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KATRINA WHAT’S IT HESS Owner & WORTH? Gemologist ALL ABOUT EMERALDS

Emerald is one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. It is also one of the most misunderstood – and difficult to put a value on. Emeralds are actually beryl. Beryl’s name changes according to its natural color. Both morganite (a soft pink), and aquamarine are beryl. When medium to deep intense green, beryl is emerald.

Emeralds are at once common and incredibly abundant, give a more romantic spin and conversely – as in the case of true gem-quality to the inclusions. stones – unbelievably rare and expensive. Emeralds are mined on Emeralds come in thousands of shades. If not green nearly every continent, with enough, GIA will identify the stone as green beryl – not the fi nest examples typically coming from Colombia, the emerald. accepted leader in the mining of fi ne emeralds. Clarity is another issue. The emerald is one gemstone As to valuation, oil-free, imperfection-free, deep-green that is routinely (mildly) enhanced. The typical and most emeralds from Colombia (like the Tiffany ring above) will accepted enhancer is cedar oil, which helps hide be valued at $30,000 to $40,000 retail ($10,000 to naturally occurring surface-reaching fi ssures. $15,000 fair market value). Paler-green, filled emeralds, Even more problematic (especially if not disclosed) is like the 2.32-carat oval above, are worth between $500 the fi lling of beryl with a plastic-like polymer. It is injected and $1,000. The large 100-carat, pear-shaped emerald or infused onto poor-quality emeralds or green beryl is essentially worthless. to enhance their appearance, and may degrade with We see more overvalued, over-appraised, oversold and normal wear. overpriced emeralds than any other gemstone. It takes Intrinsic clarity varies as well. Inclusions occur naturally an expert to understand the true value of emeralds and in emeralds and are more acccepted in this gemstone emerald jewelry. Let us help you in your decision to buy than in any other. Flaws are called jardin (or garden) to or sell; email your questions to [email protected]. OLD NORTHEAST JEWELERS FINE JEWELRY & WATCHES | BUYING & SELLING SINCE 1984

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