A. Unique Emerald Engagement Rings
If you love the look of a traditional diamond engagement ring but are looking for a diamond that appeals to your individuality, an emerald engagement ring may be for you. A variation on the mineral beryl, emeralds are known for their striking green color and rich historical and sentimental associations. Below is everything you need to know about this magical green gemstone.
1. What does an emerald engagement ring mean?
Emeralds may be the “it” stone of 2020, but in fact, they have always been one of the most coveted gems in history. Since ancient Greece, the emerald is considered the sacred stone of the goddess Aphrodite and is a symbol of eternal love. It is also believed that emeralds can promote wealth and power when used as talismans. Arab, Hindu and Spanish doctors even used emeralds as protection against poisons and infections. In addition to magical powers, this beautiful green gem is also associated with serenity, peace and new beginnings (how perfect is this for a wedding band now?). In modern times, the emerald is the traditional birthstone for May, as well as the gemstone for the astrological sign of Cancer.
2. Emerald cut versus emerald gem
Originally developed for emerald gemstones, the emerald cut became a popular diamond cut in the 14th century. This shape has a wide, flat plane that looks like a ladder when viewed from above. That’s why the emerald cut is often called “step cut”. The rectangular shape of the emerald cut doesn’t shine as bright as other shapes (think round shiny cut or princess cut) but creates a beautiful “mirror room” effect with long, dramatic lines and a subtle glow.
3. Taking care of your emerald green engagement ring
Real Talk: These green gems are awesome, but they’re also fragile. As emeralds have more inclusions (read: internal flaws), they also have more breakages compared to your typical diamond engagement ring. But don’t let that stop you from wearing your emerald green wedding band daily. Just handle your emerald ring with care (like any other jewelry), don’t bump against hard surfaces and take it off during exercise. If you are not using your emeralds, how you store them is also important. Keep them in a separate box so they don’t come into contact with other jewelry. To polish your stone, stay away from ultrasonic or steam cleaners and high temperatures as they can damage the emerald treatment. Also, never expose your emerald to commercial detergents or aggressive chemicals. We recommend tempering your emerald with cold water, a mild soap and a soft toothbrush. If you have a legacy piece, ask your jeweler to check the stone’s safety from time to time – teeth settings, in particular, can loosen over time.
B. Emerald Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide
Engagement rings with colored gemstones are becoming increasingly popular among brides-to-be, not only because of their bright colors, but also because of their unique touch. One of our favorites? Emeralds. The deep green hue of an emerald makes it instantly attractive, and just like sparkling diamonds, the options in terms of setting, cutting and styling are limitless. Shades range from bright green to greenish blue and blend perfectly with different types of metals, stones and settings.
1. What is an emerald?
Emerald is a rich green gemstone that belongs to the beryl mineral family. They are rare and beautiful and serve as a birthstone in May. Whether your tastes are bold and expressive or subtle and simple, emerald green engagement rings come in a variety of styles to suit every aesthetic and budget. We spoke with jewelry designer Grace Lee about what to look for in an engagement ring and how to care for this colorful gemstone.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Emerald Engagement Rings
When choosing a solitaire emerald or center stone, remember: emeralds are softer than other stones, which makes them more brittle when cut. “Green emeralds have a value of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness compared to a diamond’s hardness of 10,” explains Grace Lee. “Although emeralds are softer than diamonds, they still can be cut and polished into a variety of beautiful shapes by skilled cutters and are safe for everyday use.” High quality emeralds are rarer than diamonds and therefore tend to be more expensive. However, since emeralds have a lower density, a 1-carat emerald actually looks larger than a 1-carat diamond.
3. What To Look For In An Emerald Engagement Ring
Are you thinking green for your engagement ring? Here are some questions and answers you should know before searching for the perfect stone.
- How important is the color of the emerald? “I tell customers that color is the most important factor when it comes to green emeralds,” says Lee. The consistency of the hue, hue and saturation of the green are factors that can determine the quality of the emerald.
- What should I know about emerald green clarity? Most natural emeralds have inclusions (small imperfections known as “jardin”, meaning garden in French) and breaks or cracks that appear as small lines within the emerald. These small lines do not necessarily detract from the gem’s appearance and can actually enhance its overall beauty. Lee notes that an emerald can be strategically cut to ensure that cracks do not reach the surface and/or corners of the emerald.
- Why are emeralds sometimes treated with oil? “Oil is often used in emeralds to fill fractures and improve their clarity,” explains Lee. “Although oil does not devalue the yolk, revealing the oil and grade is important in getting an emerald.”
- Where should I get my emerald? “As with all gemstones, I recommend purchasing from a reputable, reputable jeweler or distributor,” Lee said. “Green emeralds usually don’t come with a certificate, but they can be certified if you have questions.”
4. Caring for an Emerald Engagement Ring
While emeralds are safe for everyday use, they are softer than most gemstones and require more maintenance. As emeralds are often treated with oil, it is best not to expose the emerald to extreme and potentially harmful heat. As for cleaning your engagement ring, Lee notes that using mild soap and warm water is the safest way to clean emerald jewelry.
5. Grace Lee Emerald Signet Ring
This emerald green 14 carat gold baguette ring is an absolutely stunning choice for the bride who appreciates timeless design.
6. Tiffany & Co. Colombian Art Deco in Emerald and Diamond Ring
If you like vintage jewelry, you’ll love this Art Deco ring from Tiffany & Co. circa 1920. This stunning piece features a fascinating emerald flanked by a pair of old European cut diamonds.
7. Cartier Solitaire 1895 Emerald Ring
This ring is a beautiful blend of bright green and dazzling platinum and offers the perfect balance of classic and glamour. With emerald-cut emerald and brilliant-cut diamond pavé, this gem will never go out of style.
8. Bario Neal Ray Solitaire Emerald Cut
For the minimalist bride, this simple yet dazzling engagement ring should suit your simple aesthetic. Pair it with your wedding band for a complete look.
9. Brooklyn emerald ring with one stone and three stones
We can’t get enough of this incredible three-stone ring with a rich oval green-cut emerald nestled among pink cut diamonds.
10. Emerald Mark Broumand and Diamond Ring
If you’re looking for a little sparkle, this eye-catching one with a sparkling diamond halo won’t disappoint. Pair yours with a diamond bracelet for extra glitz and glamour.
11. Chroma by Greenwich St. Jewelers Cleo Brazilian Emerald Ring
In bright green, this emerald ring looks modern and timeless at the same time. Its polished 18k gold setting allows the stone to speak for itself.
12. Graff Promise Emerald Cut Ring
If your aesthetic is classic and traditional, you can’t go wrong with this 3.43ct emerald ring flanked by diamond side stones.
13. Martin Katz Emerald Cut Emerald Ring
If you’re like us, you won’t be able to stop looking at this insanely exquisite ring by Martin Katz. This 5.92ct emerald cut emerald will be a stunning proposition.
14. Emerald Ring Mociun Memling Dawn
This unique ring is set with Afghan emeralds from the Valley of Panjshir and white diamonds in sparkling 18K yellow gold. If your personal style is anything but traditional, this design will catch your eye.
15. Harry Winston Classic Winston Baguette
It doesn’t look more classic than an emerald cut. A mix of platinum and 18-carat yellow gold characterizes this gemstone engagement ring. Pair it with a gold or silver wedding band.
16. Emerald Ring Selin Kent Defne Pave
For a ring that looks unique and extravagant at the same time, this rose gold ring with an offset marquise emerald is a particularly suitable choice. This ring is also offered in yellow gold.
17. Art Deco Leo Ginger Emerald Ring
This exquisite piece of emerald is a fine example of a vintage-inspired engagement ring. In 18-carat yellow gold and accented with straight baguette diamonds, it is supplied with Art Deco lettering.
18. Pear-shaped allurez and floral diamond halo
What could be more beautiful than an emerald presented in a floral diamond halo? This style looks as fresh and feminine as a garden wedding in the English countryside.
19. Yoshinobu Kataoka Inishmore Emerald Ring in Gold
Understandable yet exquisite, this engagement ring is perfect for the bride who values simplicity. Its delicate ribbon is elegant and really highlights the central stone.
20. Van Cleef & Arpels Menuet emerald ring in platinum
We love this engagement ring for its rich green gemstone, classic baguette cut diamonds and timeless aesthetic. This piece would look stunning alongside a traditional ball gown.
21. Wwake emeralds inlaid in yellow gold
Why have only one emerald when you could have two? This emerald inlaid ring is out of the ordinary and is sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
22. Kwiat emerald oval ring with pave
If you’re not afraid of sparkling jewels, add sparkle and glamor to them with this oval emerald engagement ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds.
23. Anna Sheffield rose gold and emerald rosette ring
Calling all brides-to-be with a bohemian sensibility – this oval rosette ring is for you! This stunner can be easily stacked with multiple strips or a single yellow gold strip for a slimmer style.
24. Jemma Wynne Prive Emerald Ring with Paved Diamonds
Far from the ordinary, this truly unique two-stone ring features a band of pavè diamonds in 18k yellow gold and black rhodium.
25. Bayco Cosmopolitan Collection Emerald Cutting Ring
Impress with an engagement ring with an emerald so attractive and see-through you can lose yourself in it for days.
26. Harmony Emerald Ring from the Kotlar Collection
This vibrant and eye-catching Harry Kotlar design consists of a stunning Asscher-cut emerald mounted between two diamonds and a double-row diamond-adorned pavé ribbon.
27. Danhov Tubetto Emerald Ring with Diamond Shaft
A deep green stone and a diamond halo give this ring an instant classic look. This model is offered in 14K and 18K white gold as well as platinum.
28. Three Stone Emerald Ring by David Yurman
Leave it to David Yurman to create an emerald ring that will make us green with envy. This three-stone style symbolizes the past, present and future of a couple.
29. Maria Jose Jewels Emerald Solitaire Ring
This work by Maria José cannot even begin to be described as breathtaking. If you’re a loner, this 6.74ct emerald ring will seriously take your breath away.
30. Edwardian navette ring with emerald and diamond
Future brides attracted to anything vintage will appreciate this 1900 Edwardian emerald ring. An emerald-cut emerald is placed in the center of a navette-shaped cluster for a truly eye-catching piece.
31. Azlee Emerald Diamond Ring And Baguette
This beautiful emerald jewel will look stunning on your ring finger and can be engraved for a very special touch. Carry yours stacked or alone.
32. Grace Lee Crown Bezel Emerald Ring
For a delicate and elegant emerald engagement ring that you’ll adore and cherish for years, you can’t go wrong with this emerald rose cut set in a 14k gold crown frame.
33. Olsen K Sparkle 18K Emerald Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
Channel kings with this crown-shaped diamond. Cast in recycled 750 yellow gold and inlaid with an emerald stone and white diamonds, this ring is more than fit for a queen.
