Question about buying an emerald

[BenL]

Hello,
I am researching information on buying a good quality 3- carat emerald within my budget. The emerald is meant to be worn for astrological purpose in a ring. So I would be open to buy emerald originating from different geographical sources. I understand that Colombian emeralds are considered the best but considering the size and requirements, they are likely to be beyond my budget. I am recommended that the emerald may not have any scratches and should be as clear as possible. Though the emerald is to be worn for astrological purpose, it is my favorite stone too. I love the deep green-bluish tinged Colombian emeralds.

I would appreciate guidance regarding locating reputable dealers through PriceScope who offer a good selection of emeralds which are GIA certified. I would appreciate suggestions and recommendations from the members.
Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Define what is good quality to you. Good quality to the trade or gem market is unafforable to the masses in a 3 ct size because it will be well over $30K (untreated with top colour of Colombian origin). You mentioned scratch free (this is easy to get) and clear as possible. When you write "clear", must it be clear in appearance only or must it be internally clear (resin free)? If it has to be totally untreated, you might be out of luck budget wise unless you opt for a light coloured and light saturated African stone. Can you please clarify? AGL is actually a better lab lately as they have detected treatments that GIA seems to have missed, including synthetic stones.

 

[BenL]

Define what is good quality to you. Good quality to the trade or gem market is unafforable to the masses in a 3 ct size because it will be well over $30K (untreated with top colour of Colombian origin). You mentioned scratch free (this is easy to get) and clear as possible. When you write "clear", must it be clear in appearance only or must it be internally clear (resin free)? If it has to be totally untreated, you might be out of luck budget wise unless you opt for a light coloured and light saturated African stone. Can you please clarify? AGL is actually a better lab lately as they have detected treatments that GIA seems to have missed, including synthetic stones.

Thanks for the reply! Pardon me for using the terminology used by a layman to describe the stone. The main requirement is, the stone has to be not less than 3 carat, should not have scratches and clear in appearance (a stone that would sufficiently match these criteria within my budget).

The trade or gem market "good quality" emeralds are definitely beyond my budget. I offer this link as an example for an emerald that would be in my budget. I would like the experts here to guide me to make an informed decision and selection. Thank you!

http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

 

[T L]

Define what is good quality to you. Good quality to the trade or gem market is unafforable to the masses in a 3 ct size because it will be well over $30K (untreated with top colour of Colombian origin). You mentioned scratch free (this is easy to get) and clear as possible. When you write "clear", must it be clear in appearance only or must it be internally clear (resin free)? If it has to be totally untreated, you might be out of luck budget wise unless you opt for a light coloured and light saturated African stone. Can you please clarify? AGL is actually a better lab lately as they have detected treatments that GIA seems to have missed, including synthetic stones.

Thanks for the reply! Pardon me for using the terminology used by a layman to describe the stone. The main requirement is, the stone has to be not less than 3 carat, should not have scratches and clear in appearance (a stone that would sufficiently match these criteria within my budget).

The trade or gem market "good quality" emeralds are definitely beyond my budget. I offer this link as an example for an emerald that would be in my budget. I would like the experts here to guide me to make an informed decision and selection. Thank you!

http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

I am personally not a fan of Zambian material. For me, Colombia has the quintessential glow. Zambian emeralds are pretty, but if you're going to get one of those, might as well get a tsavorite garnet. They just don't have the same glow and ethereal quality that separates fine emeralds from the rest of the green gem pack.

 

[BenL]

Define what is good quality to you. Good quality to the trade or gem market is unafforable to the masses in a 3 ct size because it will be well over $30K (untreated with top colour of Colombian origin). You mentioned scratch free (this is easy to get) and clear as possible. When you write "clear", must it be clear in appearance only or must it be internally clear (resin free)? If it has to be totally untreated, you might be out of luck budget wise unless you opt for a light coloured and light saturated African stone. Can you please clarify? AGL is actually a better lab lately as they have detected treatments that GIA seems to have missed, including synthetic stones.

Thanks for the reply! Pardon me for using the terminology used by a layman to describe the stone. The main requirement is, the stone has to be not less than 3 carat, should not have scratches and clear in appearance (a stone that would sufficiently match these criteria within my budget).

The trade or gem market "good quality" emeralds are definitely beyond my budget. I offer this link as an example for an emerald that would be in my budget. I would like the experts here to guide me to make an informed decision and selection. Thank you!

http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

I am personally not a fan of Zambian material. For me, Colombia has the quintessential glow. Zambian emeralds are pretty, but if you're going to get one of those, might as well get a tsavorite garnet. They just don't have the same glow and ethereal quality that separates fine emeralds from the rest of the green gem pack.

Bold mine. TL, I have read your posts on emeralds and I wanted to thank you for the information. I need to buy an emerald only for astrological purpose so I can't consider buying the stone you suggested. Buying a Colombian emerald is my first preference. However, I wonder if it possible to find a reasonably priced Colombian emerald that meets my specifications. Is it even realistic to expect to find a Colombian emerald of 3 carats with no scratches and clear appearance around $5500?

 

[chrono]

If you don't mind an emerald that is at least moderately treated with resin, it might be possible.

 

[BenL]

If you don't mind an emerald that is at least moderately treated with resin, it might be possible.

From what I read, Cedar wood oil treatment is the norm. Some of the other treatments described on variety of sites are considered unacceptable and/ or unethical. As I am looking for a specific purpose for the stone, I am willing to compromise on the aesthetic aspect considering my budget.

1) If you believe that I can find a Colombian emerald within my budget with the criteria I describe, how should I proceed to find a reputable vendor on PriceScope? What specifications should I provide to the vendor to get the best possible emerald within my budget.

2)What is your opinion regarding resin Vs oil treatment? What are pros and cons of the two treatments and how would they affect the quality of an emerald?

3) I have looked up a few sites and it is quite confusing to say the least to figure out how each stone really stack up with my basic criteria. Here is a 6 ct emerald which costs much less than the Zambian emerald I posted the link for.The information on Colombian does not specify the details like the link of Zambian emerald.

6 carat Colombian Emerald:
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=319

3-carat Zambian emerald:
http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

How would you compare these two?

For a novice like me, it is harder to determine what my budget would really buy after seeing such sample for sale. Also, I have read enough stories of fake stones being sold as genuine emeralds.

 

[T L]

Define what is good quality to you. Good quality to the trade or gem market is unafforable to the masses in a 3 ct size because it will be well over $30K (untreated with top colour of Colombian origin). You mentioned scratch free (this is easy to get) and clear as possible. When you write "clear", must it be clear in appearance only or must it be internally clear (resin free)? If it has to be totally untreated, you might be out of luck budget wise unless you opt for a light coloured and light saturated African stone. Can you please clarify? AGL is actually a better lab lately as they have detected treatments that GIA seems to have missed, including synthetic stones.

Thanks for the reply! Pardon me for using the terminology used by a layman to describe the stone. The main requirement is, the stone has to be not less than 3 carat, should not have scratches and clear in appearance (a stone that would sufficiently match these criteria within my budget).

The trade or gem market "good quality" emeralds are definitely beyond my budget. I offer this link as an example for an emerald that would be in my budget. I would like the experts here to guide me to make an informed decision and selection. Thank you!

http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

I am personally not a fan of Zambian material. For me, Colombia has the quintessential glow. Zambian emeralds are pretty, but if you're going to get one of those, might as well get a tsavorite garnet. They just don't have the same glow and ethereal quality that separates fine emeralds from the rest of the green gem pack.

Bold mine. TL, I have read your posts on emeralds and I wanted to thank you for the information. I need to buy an emerald only for astrological purpose so I can't consider buying the stone you suggested. Buying a Colombian emerald is my first preference. However, I wonder if it possible to find a reasonably priced Colombian emerald that meets my specifications. Is it even realistic to expect to find a Colombian emerald of 3 carats with no scratches and clear appearance around $5500?

You're welcome.

As long as you know what you want, and what you are capable of getting for your budget, than that's all that matters. I don't think it's possible to find a fine Colombian emerald of 3 carats that's clean around $5500. The only way that would be possible is if the stone is very light in tone (and hence lower in saturation), in which case, the price point goes down significantly.

 

[T L]

If you don't mind an emerald that is at least moderately treated with resin, it might be possible.

From what I read, Cedar wood oil treatment is the norm. Some of the other treatments described on variety of sites are considered unacceptable and/ or unethical. As I am looking for a specific purpose for the stone, I am willing to compromise on the aesthetic aspect considering my budget.

1) If you believe that I can find a Colombian emerald within my budget with the criteria I describe, how should I proceed to find a reputable vendor on PriceScope? What specifications should I provide to the vendor to get the best possible emerald within my budget.

2)What is your opinion regarding resin Vs oil treatment? What are pros and cons of the two treatments and how would they affect the quality of an emerald?

3) I have looked up a few sites and it is quite confusing to say the least to figure out how each stone really stack up with my basic criteria. Here is a 6 ct emerald which costs much less than the Zambian emerald I posted the link for.The information on Colombian does not specify the details like the link of Zambian emerald.

6 carat Colombian Emerald:
http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=319

3-carat Zambian emerald:
http://www.azemerald.com/zambian-emeralds/3-carat-zambian-emerald/

How would you compare these two?

For a novice like me, it is harder to determine what my budget would really buy after seeing such sample for sale. Also, I have read enough stories of fake stones being sold as genuine emeralds.

The first one claims to come with an AGL report, but I don't see it. For me, it doesn't just matter if a stone indicates it has enhancement, but you should know the amount of enhancement (none, faint, minor, moderate, strong), as that also indicates very different price points as well when it comes to emeralds.

The second one should also come with a full report indicating not only that it's enhanced but the degree of enhancement. I suspect that both have at least moderate enhancement since they're not too cloudy, but it would be preferable to obtain an AGL with that criteria. JMO.

 

[BenL]

TL, what do you think of links I posted for the two emeralds?

I just saw your reply above. Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Resin treatment has been widely accepted for the past few decades. If anything, it is a better treatment method over oil. It is permanent, stable, removable and the good ones allow the usage of ultrasonic cleaning. Oil, including cedarwood oil isn't 100% natural because it has synthetic chemicals, will dry into a brownish colour over time and cannot be cleaned using soap, US or steamer. Some resins like Opticon are also not recommended because it changes colour over time and do not hold up to a good cleaning. As far as I know, ExCel and PermaSafe are excellent choices for fillers.

Serenity Emeralds
Embassy Emeralds

Both stones are oiled only so in that sense, they are on the same playing field. Colour is quite dramatically different though. I think the Colombian is light in tone and saturation, unlike the Zambian. The first claims a full prestige report so it would be good to read what it says in terms of colour quality and etc. The second has no info whatsoever on lab memos.

ETA
Level of oil treatment should also be disclosed. Be sure the oil has not been tinted or coloured.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Emerald-Treatments&id=505191

 

[T L]

Emeralds are also being irradiated today, and AGL was the first lab to detect it.

 

[BenL]

TL and Chrono, thanks for the info. I continue to educate myself. I contacted one of the sites mentioned by Chrono. The typical price quoted is $1200/ct for a good quality stone.