Are these emeralds worth anything ?

[kabirimax]

These are emeralds from Afghanistan. The ct range is from 5ct to 121ct uncut

Are they worth anything ?

 

[chrono]

1. Are you 100% sure that they are natural emeralds?
2. Do you know if they have been treated?
3. Who is going to cut the parcel for you?
4. Are you aware that the general yield for rough is anywhere from 30% to 40%, so a 5 carat stone will end up around just over 1 ct? Some might not even be facetable at all due to inclusions.

 

[Quantz Studios]

Just thought i'd add that the average, realistic yield to be expected is usually around 25%, unless the shape is exceptional and custom cut to fit it. Getting anywhere near 40% is a very good day!

 

[chrono]

Ryan,
You are absolutely correct that a 40% yield will have the lapidary jumping for joy. If an accident happens or inclusion grows or is in the way, the yield could be as low as 5% to 10%.

 

[Quantz Studios]

I've even had the horrible experience of starting out with a 15ct stone that nearly everything possible went wrong... and it's sitting, right now, unfinished, at under 1 carat.

 

[Richard M.]

These are emeralds from Afghanistan. The ct range is from 5ct to 121ct uncut

Are they worth anything ?

They very well could be valuable but they need to be checked by a professional. Afghanistan produces some very fine emerald but there's no way to judge what you have from images. Take the stones to someone who specializes in emerald-cutting and has an understanding of the many treatments and other pitfalls that can be presented by this gem. Locating such a person depends on your location.

As for yield after cutting, "emerald cuts" were designed to take advantage of the precious chrome green beryl crystal's generally long prismatic shape. My personal opinion is that 35-40% yield could be possible in a best case situation. But that's putting the cart before the horse. You first need to find out what you have.

Richard M. (Rick Martin)