Emerald Buying Tips

Purchasing an emerald is an important decision, not to be undertaken lightly or with little information. Arming yourself with a general knowledge of emeralds, as well as an understanding of the difference between natural and synthetic stones, you should be able to make a quality purchase.

When examining an emerald, you should view the stone from above, held against backgrounds of many different colors. You should examine the gem in natural, incandescent, fluorescent and even halogen lighting conditions. Viewing the stone in different lighting and against different backgrounds, as well as feeling it with your fingers will help you to ascertain its quality and characteristics.

Examine the color of the emerald as well. Stone color has a lot to do with location and can easily give away a fake.

If you do not feel comfortable personally examining a stone for quality, ask your jeweler for a certified lab report. You can also have any stone appraised by a qualified appraiser. If your gemstone does contain any modifications or has undergone any treatments, have your jeweler indicate these on the bill of sale at the time of purchase.

Remember, with the right information, buying an emerald can be an exhilarating, as well as an educational experience.