How to Pick an Emerald Birthstone
The emerald is the birthstone symbolic of love and success, so it makes the perfect gift to celebrate a marriage or major accomplishment in business or personal life. This rare and expensive gem, which ranges in color from pale sea green to a deep forest hue, is instantly recognized by most people. The emerald is the birthstone for those lucky enough to be born during the month of May.
Things You'll Need:
Reputable dealer
Celebrate With Emeralds
Step
1
Shop for emerald jewelry as a gift for a twentieth or thirty-fifth wedding anniversary or for a May birthday.
Step
2
The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.
Step
3
Consider the gift of an emerald for a milestone achievement, such as a university or professional degree or a major business promotion. The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.
Buy Quality Emeralds
Step
1
View emeralds for color and cut, and compare before you buy. The most desirable emeralds are a rich, medium green and should be cut to reflect a maximum amount of light. These will also be the most expensive.
Step
2
Locate a dealer affiliated with a national organization, such as the American Gem Trade Association, or pick a jeweler with a strong local reputation (see Resources below). These sources will be the most likely to offer the highest quality stones and ethical business practices.
Step
3
Learn the history of the emerald you wish to purchase. Find out where it was mined and whether it is natural or treated.
Step
4
Pick an emerald with character and brilliance. See how it looks against your skin tone. Pass on stones that seem dull and lifeless in your hand.
Tips & Warnings
"Inclusions" are natural faults within a gem that often result in visual veining. These are common and desirable in most emeralds since they add, not detract, from their
beauty
and interest.
Emeralds are often treated to fill large inclusions. This standard practice should not detract from their beauty.
Synthetic emeralds are difficult to distinguish from real, rare ones. To pick a natural emerald, rely only on documentation from a reputable dealer.
While hard and strong on the surface, internal inclusions weaken the overall structure of the emerald. Take extra care to protect emerald birthstone jewelry from impacts.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095317_pick-emerald-birthstone.html
The emerald is the birthstone symbolic of love and success, so it makes the perfect gift to celebrate a marriage or major accomplishment in business or personal life. This rare and expensive gem, which ranges in color from pale sea green to a deep forest hue, is instantly recognized by most people. The emerald is the birthstone for those lucky enough to be born during the month of May.
Things You'll Need:
Reputable dealer
Celebrate With Emeralds
Step
1
Shop for emerald jewelry as a gift for a twentieth or thirty-fifth wedding anniversary or for a May birthday.
Step
2
The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.
Step
3
Consider the gift of an emerald for a milestone achievement, such as a university or professional degree or a major business promotion. The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.
Buy Quality Emeralds
Step
1
View emeralds for color and cut, and compare before you buy. The most desirable emeralds are a rich, medium green and should be cut to reflect a maximum amount of light. These will also be the most expensive.
Step
2
Locate a dealer affiliated with a national organization, such as the American Gem Trade Association, or pick a jeweler with a strong local reputation (see Resources below). These sources will be the most likely to offer the highest quality stones and ethical business practices.
Step
3
Learn the history of the emerald you wish to purchase. Find out where it was mined and whether it is natural or treated.
Step
4
Pick an emerald with character and brilliance. See how it looks against your skin tone. Pass on stones that seem dull and lifeless in your hand.
Tips & Warnings
"Inclusions" are natural faults within a gem that often result in visual veining. These are common and desirable in most emeralds since they add, not detract, from their
beauty
and interest.
Emeralds are often treated to fill large inclusions. This standard practice should not detract from their beauty.
Synthetic emeralds are difficult to distinguish from real, rare ones. To pick a natural emerald, rely only on documentation from a reputable dealer.
While hard and strong on the surface, internal inclusions weaken the overall structure of the emerald. Take extra care to protect emerald birthstone jewelry from impacts.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095317_pick-emerald-birthstone.html
