The Ultimate Guide to Emerald Engagement Rings

Are you dreaming of a unique engagement ring that stands out from the crowd? Look no further than the beauty of the emerald. Let’s explore the pros and cons of emerald engagement rings, and how to care for them, and along the way, we’ll take a sneak peek at some pieces from our collection that you might consider for the special day.

Pros and Cons: should emeralds get the green light?

Emeralds‘ deep, velvety green has long caught the human eye with a sparkle that hints at a subtle luxury. Many famous brides have gone for green from Jackie Kennedy to Megan Fox. But like any gemstone, emeralds have their pros and cons. So let’s look at what to consider before making a final decision.

The Timeless Elegance of Emeralds

From Empress Bonaparte to Kennedy to Beckham, when you choose an emerald engagement ring you are embracing a centuries-old allure. This allure goes beyond physical appearance. Emeralds are thought to possess spiritual qualities that promote love, harmony, and balance in relationships. Their unique green color and vibrant energy are synonymous with nature, rebirth, and renewal. In alchemy, emeralds counteracted poison. In the Middle Ages, the stone was protection against the evil eye. Ancient Romans thought emeralds possessed remedial qualities- Emperor Nero even wore eyeglasses made of emeralds to remedy his eyesight- making these the world’s first pair of sunglasses!

By choosing an emerald engagement ring you’ll embrace visual beauty and invite positive energies into your union.

Is a Soft Stone like Emerald a Hard Choice?

Though emeralds look timeless, they’re less durable than other gemstones. They rank 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale so are more susceptible to scratches and damage. But Emeralds do withstand everyday wear and last decades when properly cared for (more on this later, and even more in Our Guide to Emeralds).

As soft stones emeralds often have inclusions and visible imperfections, unlike diamonds. These make up an emerald’s character and enhance its beauty. It’s personal preference if you appreciate this charm or not

Finding the Perfect Emerald

A less dazzling factor to consider is budget. Emeralds can vary significantly in price depending on many features including quality, size, and origin. While larger emeralds may be more expensive, it’s important to prioritize quality over size. AJC can help you balance these factors to find the perfect ring. Let’s look at these features closer:

The Key Features

The first feature is colour. Emerald’s colour is determined by the presence of chromium and vanadium in its composition. The more intense and saturated the green the more valuable the stone.

Cut is the second. Well-cut stones maximize brilliance and sparkle, whilst poorly-cut stones may appear lacklustre. The eponymous “emerald cut”, a rectangular shape with step-like facets, is the most popular. This is because the cut allows optimal light reflection to enhance your emerald engagement rings natural beauty.

The third is the setting. Emeralds are set in many ways think about your partner’s style and choose a setting that complements their taste and enhances the beauty of the emerald. Your partner may be susceptible to the delicate curves of the Victorian era or prefer the more geometric Art Deco style.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining

You’ve got the right ring on the right finger now how do you care for it? Emeralds require special attention to maintain brilliance and avoid damage. Here are tips for cleaning and maintaining your emerald ring:

1. Use a gentle cleaning solution- dish soap

Emeralds should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Instead, create a mild cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Soak your ring in this solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to emeralds. Though commonly used for cleaning jewellery, vibrations produced by these cleaners can cause cracks.

• How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery

3. Be cautious with steam cleaning

Steam cleaning can effectively remove dirt and grime from your emerald engagement ring. However, it’s important to exercise caution. Set your steam cleaner to a low temperature and avoid prolonged exposure, as excessive heat can cause fracture.

4. Store your ring properly

When you’re not wearing your emerald you must store it properly to prevent scratches and damage. Keep your ring in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in a jewellery box to avoid contact with other pieces.

5. Avoid wearing your ring during strenuous activities

Remove emerald jewellery before engaging in physical activities like sports, gardening, or household chores involving heavy lifting or abrasive materials.

6. Take off your ring before swimming

Chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pools can be harmful to emeralds. To prevent any potential damage remove your ring before taking a dip.

7. Schedule regular professional inspections

To ensure that your emerald ring stays in optimal condition, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional jeweler on a regular basis. They can check for loose stones, worn prongs, or any other issues that require attention.

8. Consider getting insurance

Emerald engagement rings can be quite valuable, both sentimentally and monetarily. To protect your investment, consider getting insurance coverage specifically for your ring. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re financially protected in case of loss, theft, or damage.

By following these tips you can ensure that your emerald ring remains a symbol of love and beauty for years to come. Remember, emeralds are like relationships, a little extra effort in maintenance can go a long way in preserving the allure.

Look at Queen Sonja her emeralds date as far back as 1804 and were originally worn by the wife of Napoleon Empress Josephine at her coronation. These stones have lasted over 200 years- though reset for a modern twist.

For more information on emeralds see our guide here:

• The AJC Guide to Emeralds
• May’s Birthstone: Emerald
• Green With Envy: The Alluring Beauty of Emerald Jewellery