhancement substances. Periodic professional inspection and maintenance can renew the stone’s appearance and stability, and reapplication of standard enhancement is a routine conservation practice performed by skilled gem cutters and lapidaries. At The Natural Emerald Company we stand behind the provenance and craftsmanship of this Zambian emerald, and we are happy to discuss custom settings that will both protect and showcase this 2.54 carat, 8.33 x 7.60 x 5.31 mm emerald cut gem, to provide certification details, and to advise on long term care so that this classic gem may be passed down as part of your family legacy.