Natural Emeralds
Discover Natural Emeralds for bespoke jewellery, stone setting and fine jewellery designs. Shop our calibrated emerald collection or search a wider selection of individual natural emeralds in different shapes, sizes and specifications
What Is a Natural Emerald?
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl and has been treasured for centuries for its distinctive colour and rarity. Natural emeralds can display a broad spectrum of green, from lighter and brighter tones through to deep, intensely saturated greens.
Unlike diamonds, coloured gemstones are generally chosen primarily for their overall visual appearance rather than a standardised combination of grades. When choosing an emerald, colour is particularly important, alongside clarity, cut, size, treatment and the individual character of the stone.
Choosing the Colour of an Emerald
Colour is one of the most important considerations when selecting a natural emerald. Stones can range from lighter, vibrant greens to deeper and more intensely saturated tones, sometimes with subtle bluish or yellowish characteristics.
The ideal colour ultimately comes down to the appearance you're looking for. A beautiful emerald should display an attractive balance of hue, saturation and brightness, with a colour that complements the jewellery design in which it will be set.
When comparing emeralds, consider the stone as a whole rather than concentrating on any single specification.
Are Natural Emeralds Usually Included?
Yes. Natural emeralds commonly contain inclusions and internal characteristics formed during their growth. These are extremely common in emerald and can form part of the individual character of a natural stone.
Clarity should therefore be considered alongside colour, transparency and overall appearance rather than judged in the same way as diamond clarity.
When choosing an emerald for jewellery, it's also important to consider whether any inclusions could affect the durability of the stone, particularly when it will be worn regularly.
Natural Emerald Treatments
Many natural emeralds are treated to improve the appearance of surface-reaching inclusions. The use of oils or similar clarity-enhancing treatments is well established within the coloured gemstone trade.
The type and extent of treatment can vary between individual stones and may influence their value and care requirements.
When selecting an individual emerald, consider the treatment information provided for that particular stone alongside its colour, clarity, size, cut and overall appearance.
Popular Emerald Shapes
Round Natural Emeralds
Round cut emeralds offer a classic and balanced appearance, combining a familiar shape with the distinctive green colour and natural character of emerald. Their versatility makes them a beautiful choice for rings, earrings, pendants and bespoke jewellery designs.
Oval Natural Emeralds
Oval cut emeralds combine elegant, elongated proportions with a larger visual presence, beautifully showcasing the colour and natural character of the stone. They are particularly well suited to engagement rings, pendants and bespoke centre-stone designs.
Pear Natural Emeralds
Pear cut emeralds combine graceful curves with a distinctive tapered point, creating an elegant and individual appearance. Their proportions make them an attractive choice for pendants, rings, earrings and bespoke jewellery designs.
Emerald Cut Natural Emeralds
The emerald cut was developed to complement the characteristics of emerald, with its rectangular outline, cropped corners and step-cut facets placing emphasis on colour and clarity. Its elegant geometric appearance makes it one of the most iconic choices for a natural emerald.
Natural Emeralds for Jewellery Making
Natural emeralds are a distinctive choice for fine jewellery, valued for their rich green colour and individual character. They can be used in engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bespoke pieces, as well as for jewellery repairs and replacement stones.
Emerald requires a little more consideration when setting and wearing than harder gemstones such as diamond, ruby and sapphire, particularly where a stone contains natural inclusions. An appropriate setting can help protect the emerald while allowing its colour and beauty to remain the focus of the design.
Whether you're replacing an existing stone, creating a bespoke piece or sourcing gemstones for jewellery manufacture, we offer both calibrated emeralds and a wider selection of individual stones.
Emeralds for Trade & Private Buyers
We supply loose Natural Emeralds to both jewellery professionals and private customers throughout the UK. Whether you know the exact dimensions and specifications you require or would like some guidance choosing a stone, we're happy to help.
Jewellers can source calibrated emeralds for stone setting, repairs and jewellery manufacture, while private customers can search individual stones for engagement rings, bespoke jewellery and other special pieces.
Natural Emerald FAQs
Are emeralds natural gemstones?
Yes. Natural emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Its characteristic green colour is associated primarily with trace elements such as chromium and vanadium.
What colour emerald is best?
Colour is one of the most important characteristics of an emerald. Rich, attractive green colours with good saturation and brightness are particularly desirable, although the ideal shade ultimately depends on personal preference and the jewellery design.
Are inclusions normal in natural emeralds?
Yes. Inclusions and internal characteristics are extremely common in natural emeralds. Rather than expecting an inclusion-free stone, consider how its clarity affects transparency, beauty and durability alongside its colour and cut.
Are natural emeralds treated?
Many natural emeralds undergo clarity enhancement, commonly involving oil or similar substances introduced into surface-reaching inclusions. Treatments vary, so information relating to an individual stone should be considered when purchasing.
Are emeralds suitable for engagement rings?
Emeralds can make beautiful and distinctive engagement-ring centre stones. However, they require more care than diamonds, rubies or sapphires, particularly where natural inclusions are present. Choosing an appropriate protective setting can therefore be important for everyday wear.
Can I buy a loose emerald without a setting?
Yes. The Carat Club supplies loose Natural Emeralds for jewellery making, stone replacement, bespoke designs and customers who want to choose their gemstone before deciding on a setting.
How do I choose the right size emerald?
If you're replacing a stone in an existing setting, the emerald's physical dimensions are particularly important. For a new piece of jewellery, consider both the dimensions and carat weight, as two emeralds of the same weight can have different proportions.
Do you supply emeralds to jewellers?
Yes. We supply both trade and private customers, including calibrated and individual loose emeralds for jewellery manufacture, repairs, replacement stones and bespoke commissions.
Find Your Perfect Natural Emerald
Shop Calibrated Emeralds
Explore our collection of calibrated Natural Emeralds, carefully selected for their colour, consistency and natural beauty. Available in a range of sizes, they are ideal for jewellery repairs, stone replacement, bespoke designs and fine jewellery making.
Looking for a Specific Natural Emerald?
Use our extensive search tool to explore a wider selection of Natural Emeralds. Compare stones by shape, carat weight, dimensions, colour and price to find the perfect emerald for your requirements.