1. Color:    The more vivid the green, the more valuable the stone. Unlike a diamond, a richly colored EMERALD does not necessarily lose it's value because of inclusions.

2. Clarity:    The absence of inclusions will greatly increase the value of the EMERALD. (sometimes by $1,000's per carat) If the EMERALD is 3 carats or larger the price is much, much higher.

3. Cut:    Many shapes are available. EMERALD cut (the step cut) being the most popular throughout the ages. The round cut will bring brilliance and life. The emerald cut or step cut will bring out the most color. Many EMERALDS are lighter in color and very lively. The deep color can make up for brightness when choosing your gemstone.

4. Carat Weight:    The dimensions of a gemstone.

One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams.
One carat many times is divided into (100) points
(75)points=3/4 of a carat
(50)points=1/2 of a carat
(25)points=1/4 of a carat

What is an Inclusion?

The term inclusion applies to any foreign body enclosed within a gemstone. An inclusion can be gas, liquid, or a solid embedded within the stone. This term also applies to cleavage cracks, fractures, growth lines, color zoning, crystal and even bubbles.

Two Types of Inclusions found most often in the Natural Colombian Emerald are:

1. Three-phase inclusion: resembling a Chinese snow-pea or a pointed pea pod. A three-phase inclusion that contains a square or rectangular shaped solid crystal is proof that the Emerald is natural and not synthetic.
2. Iron Pyrite: also known as "fools gold" is easy to recognize because of its metallic luster. Most commonly found in Colombian Emerald from the Chivor Mine.

What is a Synthetic?

A manmade stone that has basically the same physical, chemical and optical properties of the genuine stone it is trying to imitate. Some of the newest synthetics in the marketplace are very difficult to distinguish from the genuine gemstones.

• Gemstone Grading Chart