A Collection of Common Questions and Answers About Emeralds
When you think of a beautiful green gemstone, what comes to mind? Of course, most people think of "emerald" or "jade." We must first clarify that jade and emerald are not the same. The texture of jade has a marble-like pattern, while emerald is transparent or may have natural flaws. Jade is so opaque that flaws are almost impossible to see. In terms of hardness, emeralds are harder, at about 7.5–8.0 on the Mohs scale, while jade is only 6.5–7.0. This is something many people don't know and often confuse.
Emeralds are gemstones in the beryl family, containing chromium and vanadium. They are generally transparent green, ranging from dark green to bluish-green. In reality, emeralds have many more interesting stories and things that people don't know about.
A Collection of Popular Questions About Emeralds
1. What is the Thai belief about emeralds, and why are they considered an auspicious gemstone?
Thais believe that emeralds are an auspicious gemstone and a symbol of wealth and prosperity that brings good fortune to those who own or wear them. It is also believed that emeralds help ward off danger and all evil. The clear green color of an emerald helps increase power, and it is also known as a gemstone of love, honesty, and loyalty.
2. How do you identify a genuine emerald, and how does it differ from a synthetic one?
How do you identify a genuine emerald? Even if you're not an expert, you can tell the difference between a genuine and a synthetic emerald. A genuine emerald will have natural flaws. If an emerald has no flaws at all, it's safe to assume it's fake. When you shine a black light on it, if it doesn't fluoresce or only fluoresces slightly, it's a genuine emerald. However, if it shows a bright olive green, yellow, or red light, it's a fake.
3. How do you care for a genuine emerald to keep it shiny, beautiful, and radiant?
Caring for a genuine emerald is not difficult. First, mix liquid soap in warm water or use a specific jewelry cleaner. These can be easily bought today. Then, clean every nook and cranny with a soft brush. It is not recommended to clean it with an ultrasonic cleaner to prevent the genuine emerald from cracking.
4. How much does a genuine emerald cost? Is it expensive? What is the budget to buy one?
The price of a genuine emerald depends on its beauty and clarity. A genuine emerald with fewer flaws will be more expensive than one with many flaws. The price also depends on the carat weight. The starting price for genuine emerald jewelry is currently around 15,000 baht, which is different from a synthetic emerald that costs around 2,500 baht. Buying a high-quality, clear genuine emerald can also be a good investment.
5. Which genuine emerald has the highest price? What shade of color should it be?
A green emerald gets its color from chromium and vanadium, and the shade of green, from light to dark, depends on the amount of these minerals. Sometimes you may see a genuine emerald with a slightly bluish-green or yellowish-green color. If you see a very light green emerald, it may be another type of gemstone, such as a green garnet or a green spinel. The most expensive genuine emeralds are dark green. The darker the green, the higher the price.
We've collected a variety of common questions about emeralds and their answers for you. We hope you've found the answers to the questions you've long had. Emeralds are beautiful, auspicious gemstones. When a high-quality, flawless genuine emerald is made into jewelry, such as a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring, it becomes even more beautiful and priceless. It's a piece everyone would love to wear.