This green gem belongs to the beryl family and is the most valuable variety. Its color is so unmistakable that any color that comes close is called "emerald" green, due to the presence of chromium and vanadium. Perfectly transparent emeralds are rare and of very high quality, in fact, emerald is usually inhabited by inclusions. These inclusions are not considered defects as long as they are not too large.
The most important emerald deposits are located in Colombia but also in Zimbabwe, Brazil and Zambia.
Most emeralds are cut in a rectangular cut (RPC) to make the stone less vulnerable to impact. This cut is so common for this gem that it is commonly referred to as the "emerald" cut.
Famous emeralds include the "Isabella" which is said to have belonged to the famous Conquistador Hernan Cortez and the Liz Taylor brooch. This brooch, made up of a sumptuous 23.46 carat emerald surrounded by diamonds, was given by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. This jewel was sold at Christie's in 2011.
Discover without delay our collection of emeralds, available on Nascendi Paris.
