If you’re in the market for a unique emerald engagement ring, we’ve got a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect one.
More and more couples are opting for unique engagement rings to mark their special milestone. While a diamond solitaire remains a classic and timeless choice, some younger couples want more modern rings with different gemstones and unique designs. After diamonds, emeralds are among the most popular gemstone choices for engagement rings.
Emerald engagement rings are an attractive alternative to diamonds. The gem’s brilliant green hue is often associated with luck, love, and happiness. This is why many gemstone lovers look for emerald jewellery. Choosing an emerald engagement ring symbolizes the wish for a happy and blessed marriage.
But how much are emerald engagement rings? And how do you choose the perfect one? We’ve put together a guide on understanding emerald quality, picking your ideal cut, and determining your budget.
What to Know When Choosing Emerald Engagement Rings
On the whole, buying an emerald engagement ring or emerald jewellery is less technical than buying diamonds. While the four c’s of gemstones still apply, the focus for emeralds is mainly on colour.
1. Colour
When buying an emerald, colour is the most significant consideration. Colour is broken down into hue, saturation, and tone for emeralds. The most desirable hues are bluish-green and pure green. Your best bet is finding a gem with a vivid sparkling saturation with a medium to a darker tone. This means the green colour will be deeper and more intense. It’s important to note, though, that these are often priced higher too.
2. Clarity
Like diamonds, emeralds with higher clarity are more expensive. However, unlike diamonds, there isn’t a clarity grading scale for emeralds. What matters is the inclusions in the stone. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies emeralds as a Type III gems which means there are often inclusions present. Your best bet is to look for ones with fewer inclusions and avoid significant imperfections like bubbles or fissures.
3. Carat
Carat weight refers to the size of an emerald. You may think that bigger is better, but that’s not always the case. Jewellery experts agree that a smaller gem with vibrant colour quality and clarity is better for emerald jewellery than a larger, more imperfect stone.
4. Cut
The last consideration is cut. This means the shape and faceting of the gemstone. Ideally, the stone should be cut symmetrically to allow optimal colour and brilliance.
The Most Popular Emerald Cuts
There are many different cuts available for emerald engagement rings. To help narrow down your choices, here are the four most popular options:
1. Emerald-Cut
Emerald cut engagement rings are, by far, the most popular choice. This stunning elongated shape highlights the gem’s colour beautifully. It’s also the gentlest cut for the stone, which is essential because emeralds are softer than diamonds. Emerald cut stones look beautiful in simple settings that let the stone’s brilliance shine through.
2. Round Cut
The next most popular choice is the round cut. This beautiful yet straightforward gemstone cut is perfect for more classic brides. Round cut emeralds look good in any type of ring setting.
3. Cushion-Cut
Like emerald cut engagement rings, cushion cut rings are all about maximizing brilliance. The cut enables the most light to enter the gem highlighting the stone’s colour. This cut looks good in a diamond pavé setting.
4. Heart Cut
A heart cut is a popular choice for engagement rings. For emeralds, it becomes more special because of the stone’s unique colour. Like emerald cuts, heart cut emeralds are perfect for simple settings.
How Much Are Emerald Engagement Rings?
Once you have decided on your stone, cut, and setting, you’ll better know how much you will need to spend. However, like diamonds, there is no set cost for emerald engagement rings. The price will depend on several factors, including the quality and size of the stone and the ring setting.
On average, emerald engagement rings with gold settings can range anywhere from £500 – £2,000. Your best bet is to determine how much you can afford to spend and look at stones and ring settings that fit in your price range.
Finding Your Perfect Emerald Engagement Ring
Emerald engagement rings are a stunning choice for modern couples that love unique jewellery. There are many exciting options available, so it’s best to understand your preferences before shopping. If you know what you want ahead of time, you are more likely to find the perfect ring for your budget and style.