With its luxuriant green colour May's birthstone, the Emerald symbolises Spring and renewal. Rare and precious, Emeralds have fascinated civilisations throughout the world over the ages. Emeralds were favoured in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome but also by the Incas in South Amercia and by the Muhgal Emperors in India. Its name derives from ancient Greek 'smaragdos' meaning 'Precious green gemstone'.
Like the Aquamarine, it is part of the Beryl family and has a hardness rated 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
An Emerald's value will vary depending on 4 criteria: colour, clarity, cut and carats (=measuring the weight of the stone - not to be confused with gold carats which define the pureness of the metal).
It is a gemstone of the IIIrd category meaning that certain cracks and inclusions are tolerated. It is almost impossible to find an Emerald without surface cracks or inclusions (known as the Emerald's garden). In order to improve their appearance and stabilise the gem, they are treated by immersion in oil.
What gives the Emerald its characterstic green colour? Traces of chrome and in certain cases vanadium give the Emerald its distinctive green colouring. Depending on the concentration of the elements, colours may vary from a pale pastel green to a vibrant, deep green with undertones of blue, yellow or grey. Deep green Emeralds are the most sought after whereas lighter coloured stones can often offer more sparkle and brilliance.
As a precious stone, Emeralds are normally set on 18ct yellow gold. However, thanks to its intense colour it can also be very attractive on a white metal such as platinum or 18ct white gold.
In our collection of 9ct gold jewellery, LAVAL brings you a classic yellow gold ring set with an Emerald and diamonds.And order our 'must-haves' for your store: earrings with emerald green stones.
(the round stud earrings are set with synthetic stones)
For a more modern look, discover our collection set with emerald green and sapphire blue coloured glass. Available in rhodium plated sterling silver or gold plated.
SWAROVSKI® Zirconia:
Available in the patented 'Green' colour, Swarovski Zirconia will allow you to create beautiful items copying Angelina Jolie's favourite stone at very affordable prices. We sell these exceptional, high quality stones in small quantities, purchase aas few as 5 of the 'Green' Zirconia. SWAROVSKI® Topaz: with a more natural sparkle, topaz with its patented colour treatment* 'Rainforest' will reveal its beauty on either a gold or silver mounting. As an authorised distributor for SWAROVSKI GEMSTONES, we distribute topazes that satisfy the highest quality standards on the market. Unlike the Zirconia, the Topaz is a genuine gemstone and LAVAL allows you to buy them individually. Available in round, pear, oval, marquise or emerald but at very affordable rates.
*Patented colour treatment TCF (Thermo Colour Fusion) – Non toxic, unirradiated colours.
Not forgetting the Laval mounts, fittings and findings