Emerald Value
Top origins: Colombian emeralds command premium prices. Recent finds in Ethiopia may also command premium prices. Prices assume colorless clarity enhancement (no dyes). Average brilliancy of 40 to 60%. Add up to 20% or deduct to 10% for other cutting. Prices for emerald cuts, round, ovals and pear. Add to 10% for marquise.
Colombian Emeralds
Top Color: vstbG 5/5; bG 5/5 or 6/5; vslbG 5/5
Very Good Color: vstbG 6/5; bG 5/5, 4/5 or 6/4; vslbG 5/5, 6/5
Good Color: vstbG 4/5, 5/4, 6/4; bG 3/5, 4/4, 5/3, 6/3, 7/4; vslbG 3/5, 4/4, 4/5, 5/3, 6/4; G 4/5, 5/4,5/5, 6/5
Fair Color: vstbG 3/5, 4/4, 7/4; bG 3/4, 4/3, 7/3; vslbG 3/4, 6/3, 7/3, 7/4; G 3/5, 4/4, 5/3, 6/4
Other Emeralds
Top Color: vstbG 5/5; bG 5/5 or 6/5; vslbG 5/5
Very Good Color: vstbG 6/5; bG 5/5, 4/5 or 6/4; vslbG 5/5, 6/5
Good Color: vstbG 4/5, 5/4, 6/4; bG 3/5, 4/4, 5/3, 6/3, 7/4; vslbG 3/5, 4/4, 4/5, 5/3, 6/4; G 4/5, 5/4,5/5, 6/5
Fair Color: vstbG 3/5, 4/4, 7/4; bG 3/4, 4/3, 7/3; vslbG 3/4, 6/3, 7/3, 7/4; G 3/5, 4/4, 5/3, 6/4
Emerald Quality Simplified
Ethiopian Emeralds (Better than Colombian?)
Emerald Buying Guide
Emerald Treatments and Alternatives
Emerald Fillers and Treatments
Is a Lab-Created Emerald a Real Emerald?The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services.
Like many stones, the per-carat price of fine quality emerald escalates rapidly with size. For example, a recent price guide lists a fine quality 3-ct Colombian stone as six times more valuable than three equivalent quality 1-ct stones.
Value factors hinge largely on color, with nuances of saturation and hue affecting price to a significant degree. The most desirable color is a slightly bluish green in a medium dark tone with strong to vivid saturation.
A beautiful 1.03-ct oval emerald is framed by gold leaves in this romantic, natural setting. © CustomMade. Used with permission.
Clarity is important, but inclusions are tolerated more in emeralds than virtually any other gem. Top quality, unenhanced stones (with certification) can bring as much as 50% more in price than treated stones of the same size, color, and clarity.
An emerald’s inclusions can impact not only its clarity but also its structural integrity. However, they can also give each emerald a unique appearance. Vintage (1970s) faceted emerald, Brazil. © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.
For more information on emerald value factors, consult our emerald buying guide, engagement ring guide, and appraisal guide.
Emerald crystal on calcite, 4.6 x 3.2 x 2.6 cm, Cosquez Mine, Boyaca Dept., Colombia. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.
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