How Do Colombian Emeralds Differ from Zambian Emeralds? You Can Tell with the Naked Eye.
Emerald is one of the three precious gemstones, coveted by many who are captivated by its beauty, earning it the title "Queen of Gems." While emeralds can be found in various locations worldwide, the most significant discoveries often come from mines in Colombia and Zambia. Emeralds from both sources share many similarities and are highly sought after in the market. The question that many people wonder is: how do Colombian emeralds differ from Zambian emeralds?
How Do Colombian Emeralds Differ from Zambian Emeralds?
Firstly, the similarity between Colombian and Zambian emeralds is their hardness, which is 7.5-8 on the Moh's Scale. Regarding the differences, we have summarized them simply for everyone's understanding as follows:
1. Difference in Hue
In terms of hue, both types of emeralds have a similar bright, vivid green color with transparency or a clear green that makes them desirable in the market. They interact beautifully with light, emitting brilliance. However, Colombian emeralds tend to have a richer green, while Zambian emeralds lean towards a bluish-green. At first glance, Zambian emeralds may appear more opaque.
2. Difference in Inclusions
The second difference lies in the inclusions. Zambian emeralds often have black inclusions within them, while Colombian emeralds rarely show black internal flaws. This could be another reason why Zambian emeralds appear more opaque, due to the black inclusions within the emerald's body.
3. Difference in Fractures
Colombian emeralds, despite having fewer black inclusions than Zambian emeralds, tend to have more fractures. If you admire Colombian emeralds, you must accept this drawback. Alternatively, if your budget allows, seeking high-quality Colombian emeralds with beautiful color and minimal fractures will be quite expensive but very worthwhile.
4. Difference in Price
Regarding the difference in price, Colombian emeralds are generally more expensive than those from Zambia. This is due to the greater fame of Colombian emeralds. Colombia is considered one of the top sources of high-quality emeralds worldwide, with a longer history of emerald discovery.
Are Emerald Jewelry Expensive?
Whether Colombian or Zambian, emeralds are highly sought after for jewelry such as rings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. So, are emerald jewelry expensive? The price depends on several factors. Beyond the origin, other aspects influence the cost, primarily the quality of the emerald itself. The grading principles for emeralds are similar to those for diamonds, focusing on color, cut, clarity, and carat weight to determine quality. For instance, a high-quality Colombian emerald with excellent clarity, minimal inclusions, beautiful color, expert cutting, and a significant carat weight will undoubtedly fetch millions. For those with a limited budget, adjusting the specifications to align with their financial constraints might be necessary.
These are the primary differences between Colombian and Zambian emeralds, some of which can be observed with the naked eye. Feel free to use our guidance for your own observations. If you appreciate the beauty of emeralds and are looking for stunning emerald jewelry, whether Colombian or Zambian, Chomphu Jewelry offers a wide selection of emerald necklaces, rings, earrings, and other emerald pieces for you to explore. You can be confident in your purchase of gemstone jewelry with us.