WHAT IS ETHIOPIAN EMERALD?
The newest member of the beryl family, Ethiopian emerald is becoming popular for its extremely pleasant spring grass color, capturing this fresh green with a bluish tinge that signifies the start of the season.
Emerald is a highly coveted gemstone lauded for its green tone, opulent hues, extraordinary elegance, unmatched beauty, and charm. This dazzling gemstone has smitten humanity for thousands of years, and its enthralling charm continues to enchant. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BCE to 1700 BCE. Queen Cleopatra of Ancient Egypt was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in many of her royal adornments.
Determining Ethiopian Emerald Value
Is Ethiopian emerald valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what Ethiopian emerald is worth. These guidelines will help you choose emerald stones for your collection.
- Ethiopian Emerald Color
Ethiopian emerald is said to have an extremely pleasant green color, with a blue tinge. It beautifully captures the essence of the green grass of Spring. The presence of chromium and vanadium lends a fresh turf color to this emerald. Faint amounts of Iron and vanadium are also present, giving a hint of a blue to this stone.
When choosing emerald, the stone’s color is most important. The gemstone favors a deep saturation of color.
- Ethiopian Emerald Clarity
Emerald falls in the Type III category of the GIA clarity grading system, meaning it typically contain inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye. In terms of transparency, Ethiopian emerald is available in transparent to translucent form.
Inclusions are acceptable in high-quality emeralds. But, when the inclusions have a negative effect on transparency and clarity, the value of the gemstone reduces dramatically.
- Ethiopian Emerald Cut
Cutting Ethiopian emerald requires high expertise. Due to its low availability and heavy material loss, lots of material can be lost. It is found in oval, round, cushion and pear shapes. The rectangular step cut, commonly known as the “emerald cut,” is good for emerald due to the nature of the stone. The emerald cut helps protect against damage because the vulnerable corners are faceted, providing a comparatively safe place for prongs to cradle the stone.
However, the cutter must consider the rough stone’s color saturation, durability, and inclusions when making cutting decisions. Due to possible fractures and whitish inclusions, the cutter must design the cut to minimize their effect on the appearance of the finished stone.
- Ethiopian Emerald Carat
Ethiopian emerald comes in a wide range of sizes. The value of emerald can rise dramatically as the size increases. However, the color saturation and clarity play an important role when it comes to the price of the gemstone.
The size of Ethiopian emerald at Shop LC ranges from 3x4 millimeters to 8x6 mm, with weights from 20 points to 1.5 carats. Prestigious pieces of jewelry can include emeralds that weigh over 10 carats!
Ethiopian Emerald Treatment
Many gemstones undergo additional treatment to enhance their optical properties, and emerald is no exception. Ethiopian emeralds are subject to oil treatment for improving clarity. This treatment is not permanent and may need to be maintained by a professional jeweler. The gemstone does not undergo any other treatment.
Caring for Ethiopian Emerald
Ethiopian emerald measures 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and has fair to good toughness, making it a durable gemstone for jewelry purposes. However, the gemstone should be protected from bumps and scratches.
By some estimates, 90-percent or more of emeralds are included with internal fractures. Therefore, it’s risky to clean them with ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Ultrasonic vibrations can weaken already-fractured stones, and hot steam can cause oil or unhardened resin to sweat out of fractures. Using lukewarm, soapy water, coupled with gentle scrubbing from a soft bristled brush is the safest way to clean this stone. Rinse the stone with fresh, cool water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Heat can also damage emeralds, especially by making existing fractures worse. Use of chemicals can cause the oils, resins, and polymers to alter in appearance or deteriorate.
Emerald jewelry should be wrapped in a soft cloth and stored separately from other gemstones. Or, store your jewelry in a lined jewelry box designed exactly for this purpose.
Who Can Wear Ethiopian Emerald?
Emerald is a precious gem that captures the refreshing charm of Spring. The extremely pleasant green tones of this gem are the perfect complement to both Spring and Autumn fashion.
Displaying the color of life and freshness, wealth and nature, emerald green is an enchanting, fascinating and graceful shade. And the best part about emerald green is it flatters practically every skin tone and color palette. Among royals and celebrities, this gemstone is a favorite choice for necklaces, although this evergreen stone is still a preferred choice for items such as rings, pendants, earrings or brooches. The refreshing hues of this gemstone looks best with yellow or rose gold, as does Ethiopian emerald!
In addition, emerald jewelry is an ideal gift choice for those celebrating their 20th or 35th wedding anniversary.
How Does Ethiopian Emerald Compare to Other Emerald Stones?
While different mining locations are known to produce a different color variation of green emerald, any particular hue can occur at any mine. Location alone cannot determine a gemstone’s final color.
Ethiopian emerald gemstones are generally less expensive per carat than Zambian and Brazilian emerald. Ethiopian emerald displays a somewhat lighter green tone compared to Brazilian and Zambian emeralds. Ethiopian emeralds are also likely to have less inclusions than Brazilian and Zambian emerald.
If you love the emerald’s pleasant green color with transparency, then Ethiopian emerald is a preferred option for you!
Where Does Ethiopian Emerald Come From?
Ethiopia is the one and only producer of Ethiopian emerald stones. Until Spring 2017, more than 100 kilograms of emerald rough have been produced from mines in Ethiopia. Shop LC sources our supply of Ethiopian emerald from an experienced vendor who has been dealing in Ethiopian emerald for some time.
How is Ethiopian Emerald Mined?
Ethiopian emerald was first found in the Oromia regional state in the villages of Kenticha and Dermi. Mining in the region is still done in the traditional way, using hand tools, without heavy machinery. It is done in two ways: open pit mining and mining through tunnels
Mining operations take place only for 5 to 6 months of the year. In rainy season from July to September, mining stops as rainwater clog the mines. Since mining operations can resume only after the mines get dry up naturally, it takes almost 5 to 6 months to start mining again.
In addition, ever since the discovery of emerald deposits in 2016, the Ethiopian government has halted mining operations several times. They tightly control mining and trading, due to security and instability in the region. Those seeking to deal in emeralds must obtain federal and regional letters to operate.
Ethiopian Emerald Properties
What Does Ethiopian Emerald Mean?
Many therapists believe emerald is a stone that stimulates the heart and the heart chakra. The soothing energy of this gemstone provides physical as well as mental healing while adding liveliness to the spirit. It is also believed to encourage farsightedness, perceptiveness and mental growth.
Others suggest it as a stone of hope and development, and helps avoid malevolent spirits. In addition, the gemstone is said to promote strong relationships by providing domestic happiness, satisfaction, and faithfulness.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. These remedies, approaches, and techniques are not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat any ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
Is Ethiopian Emerald a Birthstone?
Emerald is the official birthstone for May. The relaxing greens of Ethiopian emerald make it a perfect choice to celebrate birthdays in this beautiful month as nature springs back to life.
Ethiopian Emerald Facts
- Ethiopian emerald ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Ethiopian emerald displays extremely pleasant green color.
- This variety of emerald comes from Ethiopia.
- Ethiopian emerald is treated with oil for color enhancement.
- Ethiopian emerald is also known as Shakiso emerald.