Emerald Necklace

Buying an Emerald Necklace

Emeralds are the aristocrats of the gemstone world. Their deep green colour has captivated jewellery lovers for thousands of years, and an emerald necklace carries a richness and prestige that few other stones can match. Whether you’re drawn to emeralds for their colour, their history, or their status as a May birthstone, understanding what to look for will help you make a confident purchase.

Colour is the most important quality factor for emeralds — more so than with any other gemstone. The ideal emerald colour is a vivid, saturated green with a slight blue undertone. Stones that are too yellow-green, too light, or too dark command lower prices. A medium-toned, vivid green emerald with excellent saturation is the benchmark for quality. With emerald necklaces priced from $36 to $163, you’ll find a range of colour qualities across natural, created, and simulated options.

Almost all natural emeralds contain visible inclusions — they’re called “jardins” (French for gardens) in the trade, and they’re accepted and expected. Emeralds without visible inclusions are exceptionally rare and command extraordinary prices. For necklace pendants, slight inclusions visible only under close inspection are perfectly fine — they actually help confirm the stone is natural.

Natural vs Created Emeralds

Lab-created emeralds have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural emeralds. They display the same vivid green colour but typically have fewer inclusions. They’re a smart choice if you want a visually flawless emerald at a fraction of natural prices.

Simulated emeralds (CZ, glass, or synthetic spinel coloured to look like emerald) don’t share the chemical properties of real emerald. They can look attractive but lack the depth and character of genuine emerald. Check product descriptions carefully — “emerald green” or “emerald colour” often indicates a simulant, not a real or created emerald.

Most natural emeralds are treated with oils or resins to improve clarity. This is a standard, accepted practice in the gem trade. Cedar oil has been used for centuries, while modern treatments use polymers. “No oil” or “minor oil” emeralds command premium prices. For necklace-grade emeralds, standard treatment is expected and doesn’t diminish the stone’s beauty.

Settings and Care

Emeralds rate 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale but are more brittle than their hardness suggests due to their natural inclusions. This means they need protective settings. Bezel settings encircle the stone in metal and offer the best protection. Halo settings surround the emerald with smaller diamonds or CZ, which also creates a protective buffer. Prong settings leave the stone more exposed — fine for occasional wear but riskier for everyday necklaces.

Clean emerald necklaces with warm water and mild soap only. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or chemical solutions on emeralds — these can strip the oil treatment and cause the stone to look cloudier. Pat dry with a soft cloth.

Store emerald jewellery separately from harder gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies) that can scratch the surface. A soft pouch or individual compartment is ideal. If you live in a very dry climate, occasional exposure to a drop of mineral oil on a soft cloth can help maintain the stone’s appearance.