Looking for a unique ring to wear?
Emerald rings are quickly becoming one of the most popular alternatives for any person who wants something special. According to The Knot, they are now 7% of the center stone in engagement rings — and that number is up 6% since 2022.
The best part?
Picking an emerald ring is easier than most people think. With just a little information, anyone can buy a beautiful piece that fits their unique style and budget.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Emerald Rings Are Trending
- The 4 Cs of Emeralds
- Choosing the Right Setting
- Matching Emeralds to Metals
Emerald Rings Are Trending
Emerald rings are having a huge moment right now.
The reason? Many buyers are looking for alternatives to more traditional diamonds. The eye-catching green color provides something different – something that will turn heads.
But here’s the thing about emeralds that make them so special…
Throughout history, emerald rings symbolize love, renewal, and new beginnings. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed that wearing the gem brought good fortune. Today, this rich symbolism makes emeralds an ideal choice for engagement rings, anniversaries, and special occasions.
The collection of emerald rings on the market today is incredibly varied. Buyers can find everything from classic solitaires to modern halo bands. There’s truly something for every style.
Market researchers agree. Emerald jewelry is expected to reach $3.18 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2028.
Impressive, right?
4 Cs of Emerald Rings
Before buying any emerald ring, it’s important to know how to determine its quality.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat Weight
Color
Emerald color is the single most important factor in a buyer’s decision.
The best emeralds display a medium to dark shade of saturated green with a slight blue undertone. The color should never appear too yellow or too blue. An “ideal” emerald color is often described as medium to dark with strong saturation.
It’s this way for a reason:
The deeper the green color, the more valuable the stone typically is.
Clarity
Diamonds are famous for their clarity. Emeralds are not.
Emeralds have inclusions. In fact, most emeralds on the market have inclusions. They are called “jardin,” which is French for garden, because they look like small plants or moss growing inside the gem.
Buyers should avoid emeralds with inclusions that impact transparency or weaken the stone, but otherwise inclusions are acceptable and expected with emeralds.
Cut
The emerald cut (rectangular shape with step cuts) is the most popular cut for emerald gemstones.
This is for a simple reason. The emerald cut was developed specifically for this stone type. This particular cut of gemstone allows for reduced pressure and strain during cutting while also displaying the best color of the stone.
But there are plenty of other cuts to choose from as well:
- Oval
- Round
- Cushion
- Pear
Carat Weight
Size doesn’t mean more beautiful when it comes to emeralds.
In fact, it can be the opposite. A smaller emerald with better color and clarity will always outshine a larger emerald with visible flaws. Quality trumps size when choosing emeralds for value.
Settings for Emerald Rings
Settings are just as important as the stone when choosing an emerald ring.
Here are a few to keep in mind:
Protective Settings
Emeralds are not nearly as hard as diamonds and sapphires. They are 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning they can scratch or chip if not protected.
Bezel settings go completely around the gem with metal, which means the stone is surrounded on all sides. Halo settings are similar, with diamonds set around the emerald. These protect the edges of the emerald from scratching and chipping.
Style Settings
Classic choice? Solitaire settings. The emerald is the only thing on display, and nothing else distracts from the ring’s main feature.
For more sparkle, three-stone settings offer beautiful accent diamonds next to the emerald. This look creates a sharp contrast between the center green stone and the white diamonds.
Vintage settings with intricate designs and scrollwork also pair very well with emerald gemstones. The antique styling is a match to the gemstone’s long history.
Matching Emerald Rings With Metals
Matching the right metal to an emerald ring is key to making the whole piece shine.
Yellow Gold – This is the traditional metal choice for an emerald ring. The warm tones of the gold work very well to bring out the deep green color, and they make for a classic and timeless ring.
White Gold and Platinum – These metals are more cool-toned, which means they make the emerald’s green color really pop in contrast.
Rose Gold – Rose gold has been trending for years and offers a romantic and unexpected look against a deep green emerald. The pinkish hue is a perfect match for the green tones, and the result is stunning.
Budget for Emerald Rings
Emerald ring prices can vary dramatically based on several factors.
The truth is that the high-quality natural emeralds can command prices that rival diamonds. Emeralds from Colombia (arguably the best) will always be the most expensive due to their unmatched color.
But that doesn’t mean a person can’t afford a beautiful emerald ring.
Emeralds from Zambia and Brazil are exceptional stones that are usually much less expensive than Colombian gems. These stones often have wonderful color saturation and clarity for prices much lower than emeralds from Columbia.
Shopping smart is the key:
- Set a budget before looking at options
- Look at several options from different sellers before making a decision
- Prioritize color over carat weight
- Buy emeralds with minor inclusions for better value
Finding the best jewelry store with a solid reputation is the best way to ensure quality at any price.
Caring for Emerald Rings
Buyers who follow these tips will keep their emerald rings beautiful for decades to come.
- Emerald rings should be removed before any heavy physical activity.
- Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
- Store separately from harder gemstones.
- Have the setting checked regularly by a professional jeweler.
Emeralds often have an oil treatment to enhance their clarity and shine. Avoiding chemicals or extreme temperatures is important for preserving these enhancements.
Conclusion
Buying an emerald ring should be easy and exciting.
Choosing the right one comes down to understanding quality, picking the right setting, and choosing metals that match personal style.
Let’s recap, briefly:
- Start with color – It is the most important quality factor
- Accept some inclusions – It is normal and expected
- Protective settings are great for everyday wear
- Match the metal tone to personal taste
- Focus on quality over size to get more value
Emerald rings are the perfect alternative to diamonds for people who want a unique, colorful piece that really stands out. The history and beauty of the green gemstones make them great choices for just about anyone. The most important tip?
Take time to carefully evaluate different options. Understanding what qualities make up an emerald makes it easier to ensure that the perfect ring is selected on the first try.