Are you ready to dive deep into the mesmerizing world of emeralds? Well, hold onto your hats because we’re about to embark on a thrilling journey through the shimmering green landscapes of this precious gemstone. Picture this: it’s May, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and you’re rocking your May birthstone like a boss.
But wait, have you ever wondered what sets emeralds apart? How do they achieve their mesmerizing color? And, in a world where natural and lab-created gems coexist, what secrets lie behind their enhancements and treatments? Well, get ready as we are about to explore the answers to these questions.
Emerald Treatments & Enhancements : The Secrets
Emeralds have captivated us for centuries with their luscious green hues and undeniable allure. But what many don’t realize is that the nature doesn’t create all emeralds equal. While some emerge from the earth in all their natural glory, others undergo a series of enhancements and treatments to achieve their desired beauty. If you’re wondering about the enhancements & treatments emeralds undergo and how they influence their quality and value, let’s delve deeper into the subject.
Oil Treatment
Fracture filling in emeralds is an ancient practice which often involves using high viscosity cedar oil with a similar refractive index. While effective, this treatment isn’t permanent or entirely stable. Over time, exposure to heat or improper cleaning can cause the oil to evaporate, alter color or seep out of the stone. Despite the temporary nature of the treatment, re-oiling emeralds can ensure their beauty and durability. Understanding these nuances is crucial to maintaining the gem’s luster and integrity.
Resin Infusion
Natural and manufactured resins offer a promising alternative to traditional oil-based treatments due to their slower drying properties. Canadian balsam, alongside synthetic resins such as Opticon, Excel and Permasafe, are some durable options that outlast oil treatments. But there is one downside to this emerald treatment- cleaning the residue. It is quite difficult to get rid of, especially when a hardener (plasticizer) is also used for increasing its longevity. Despite this challenge, the durability and extended lifespan of resin treatments make such emeralds an ideal choice for heirloom jewelry pieces.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is one of the most common methods for not just emeralds but also many other gemstones. By subjecting the stones to controlled temperatures, internal fractures and inclusions can be minimized or eliminated leading to better clarity. Plus, this process can modify the gem’s color by altering its chemical composition. Heat treatment temperatures typically range from around 300°C to 1000°C, depending on the specific gemstone and desired outcome. But since emeralds melt at 850°C, this treatment is conducted at lower temperatures, ranging from 400°C to 600°C.
Dyeing & Irradiation
Dyeing and irradiation are popular techniques to accentuate the green color of emeralds. While dyeing involves infusing coloring agents such as the copper aceto-arsenite pigment into the fissures to spread to the gems’ surface, irradiation utilizes controlled radiation exposure to alter their hue. Dyeing can introduce unstable foreign substances, leading to potential color fading or changes influenced by light, heat or chemicals. In contrast, irradiation often results in more permanent color alterations, though stability varies among stones. Consumer awareness of these treatments is crucial, as their lasting effects on an emerald’s appearance can differ significantly.
Surface Coating
Other than oil and resin, wax is often utilized as a surface coating substance for emeralds. This protective layer serves to enhance the gemstone’s appearance by filling in surface imperfections and providing a glossy finish. Wax coatings can also help improve the gem’s durability and resistance to scratches. However, unlike oil and resin treatments, wax coatings are generally less permanent and may require periodic reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. Despite this, wax remains a popular choice for enhancing the visual appeal and longevity of emeralds in the jewelry industry.
It’s important to note that while these enhancements and treatments can enhance the beauty of emeralds, they can also influence their durability and long-term stability. As such, it’s crucial to work with well-known jewelers who prioritize transparency and ethical sourcing practices.
Treated vs. Untreated Emerald
Treated emerald usually fall in the grades AA & AAA and are more readily available in the gemstone market. While still beautiful, treated emeralds had undergone enhancements for better color and clarity. In contrast, untreated emeralds are rare, comprising only about 5-7% of available specimens. These untreated emeralds have a grading of AAAA or higher due to their natural beauty and purity. As such untreated emeralds are quite rare and command higher prices. Explore our website to get your hands on the ideal emerald jewelry. Plus, you can use our intuitive filters to unveil the right gemstone that matches your unique style.
Emerald Jewelry: Trends & Tips
Now that we’ve uncovered the secrets of emerald enhancements and treatments, let’s talk about the fun stuff– emerald jewelry! Whether you’re a fan of iconic emerald rings, charming earrings or statement necklaces, emeralds can be incorporated in numerous styles. Here are some trends and tips to keep in mind when shopping for emerald jewelry.
Metal Type
Emeralds go stunningly well with precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold or platinum settings. Whether you prefer a vintage-inspired design or a modern masterpiece, you can get your hands on the perfect emerald jewelry that is sure to turn heads.
Mix & Match
Don’t think twice to amalgamate emeralds with other gemstones for a unique and eye-catching look. For instance, when layering necklaces or stacking rings, style emeralds with diamonds, sapphires or rubies to add depth and dimension to your jewelry collection.
Consider Cut & Clarity
When choosing an emerald, pay attention to factors such as cut and clarity. While emeralds are cherished for their inclusions, opting for a well-cut stone with good clarity can add new heights to their beauty and sparkle.
Customize Your Creation
Can’t find the perfect emerald jewelry? Why not design your own! We offer custom design services, allowing you to bring your vision to life and create a one-of-a-kind piece that mirrors your unique style and personality.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to emerald enhancements, treatments and trends that will have you dazzling like a superstar. So, the next time you’re in the market for a stunning emerald jewelry piece, such as emerald rings, emerald stud earrings or emerald necklace, don’t forget to take a quick look at our fine collection. Whether you want a rare untreated emerald or a more affordable treated stone, we have them all. Go ahead and make your own emerald jewelry on our platform to stand out in a crowd.
