The emerald is a gemstone known for its bright green color and is the birthstone for those born during the month of May. It is also the gemstone used to mark a couple’s 35th wedding anniversary. Emeralds are made from a chromium-rich variety of beryl and are mined in three separate areas of Colombia.
Before You Buy an Emerald
When purchasing emeralds, make sure they are bezel-set. This type of setting will protect the gemstone from accidental breakage.
Emerald gemstone
Next, examine the type of accent stones used. Diamonds or white sapphires greatly enhance the natural beauty of the emerald and will protect the stone against side impacts.
Finally, it is important to ask the jeweler if the emeralds have been oiled. Most emeralds have been submerged in colorless oil or resin.
Stones that have been treated with colored oils or epoxy resins are not as valuable.
Cleaning Emeralds
As a general rule, you should clean your emeralds a few times a year.
Some people take their jewelry to a professional to have it cleaned, but you can also take care of your emeralds yourself. Just follow these instructions:
1. Use a soft micro-fiber cloth to remove the oil and dirt accumulated on the emerald jewelry.
2. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and put some mild soap in it. Place the jewelry into the soap and water mixture.
3. Use a soft toothbrush or a jewelry brush to clean off the jewelry. Be sure to use the brush to get into those hard-to-reach areas and clean them thoroughly.
4. Fill a second bowl with lukewarm rinse water. Submerge the jewelry fully in it and check to make sure that no soapy residue is left on the emeralds.
5. Dry the jewelry with a soft clean micro-fiber towel. Once the jewelry is dry, it is ready to be stored or worn again.
Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner on emerald jewelry.
Also, avoid using commercial jewelry cleaner on your emeralds.
Ultrasonic devices and commercial jewelry cleaners will remove the oils that the emeralds have been treated with and will cause damage to the gemstones.
Wearing and Storing Your Emeralds
Never wear your emeralds while showering, swimming or sleeping.
Always put your jewelry on after you’ve applied make-up, hairspray or perfume, or the chemicals may damage the emeralds.
Your emerald jewelry can be easily scratched, so be sure to store it separately from other gemstones.
Emerald jewelry may need to be re-oiled after several years, and this procedure should only be done by a professional.
It is a good idea to talk with a jeweler and find out whether your emeralds need re-oiling and how much the service will cost.
