How Much Are Emeralds Worth?

Emeralds have captured the hearts and imaginations of humans for centuries. Known for their deep green colour, stunning beauty, and healing powers for skin problems, these gemstones are coveted by jewellery enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike. 

But have you ever wondered how much natural emerald jewellery is actually worth?

There are many different types of emeralds and factors that contribute to their cost. The value of an emerald can vary significantly based on several factors, including its type, size, clarity, cut, and overall quality. Gemstones are graded, and the grading system assigns letters to stones to determine their quality. AAAA is the highest grade a stone can achieve, while D is the lowest. Grade AAAA emeralds are more expensive than grade A emeralds. 

Let’s take a closer look at how emeralds are priced and what factors can affect their value. 

 

What Is an Emerald Worth? 

As mentioned above, the price of an emerald can vary depending on its quality. Larger and higher quality emeralds, such as AAA (best) and AAAA (heirloom), command a higher price.

Here are different grades of emeralds, each with its price range per carat: 

• Commercial-Grade Emeralds: They have visible inclusions, may not have the best colour, and can range from thirty dollars to $525 per carat. These are the most affordable emeralds and are commonly used in inexpensive jewellery.

• Smooth-Grade Emeralds: These stones have a smoother surface and a rich colour, which makes them more expensive. They can range from $1,125 to $2,900 per carat.

• Extra Fine-Grade Emeralds: These gemstones are the rarest and most valuable, with exceptional colour, clarity, and brilliance. You can expect to pay a premium price for these beauties, ranging from $2,900 to $9,800 per carat.

 

It’s important to note that high-quality, lab-created emeralds can match the price of commercial-grade emeralds at $350 per carat. Location also matters. Emeralds mined from Chivor, Coscuez, and Muzo in the Colombian Andes can cost between ten dollars to $50,000. 

 

Factors Affecting Emerald Value

Now that you know the average price of emeralds, let’s check out the factors that impact their value:

 

Colour 

The most sought-after colour of emeralds is a bluish-green to pure green hue. These colours are coveted because they’re reminiscent of nature and have a calming effect on the mind. 

When an emerald has a vivid colour saturation and tone that’s not too dark, it can fetch a premium price. For instance, Russian and Colombian emeralds go for hundreds of thousands of dollars because of their clarity and colour. 

However, not all green stones are actually emeralds. If an emerald has a hue that’s too yellow or too blue, it’s not considered a true emerald. This stone could be a different type of beryl. These stones are still valuable but worth less than genuine emeralds.

Cut

The cut style can also impact the value of an emerald. For instance, step-cut (also known as an ‘emerald cut’) emeralds are highly valued for their elegant, elongated shape and ability to showcase the stone’s natural colour and clarity. This cut also gives the emerald more durability against chips and cracks, making it last longer.

Other popular cut styles include the oval, pear, and cushion cut, each adding a unique character to the gemstone. These cuts typically cost less than a step-cut emerald and do not provide as much resistance to wear-and-tear that step-cuts do.

Clarity

The clarity of an emerald refers to the degree to which it’s free from internal inclusions and external blemishes. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), graded gemstones can be given one of four clarity grades: 

• VVS (very, very small)
• VS (very small)
• SI1 and SI2 (small)
• I1, I2, and I3 (included)

The clearer the stone, the more valuable it is. Clear emeralds are rarer and more visually appealing than ones full of inclusions.

Carat Weight

Carat weight refers to the weight of the stone and is one of the primary factors determining the price of a gemstone. 

For instance, if you have a one-carat stone, it most likely weighs 0.20 grams, but if you have a two-carat stone, it will weigh 0.40 grams. The higher the number of carats, the more valuable the emerald will be. 

Typically, emeralds with weights ranging from 0.02 to 0.5 carats are used for complimenting other gemstones, while those between one to five carats are used as centre stones.

 

In Conclusion

With their stunning green hue and captivating beauty, emeralds are truly a wonder of nature. Their value depends on several factors, such as their colour, size, clarity, cut, and overall quality. 

If you’re in the market for an emerald, it’s important to work with a jeweller who is transparent about pricing and has a record of reliability when it comes to supplying genuine emeralds. 

These precious stones are rising in popularity in new ways. For more information about emeralds, check out our post on what an emerald engagement ring means.