Emerald question... uhoh moment

[HockeyMama]

Ladies and gentlemen, is it possible there is no such thing as an everyday emerald ring? I see on George's muzo website all kinds of emerald three stone engagement rings, and I though if I found the right emerald, that would be a possibility, but is that just being naive? Are these rings for special occasions? I've read bezels, which are protective, can actually do more harm than good because of the tension settings. I suppose a halo is more protective but then it moves to the cocktail realm and is less everyday. I really want a simple square or emerald cut stone with side baguettes, and I am a super active, clumsy, and not fancy person. Am I deluding myself? I can accept a yes.

 

[monarch64]

I don’t wear my bezel set ring every day, no way. I don’t wear my prong set emerald ring every day (or much at all) either, just got it last year and one of the prongs is already loose. I don’t wear them in the shower, washing hands, cleaning, sweating, nothing. If you’re very active you’d be exposing your emerald to possible damage often.

I’ve seen emeralds set in actual tension settings, I’ve seen emeralds without clipped corners set with prongs on all found sides so the corners are exposed, and of course rounds or other shapes set in prongs and they’re all probably just fine. For me, I don’t want to go through the process of replacing my stones so I treat them like they’re fragile, occasional pieces. But just because they can be damaged doesn’t mean they will be. It’s just a personal decision you’ll have to make—decide whether it would be a big issue to accidentally damage your stone or not so much.

 

[HockeyMama]

I don’t wear my bezel set ring every day, no way. I don’t wear my prong set emerald ring every day (or much at all) either, just got it last year and one of the prongs is already loose. I don’t wear them in the shower, washing hands, cleaning, sweating, nothing. If you’re very active you’d be exposing your emerald to possible damage often.

I’ve seen emeralds set in actual tension settings, I’ve seen emeralds without clipped corners set with prongs on all found sides so the corners are exposed, and of course rounds or other shapes set in prongs and they’re all probably just fine. For me, I don’t want to go through the process of replacing my stones so I treat them like they’re fragile, occasional pieces. But just because they can be damaged doesn’t mean they will be. It’s just a personal decision you’ll have to make—decide whether it would be a big issue to accidentally damage your stone or not so much.

Thank you for this perspective, it's what I was slowly figuring out. I defintiely remove my rings for showering, hand washing, exercise (no degloving here, thank you!). I'm just the type to whack my hand on the wall when I'm putting the leash on the dogs. If I invest a lot into this stone (which is kind of what it is looking like) I will absolutely hate myself, insurance or not. Maybe I'll just "have" to get myself another diamond ring for my birthday. I considered a pendant but I want to be able to see the glowing stone!

 

[Avondale]

That depends on what daily wear entails to you and how much in terms of consequences you're willing to bear.

For some people daily wear means they never take the ring off their finger, whatever the reason. If you put an emerald ring through this, you're looking at repolishing, recutting or altogether replacing the stone down the line as the years pass.

On the other hand, if you're working on a desk, for example, and take your ring off for whatever hand involving activity you might be doing, then it probably has every chance to live a long, happy and glowy life on your finger.

So I'd say you're not necessarily deluding yourself. If your heart wants an emerald, you can have an emerald. You'll just need to always keep it in the back of your mind that you have to baby it as much as possible.

 

[musicloveranthony]

On the other hand, if you're working on a desk, for example, and take your ring off for whatever hand involving activity you might be doing, then it probably has every chance to live a long, happy and glowy life on your finger.

This is what I do with my colored stone rings (tourmaline, zircon, garnet, tanzanite, sapphire). I've never had a stone break, but all of them eventually have ended up with at least some imperfections. It's just a part of the reality of wearing colored stones as rings; eventually they'll need to be repolished, recut, or replaced (or worn imperfect).

 

[HockeyMama]

That depends on what daily wear entails to you and how much in terms of consequences you're willing to bear.

For some people daily wear means they never take the ring off their finger, whatever the reason. If you put an emerald ring through this, you're looking at repolishing, recutting or altogether replacing the stone down the line as the years pass.

On the other hand, if you're working on a desk, for example, and take your ring off for whatever hand involving activity you might be doing, then it probably has every chance to live a long, happy and glowy life on your finger.

So I'd say you're not necessarily deluding yourself. If your heart wants an emerald, you can have an emerald. You'll just need to always keep it in the back of your mind that you have to baby it as much as possible.

This gives me hope. I work in an emergency department so I don't wear anything other than a band there. I wear my nice stuff on my days off, computer work, dogs walks, groceries, etc... I often remember to take them off for washing stuff and hands. I have decided this would have to be a left hand alternate e-ring as I am very rough on my right (dominant) hand.

 

[HockeyMama]

This is what I do with my colored stone rings (tourmaline, zircon, garnet, tanzanite, sapphire). I've never had a stone break, but all of them eventually have ended up with at least some imperfections. It's just a part of the reality of wearing colored stones as rings; eventually they'll need to be repolished, recut, or replaced (or worn imperfect).

I actually would have no issue with small chips and scratches and wear, it's cleaving off a chunk that gives me pause. I may just need to buy a vintage piece that has already been loved instead of a new one. The first scratch hurts the most, right?

 

[musicloveranthony]

I actually would have no issue with small chips and scratches and wear, it's cleaving off a chunk that gives me pause. I may just need to buy a vintage piece that has already been loved instead of a new one. The first scratch hurts the most, right?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry much about that. Emerald is as hard as aquamarine Sure, it often has some internal issues; but if it's strong enough to be set it'll be strong enough to wear.

 

[Starstruck8]

I see my bezeled emerald, as a special occasion ring, not one for everyday wear or strenuous outdoor activities. In faceted stones, I treat only ruby/sapphire, spinel and chrysoberyl as everyday wear stones (not into diamonds). Different folk, different opinions.

 

[HockeyMama]

Honestly, I wouldn't worry much about that. Emerald is as hard as aquamarine Sure, it often has some internal issues; but if it's strong enough to be set it'll be strong enough to wear.

That's very helpful, thank you.

 

[HockeyMama]

I see my bezeled emerald, as a special occasion ring, not one for everyday wear or strenuous outdoor activities. In faceted stones, I treat only ruby/sapphire, spinel and chrysoberyl as everyday wear stones (not into diamonds). Different folk, different opinions.

I actually don't have any colored gemstones. I'm waiting on a tourmaline from Jeff White. I may set it inexpensively and see how I wear it. Your stone is beautiful, they are supposedly hard to photograph but I see your glow!

 

[Eli22]

I wear my main emerald ring often (it has a bezel and side stones). I am not a super careful person and have whacked it into things (like a car window, or the seatbelt buckle). I wash my hands with the ring on, but make sure to remove when doing chores like washing dishes or cooking.

I’m super casual with it, I’ve taken it on hikes (where we scramble over rocks) and dog walks. So far, no issues. I do have moments of “whoops” and look at it really closely whenever I’ve hit it particularly hard.

I think the bezel setting helps protect it quite a bit!

 

[PrecisionGem]

I have been dealing with a lady working at a senior home I'm getting my mom into, and she wears a small emerald ring. I assume it's an engagement ring as she wears it on her left ring finger. My mother has worn a small emerald ring for maybe 40 years or more.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I have been dealing with a lady working at a senior home I'm getting my mom into, and she wears a small emerald ring. I assume it's an engagement ring as she wears it on her left ring finger. My mother has worn a small emerald ring for maybe 40 years or more.

Gene how do you find emeralds as a cutter? Are they more frail than other stones that you cut?

 

[icy_jade]

My jeweler mentioned that a client once dropped an emerald on his counter. Wasn’t fussed at that time as it seemed like a light drop but he later found a chip in the emerald.

I also think I remember someone mentioning on PS few years ago (anyone else recall that?) that a family friend with a huge ass emerald ring knocked it and the ring broke into 2 big pieces.

Experiences vary and personally apart from rubies and sapphires, I don’t see other stones as everyday rings. But if you wear your emeralds with care as mentioned earlier, then why not? We all spend a few k on electronics like phones and TVs and never expect them to last a lifetime right. Not that I think of my blings as consumables but just try to live happily and in the moment and derive joy from their beauty. Carpe diem

 

[empliau]

I'm embarrassed that I remember this, but I read an interview with Farrah Fawcett decades ago, and for a part she was wearing a large emerald necklace, the kind that guards bring to the set each morning and take home each night. She said she was terrified of damaging this very valuable piece, as they had impressed upon her that it could be done easily.

 

[LilAlex]

I really want a simple square or emerald cut stone with side baguettes, and I am a super active, clumsy, and not fancy person. Am I deluding myself? I can accept a yes.

Spouse in health care wore a sapphire every day and it took a beating. She sort of fits your description, as do I. Neither of us would daily-wear an emerald ring. We're even careful with sapphires now -- wear them for part of the day a few days a week. Only diamond is 24/7 in our household; some day I'll get one.

 

[voce]

Ladies and gentlemen, is it possible there is no such thing as an everyday emerald ring? I see on George's muzo website all kinds of emerald three stone engagement rings, and I though if I found the right emerald, that would be a possibility, but is that just being naive? Are these rings for special occasions? I've read bezels, which are protective, can actually do more harm than good because of the tension settings. I suppose a halo is more protective but then it moves to the cocktail realm and is less everyday. I really want a simple square or emerald cut stone with side baguettes, and I am a super active, clumsy, and not fancy person. Am I deluding myself? I can accept a yes.

Everyday emerald? Only synthetic emerald because the lack of Jardin makes that less brittle. Plus it's easily replaceable.

My jeweler mentioned that a client once dropped an emerald on his counter. Wasn’t fussed at that time as it seemed like a light drop but he later found a chip in the emerald.

I also think I remember someone mentioning on PS few years ago (anyone else recall that?) that a family friend with a huge ass emerald ring knocked it and the ring broke into 2 big pieces.

Experiences vary and personally apart from rubies and sapphires, I don’t see other stones as everyday rings. But if you wear your emeralds with care as mentioned earlier, then why not? We all spend a few k on electronics like phones and TVs and never expect them to last a lifetime right. Not that I think of my blings as consumables but just try to live happily and in the moment and derive joy from their beauty. Carpe diem

I remember the story too. Think it's @Bron357 who told it.

 

[HockeyMama]

I wear my main emerald ring often (it has a bezel and side stones). I am not a super careful person and have whacked it into things (like a car window, or the seatbelt buckle). I wash my hands with the ring on, but make sure to remove when doing chores like washing dishes or cooking.

I’m super casual with it, I’ve taken it on hikes (where we scramble over rocks) and dog walks. So far, no issues. I do have moments of “whoops” and look at it really closely whenever I’ve hit it particularly hard.

I think the bezel setting helps protect it quite a bit!

I love your ring! I also loooove your black enamel one. I keep checking JR regularly for something as unique!

 

[HockeyMama]

I have been dealing with a lady working at a senior home I'm getting my mom into, and she wears a small emerald ring. I assume it's an engagement ring as she wears it on her left ring finger. My mother has worn a small emerald ring for maybe 40 years or more.

I think likely small is the way to go, in a more protected setting. I’ve found some rings from the 1920s that are really quite beautiful. I like the idea of a vintage piece having a story.

 

[HockeyMama]

My jeweler mentioned that a client once dropped an emerald on his counter. Wasn’t fussed at that time as it seemed like a light drop but he later found a chip in the emerald.

I also think I remember someone mentioning on PS few years ago (anyone else recall that?) that a family friend with a huge ass emerald ring knocked it and the ring broke into 2 big pieces.

Experiences vary and personally apart from rubies and sapphires, I don’t see other stones as everyday rings. But if you wear your emeralds with care as mentioned earlier, then why not? We all spend a few k on electronics like phones and TVs and never expect them to last a lifetime right. Not that I think of my blings as consumables but just try to live happily and in the moment and derive joy from their beauty. Carpe diem

I work in an environment where I see very bad things everyday. I very much have a carper diem mindset. I also try to balance this with my more practical side. I wonder which half of my brain will win this one?

 

[HockeyMama]

I'm embarrassed that I remember this, but I read an interview with Farrah Fawcett decades ago, and for a part she was wearing a large emerald necklace, the kind that guards bring to the set each morning and take home each night. She said she was terrified of damaging this very valuable piece, as they had impressed upon her that it could be done easily.

I wished I had Farrah’s hair… but I don’t remember the interview. Remember Nicole Kidman’s funny clap at an awards show last year because she was trying to protect the stones in her rings from being damaged?

 

[HockeyMama]

Spouse in health care wore a sapphire every day and it took a beating. She sort of fits your description, as do I. Neither of us would daily-wear an emerald ring. We're even careful with sapphires now -- wear them for part of the day a few days a week. Only diamond is 24/7 in our household; some day I'll get one.

I have a sapphire on my list, it’s just a question of which comes first. My uncle (by marriage) grew up in Ceylon and I would love one at some point. I just don’t really love the dark ones, and the purple in cornflower blue stones isn’t my favorite. At this point I think if I found either a vintage sapphire or emerald ring that I loved I would take the leap.

 

[HockeyMama]

Everyday emerald? Only synthetic emerald because the lack of Jardin makes that less brittle. Plus it's easily replaceable.

In some ways I think of jewels as art. If I can’t think of a way to make it work, for me, I’d rather admire it from afar (or on Pricescope through y’all!).

 

[LilAlex]

I have a sapphire on my list, it’s just a question of which comes first. My uncle (by marriage) grew up in Ceylon and I would love one at some point.

My point was mostly that sapphire is way tougher than emerald and even that is not a "safe" everyday stone in our household and work environments. They are all "ephemeral." Spouse has a "cheapie" heated sapphire that she wears mostly now and that has sentimental value (made decades ago by our favorite now-closed B&M shop and found it's way back to them -- and us -- on the secondary market).

That said, everything that my Mom owned -- from her jewelry to her frying pans and sugar and flour tins -- was in mint condition even at the end of her long life and despite being used daily. So some people can pull it off -- but we can't. I'm always absent-mindedly reaching under the car to check something or retrieve something or else smacking my hand on the "overhead compartment" in the mad dash to get off a plane, etc.

 

[PrecisionGem]

Gene how do you find emeralds as a cutter? Are they more frail than other stones that you cut?

The only issues are if the rough stone is very included, then during cutting pieces may come away. But this is true with any stone. For moderately included emeralds, they are no more an issue in cutting than anything else. Internal stress in a stone as a cutter is a bigger issue. Some stones, as soon as you touch them to the lap will fracture, or when you attach them to the dop using hot wax, the heat will crack them. I have not seen this we emeralds. I have had tourmaline that were flawless, and once they started cutting shatter in a hundred places.

 

[Rfisher]

I actually would have no issue with small chips and scratches and wear, it's cleaving off a chunk that gives me pause. I may just need to buy a vintage piece that has already been loved instead of a new one. The first scratch hurts the most, right?

Find this in a vintage daily-wear-for-you-style (not cocktail as you mentioned) in a price point you won’t cry upon when it then gets too damaged to wear.

Or that’s what I would have said before I got my emerald that’s in a completely unprotected setting - the prongs snag mosquitos that happen to fly to close- and I’m terrified to wear it for fear of damage. I paid not that much (relatively speaking) for the stone - but it’s almost impossible - if not actually impossible - to replace.
But I cannot bear to ever see it damaged even though it’s not a ideal specimen with a lab report, and it lives put away, and pulled out to gaze upon periodically, petted and patted and babbled to, and put back away again.
- so I now know owning and wearing an expensive legit gem level emerald is never in the cards for me. Even with a ‘safe’ setting.

So - trying out a relatively lower priced vintage one (that you love the looks of the emerald) sounds like a great idea to see if it fits your lifestyle. But you may very well still be just as sad if it gets ruined, as if you spent a whole lot more.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

The only issues are if the rough stone is very included, then during cutting pieces may come away. But this is true with any stone. For moderately included emeralds, they are no more an issue in cutting than anything else. Internal stress in a stone as a cutter is a bigger issue. Some stones, as soon as you touch them to the lap will fracture, or when you attach them to the dop using hot wax, the heat will crack them. I have not seen this we emeralds. I have had tourmaline that were flawless, and once they started cutting shatter in a hundred places.

Thank you so much for taking time to answer my question! I love hearing about this, it is fascinating!

 

[HockeyMama]

My point was mostly that sapphire is way tougher than emerald and even that is not a "safe" everyday stone in our household and work environments. They are all "ephemeral." Spouse has a "cheapie" heated sapphire that she wears mostly now and that has sentimental value (made decades ago by our favorite now-closed B&M shop and found it's way back to them -- and us -- on the secondary market).

That said, everything that my Mom owned -- from her jewelry to her frying pans and sugar and flour tins -- was in mint condition even at the end of her long life and despite being used daily. So some people can pull it off -- but we can't. I'm always absent-mindedly reaching under the car to check something or retrieve something or else smacking my hand on the "overhead compartment" in the mad dash to get off a plane, etc.

I think I understood what you meant. I have to decide now risk tolerant I am and if I’m willing to have this as more of a special occasion ring. Or get a “cheapie” emerald.

 

[HockeyMama]

The only issues are if the rough stone is very included, then during cutting pieces may come away. But this is true with any stone. For moderately included emeralds, they are no more an issue in cutting than anything else. Internal stress in a stone as a cutter is a bigger issue. Some stones, as soon as you touch them to the lap will fracture, or when you attach them to the dop using hot wax, the heat will crack them. I have not seen this we emeralds. I have had tourmaline that were flawless, and once they started cutting shatter in a hundred places.

Yikes! Sounds like a high stress job! Super interesting, thank you. It also sounds a little like survival of the fittest… if a stone makes it through cut and polish and setting it has a chance at a long life!