Emerald cabochon - does this inclusion pose structural problems?

[Pomelo]

Hi all, please can I tap into your collective wisdom?

I’ve been low-key looking for a sizeable emerald cabochon for a couple of years now. Given budget constraints, I’m okay to compromise on colour and clarity - as long as it means I have a big gum drop on my fingers

This cab has tickled my fancy but it has a large black inclusion on one edge. It’s also being sold abroad so I won’t have the opportunity to see it in person.

Please can I ask whether you think it poses a structural issue?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Autumn in New England]

That is a rutile or schorl (black tourmaline) inclusion, and it poses no threat at all. It's actually kind of cool, because you can see a well-defined point on the crystal. As long as the optics don't bother you face up, it's perfectly fine, structurally speaking.

 

[LilAlex]

I trust @Autumn in New England on the (lack of) structural significance. That is a big honkin' inclusion, though. True, it is a crystal and kind of cool but almost in a fly-in-amber sort of way. It would be a deal-breaker for me unless it were an original Deco piece, for example. And I would want some professional reassurance on the degree of treatment.

OTOH, as the purchaser of my share of gumdrops, I understand the allure and the constraints of a price-point! (Not sure anyone in my family or social circle shares my fascination, though!)

 

[Pomelo]

That is a rutile or schorl (black tourmaline) inclusion, and it poses no threat at all. It's actually kind of cool, because you can see a well-defined point on the crystal. As long as the optics don't bother you face up, it's perfectly fine, structurally speaking.

Thank you @Autumn in New England that’s great to know! I’m off to Google rutile / schorls now
Re: optics, usually I’m not one to shy away from inclusions - and I think it’s kinda cool that you think the well-defined point is cool too!

I trust @Autumn in New England on the (lack of) structural significance. That is a big honkin' inclusion, though. True, it is a crystal and kind of cool but almost in a fly-in-amber sort of way. It would be a deal-breaker for me unless it were an original Deco piece, for example. And I would want some professional reassurance on the degree of treatment.

OTOH, as the purchaser of my share of gumdrops, I understand the allure and the constraints of a price-point! (Not sure anyone in my family or social circle shares my fascination, though!)

Thanks for your thoughts @LilAlex , your and Autumn’s comments have made me consider the inclusion’s effect on optics more deeply - and maybe I just haven’t seen enough emerald cabs IRL to know whether the inclusion would bother me!

This looks like the inclusion at its worst front-on angle…




- - -

ETA a wider discussion: I wonder why the cutter didn’t remove the schorl from the emerald? As it’s right on the edge of the stone, it wouldn’t have made a huge difference to carat weight?

 

[Autumn in New England]

ETA a wider discussion: I wonder why the cutter didn’t remove the schorl from the emerald? As it’s right on the edge of the stone, it wouldn’t have made a huge difference to carat weight?

Removing that crystal may have affected the result more than we would initially assume. And size/weight is king with respect to the lapidary's goal (unless we're talking about a precision cut). Inclusions also tend to be more acceptable in cabs than faceted gems, so that's something the cutter would consider as well. This emerald does have fabulous color and glow though, so I can see why you were drawn to it. Still, it can't hurt to take another look around and see if something similar, but a little cleaner strikes your fancy. Good luck!

 

[Crimson]

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.n

 

[LilAlex]

I just want to pull it out with tweezers like a splinter

 

[lovedogs]

I think the inclusion is kind of neat. It wouldn't bother me, to be honest

 

[Pomelo]

Removing that crystal may have affected the result more than we would initially assume. And size/weight is king with respect to the lapidary's goal (unless we're talking about a precision cut). Inclusions also tend to be more acceptable in cabs than faceted gems, so that's something the cutter would consider as well. This emerald does have fabulous color and glow though, so I can see why you were drawn to it. Still, it can't hurt to take another look around and see if something similar, but a little cleaner strikes your fancy. Good luck!

Very interesting, thank you @Autumn in New England!

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.n

Minerva is the queen! I’ve mostly been looking online as I haven’t really found anyone with a decent supply of larger sized cabs, but to be honest it’s not been a super active hunt for me - I’m more seeing things by chance.

I don’t know if it’s the angle but that 32.22ct in the bottom right hand section is divine…!

 

[Pomelo]

I just want to pull it out with tweezers like a splinter

Hahaha like an annoying chin hair

I think the inclusion is kind of neat. It wouldn't bother me, to be honest

Thanks @lovedogs ! I do think it’s kinda cool, but I’m not sure if it’s a novelty or will start to bother me in the long run…!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.

I want to eat that bottom left one...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I do t think that would bother me. I would see it as the reason I could afford such a large and beautifully colored emerald. The compromise is well worth it. Adds visual tension.

 

[Pomelo]

@lovedogs Ooh visual tension is a great phrase! Love the enablement haha

 

[Crimson]

Minerva is the queen! I’ve mostly been looking online as I haven’t really found anyone with a decent supply of larger sized cabs, but to be honest it’s not been a super active hunt for me - I’m more seeing things by chance.

I don’t know if it’s the angle but that 32.22ct in the bottom right hand section is divine…!

I got Minerva by chance, too. The jewellery store staff were kind to save her for me. It was one of those, “I have something to show you” moments with magic hidden doors and drawers being opened. I have come to believe that one never knows what is hidden in jewellery stores!
Ah, yes I think it is the light. The 32.22 looks much brighter than the rest, but it’s also the one with the lowest (But still high ) price! It is not old mine Muzo green, but just green as you can see from the tag.
In SG there is a shop,(which I have never visited) called Windsor which claims to have the largest selection of emeralds - might be worth a visit if you are near Scotts Road?

I want to eat that bottom left one...

Seems you and @Pomelo both! I have never felt I wanted to eat Minerva. Maybe she is too precious to me

I love her more than this other ring. I guess I just love cabs.

 

[stracci2000]

I think the inclusion is beautiful and interesting!