Emerald engagement stone help needed!

[James Pink]

Hi folks! I'm interested in an emerald stone for an engagement ring, and would really appreciate feedback on this stone. I really like the color, but I'm a newb when it comes to buying!


There is a GIA certificate to go along with it, and the specs are: 2 ct, round shape, brilliant cut on the crown, transparent, green color (there is more sparkle to it than what's coming out in the photo), natural Colombian, F2 clarity enhancement.

Price is $6,000. Does this seem to be a good price? Anything to watch out for?

If this seems too expensive, are there other online stores for natural emeralds folks would recommend?

 

[Crystal_Dreams]

I'm certainly no expert but that seems expensive to me... I believe someone here recommended Embassy Emeralds when someone else opened a thread looking for recommended places to buy because I went and checked out the site thereafter. I haven't purchased anything from them myself though...

I'm sure more knowledgeable people will chime in here soon!

 

[chroman]

See the vast chasm of nothingness in the center? Thats a window! My guess is that the stone is rather shallow.

If you're comfortable with the durability of an emerald for an engagement ring, here's a couple examples of better cuts in the same size/budget:

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89080
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89081

 

[arglthesheep]

I think the price is very expensive, for a an emerald this size and treatment. Color seems good on the first glance. You have the measurements? As Chroman states it seems very shallow so faceup size looks probably bigger but life is missing then.

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Seems very expensive for what it is. 100% pass.

If it has to be a round, this is the one I'd buy in a heartbeat, especially since it's untreated. I've personally asked Garrett about this emerald (and a few others) for when my time comes to buy an emerald. It's gorgeous.

http://www.embassyemeralds.com/inde...ducts_id=670&zenid=mhm3lv7vi1nuocpta9bpvd83v6

Origin: Muzo
Weight: 1.26 cts
Size: 6.80 x 6.69mm
Treatment: Untreated
Price: $2,205.00

 

[James Pink]

I think the price is very expensive, for a an emerald this size and treatment. Color seems good on the first glance. You have the measurements? As Chroman states it seems very shallow so faceup size looks probably bigger but life is missing then.

Thanks! Yes the measurements are: 8.66-8.61 x 4.98 mm. Does that seem shallow?

 

[BlingDreams]

Before you but an emerald as an engagement ring, are you aware of their fragility? She'd have to be very careful and cautious with her ring and treat it delicately if you want to keep it from scratching or chipping over the years.

 

[arkieb1]

I was going to write the same thing emeralds are occasional ring stones they don't make great wear all the time for engagement stones if it's an F2 that means moderate oil, the oil can actually through wear and tear come out of the stone. Have you considered other green stones like Tsavs instead? Have you considered an emerald for a right hand ring and something more durable for an engagement ring?

The stone has a big window in the centre and a lot of emeralds don't "sparkle' they glow instead.

 

[James Pink]

I'm certainly no expert but that seems expensive to me... I believe someone here recommended Embassy Emeralds when someone else opened a thread looking for recommended places to buy because I went and checked out the site thereafter. I haven't purchased anything from them myself though...

I'm sure more knowledgeable people will chime in here soon!

Thanks Crystal_Dreams, appreciate the feedback! I'll also check out Embassy

 

[James Pink]

See the vast chasm of nothingness in the center? Thats a window! My guess is that the stone is rather shallow.

If you're comfortable with the durability of an emerald for an engagement ring, here's a couple examples of better cuts in the same size/budget:

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89080
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89081

Thanks Chroman, appreciate you highlighting the window! Agreed that emerald durability is not best, but she loves emeralds and wants to roll the dice

 

[James Pink]

I think the price is very expensive, for a an emerald this size and treatment. Color seems good on the first glance. You have the measurements? As Chroman states it seems very shallow so faceup size looks probably bigger but life is missing then.

Thanks for the feedback on dimensions and price, super helpful!

 

[James Pink]

Seems very expensive for what it is. 100% pass.

If it has to be a round, this is the one I'd buy in a heartbeat, especially since it's untreated. I've personally asked Garrett about this emerald (and a few others) for when my time comes to buy an emerald. It's gorgeous.

http://www.embassyemeralds.com/inde...ducts_id=670&zenid=mhm3lv7vi1nuocpta9bpvd83v6

Origin: Muzo
Weight: 1.26 cts
Size: 6.80 x 6.69mm
Treatment: Untreated
Price: $2,205.00

Thanks really appreciate the feedback on the quality and price. She's open to other shapes for sure, doesn't have to be round. I'll check out more on the site. Do emeralds from this store ship with the certificate? Is there a way to see the certificate before buying?

 

[SparkliesLuver]

Email them. They're super responsive and helpful.

 

[partgypsy]

I also second Embassy Emeralds. And I am someone who went through a few other internet vendors for emeralds and ended up returning, because the photos did not match what I received. It is true that emeralds as not as hardy as some other stones. Then again my first engagement ring was an emerald and I wore it (and even sonicated it!) with no problems for 5 years before I lost it, with no issues. the cleaner the stone the stronger it will be. My current stone I bezeled it so I feel more comfortable wearing it.

 

[partgypsy]

These are not as big as one you were looking at, but I think these are beautiful choices
0.92 untreated emerald cut
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=672
0.75 emerald cut
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=653
0.92 oval, may be nice in person
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=554
there is also a larger light colored emerald very clean, but only if fiancé doesn't mind a lighter than trade ideal stone 2.12 untreated cushion
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=671

 

[James Pink]

These are not as big as one you were looking at, but I think these are beautiful choices
0.92 untreated emerald cut
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=672
0.75 emerald cut
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=653
0.92 oval, may be nice in person
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=554
there is also a larger light colored emerald very clean, but only if fiancé doesn't mind a lighter than trade ideal stone 2.12 untreated cushion
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=671

Thanks for these recommendations!

 

[chroman]

I have this vague memory that Yvonne blogged recently about having some good emerald source. Might be another place to try?

 

[chroman]

This might not be what you were thinking, but its such an amazing ring its worth mentioning:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/534170313/emerald-ring-rose-gold-flower-ring?ref=shop_home_active_33

If the blue-green color is appealing, and something other than emerald would be an option, this is another wow stone (though it has a price tag to match):

https://www.etsy.com/listing/520072...urmaline-paraiba-pear?ref=shop_home_active_28

 

[James Pink]

This might not be what you were thinking, but its such an amazing ring its worth mentioning:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/534170313/emerald-ring-rose-gold-flower-ring?ref=shop_home_active_33

If the blue-green color is appealing, and something other than emerald would be an option, this is another wow stone (though it has a price tag to match):

https://www.etsy.com/listing/520072...urmaline-paraiba-pear?ref=shop_home_active_28

Thanks for that, you're right the Yvonne ring is a beautiful! Color is great, although a bit tough from the photos to see the inclusions. The tourmaline is also quite nice

 

[MollyMalone]

This might not be what you were thinking, but its such an amazing ring its worth mentioning:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/534170313/emerald-ring-rose-gold-flower-ring?ref=shop_home_active_33

If the blue-green color is appealing, and something other than emerald would be an option, this is another wow stone (though it has a price tag to match):
https://www.etsy.com/listing/520072...urmaline-paraiba-pear?ref=shop_home_active_28

The ring isn't very expensive, but I think it should be noted that there is no independent report corroborating the listing description: "from Columbia, oiled only."

The Paraiba-type pear tourmaline is represented as being Brazilian and "certified," but the little appraisal card from Gemological Appraisal Laboratory ($20) accompanying the stone's photos actually says nothing about the stone's origin (and also is silent on the question of treatment/enhancement). Rather, Yvonne goes on to say, "I have certified 2 stones from this seller already so I am not concerned about the origin not coming out Brazilian," although she's willing to take it to AGL (in the same 5th Avenue building as GAL) if you'd like an AGL Prestige [Origin] Report for an additional $220. (She's off on the price; an AGL Prestige Origin Report for a 3.59 ct gem is actually $337: http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/ )

Same thing with the most expensive stone she's currently listing, another "Brazilian Paraiba," only this one doesn't yet have the $20 GAL card:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/473461586/on-sale-paraiba-tourmaline-paraiba-oval

Perhaps one should be happy to spend another ~$350 for stones priced in the thousands/carat, but it seems to me that stones touted as "an investment piece" because they are Brazilian Paraibas ought to be offered with an AGL report bearing witness to that assessment of origin, not merely a vendor's say-so.

 

[Muhammad_Ali]

Hi folks! I'm interested in an emerald stone for an engagement ring, and would really appreciate feedback on this stone. I really like the color, but I'm a newb when it comes to buying!


There is a GIA certificate to go along with it, and the specs are: 2 ct, round shape, brilliant cut on the crown, transparent, green color (there is more sparkle to it than what's coming out in the photo), natural Colombian, F2 clarity enhancement.

Price is $6,000. Does this seem to be a good price? Anything to watch out for?

If this seems too expensive, are there other online stores for natural emeralds folks would recommend?

That is very expensive for an F2 stone. I like to think of F1 as the equivalent of a heat-only ruby, F2 as Be or Heated with Residues ruby, and F3 as a bit better than a lead-glass filled ruby.

That being said, the color is quite nice. A few more pictures would help, especially one in hand but it doesn't seem gemmy in terms of transparency. Personally, I would pass on this stone.

I believe part of the reason for the high price is the round cutting. Emeralds are rarely round cut. Are you deadset on a round stone?

See the vast chasm of nothingness in the center? Thats a window! My guess is that the stone is rather shallow.

If you're comfortable with the durability of an emerald for an engagement ring, here's a couple examples of better cuts in the same size/budget:

http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89080
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89081

The second stone is quite nice (2 ct one), it's bright. My only worry is that it might be an F3. I would definitely want a GIA/AGL cert at that price.

 

[James Pink]

That is very expensive for an F2 stone. I like to think of F1 as the equivalent of a heat-only ruby, F2 as Be or Heated with Residues ruby, and F3 as a bit better than a lead-glass filled ruby.

That being said, the color is quite nice. A few more pictures would help, especially one in hand but it doesn't seem gemmy in terms of transparency. Personally, I would pass on this stone.

I believe part of the reason for the high price is the round cutting. Emeralds are rarely round cut. Are you deadset on a round stone?


The second stone is quite nice (2 ct one), it's bright. My only worry is that it might be an F3. I would definitely want a GIA/AGL cert at that price.

Thanks Muhammad_Ali for weighing in on price and quality. I'm definitely open to other stone shapes, doesn't have to be a round! And I would definitely want a better stone than prioritize the shape

 

[James Pink]

The ring isn't very expensive, but I think it should be noted that there is no independent report corroborating the listing description: "from Columbia, oiled only."

The Paraiba-type pear tourmaline is represented as being Brazilian and "certified," but the little appraisal card from Gemological Appraisal Laboratory ($20) accompanying the stone's photos actually says nothing about the stone's origin (and also is silent on the question of treatment/enhancement). Rather, Yvonne goes on to say, "I have certified 2 stones from this seller already so I am not concerned about the origin not coming out Brazilian," although she's willing to take it to AGL (in the same 5th Avenue building as GAL) if you'd like an AGL Prestige [Origin] Report for an additional $220. (She's off on the price; an AGL Prestige Origin Report for a 3.59 ct gem is actually $337: http://aglgemlab.com/pricelist/ )

Same thing with the most expensive stone she's currently listing, another "Brazilian Paraiba," only this one doesn't yet have the $20 GAL card:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/473461586/on-sale-paraiba-tourmaline-paraiba-oval

Perhaps one should be happy to spend another ~$350 for stones priced in the thousands/carat, but it seems to me that stones touted as "an investment piece" because they are Brazilian Paraibas ought to be offered with an AGL report bearing witness to that assessment of origin, not merely a vendor's say-so.

Thanks for the detailed feedback, that all makes sense!