Time Spent Choosing Emerald Engagement Rings is a Sound Investment

There are several points to consider concerning emerald engagement rings. Although emeralds are one of the hardest gems, they can chip or scratch and they need more care than a diamond. Emeralds can be worn everyday but not while you are doing work around the house or other work that involves chemicals or physical work; they will also benefit from being cleaned regularly with a soft cloth to prevent dirt building up. They should not be soaked overnight in detergent or placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. Despite the care needed, with the right treatment, your emerald will look beautiful and lustrous forever.

What to look for

The most important thing to look for in emerald engagement rings is the colour. Emeralds can vary in how green they are - ranging in hue from a deep bluish-green to lighter shades. Columbian emeralds tend to be bluish green while Zambian ones can have yellow undertones. Whilst the shade of green is thought to be an important choice, it is not only about the depth of colour but also its saturation that gives the emerald its vividness and intensity. For example, a dark green can be dull but a lighter green can have the intensity and power to mesmerise.

Another characteristic to be aware of when choosing emerald engagement rings is that the stones often have natural inclusions and it is very rare to find one that is free from any flaw; if they are flawless they are worth more than a top quality diamond of equal weight. The treatment of choice by the industry is the use of a green oil, which fills and strengthens the stone, and this also improves the colour - most natural emeralds are treated this way.

Importance of cut and setting

With regards to any inclusions, it is the cutters job to make sure that they are in the centre of the stone, which means it will be much less fragile. (This is something to look for when choosing a ring.) Then next thing, and perhaps the most important, to consider is the stone's setting, as it is this that helps to protect it and ensure that you will be able to wear it every day. The type of setting that gives the most protection is a bezel setting, which goes completely around the stone to protect the sides and corners. If you want a step cut, a V-prong setting is the most appropriate for emerald engagement rings because it covers the corners, which are the most fragile part of the stone and prone to chipping. Spending a bit more time and effort will ensure that you end up with a stone that will retain its strength and beauty - making for an unusual and distinctive choice for an engagement ring.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best emerald engagement rings to precious metals, coloured stones and vintage styles, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.