Emerald-hued Gemstones: A Sparkling Tasting
MEET RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GEMS: EMERALD, GARNET, AND TOURMALINE
This Sparkling Tasting of emerald-hued gemstones is meant to engage and educate on gorgeous green possibilities, but also explore what responsible sourcing means.
As a precious gemstone, emerald is among the most valuable - and rare. Chrome tourmaline and tsavorite garnet can be more attainable options that are (obviously) equally gorgeous. Green sapphire can also whisper emerald hues.
Guests will “meet” three gemstones and guess “who is who” among the emerald-hues…
EMERALD + EMERALD-HUED GEMSTONES:
A CURATION OF COVETED FINE JEWELRY
HERE ARE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EMERALD AND HER GORGEOUS DOPPELGANGERS
Emerald is iconic for its rich, deep green to bluish-green hues, as well as naturally occurring “inclusions”, known as “jardin” (french for garden). The most prized (and rarest of the rare) have very few inclusions. For me, inclusions are perfect imperfections that make each gemstone uniquely beautiful… just like us as women.
Light green emeralds can also be incredibly enchanting.
Garnet has way more charisma than many people realize. Why are they special? Garnet can be any color of the rainbow, but what makes it extraordinary (in my opinion) is that it can exhibit the widest variety of color change hues among all gemstones.
While many of us are familiar with the raspberry-red, purplish-red rhodolite garnet, emerald-green tsavorites are breathtaking doppelgangers. Another rare garnet that can sometimes exhibit close to emerald hues is the coveted demantoid garnet.
Tourmaline can also dazzle with a vast array of juicy hues - from the electric blue of Paraiba to ruby red rubellite.
Chrome tourmaline is a compelling doppelganger because it can not only exhibit an intense emerald green, but it can also have higher clarity with fewer inclusions.
Sapphire can also exhibit gorgeous green hues. It is often known as a royal-hued blue, but it can be any color except red, which would make it a ruby!
Green sapphires are on the rare side and can be an alluring array of yellow-green to medium leaf-green to teal blue-green. These stunners are durable alternatives to emerald engagement rings, given emeralds are brittle.
Let’s take a look at three breathtaking traceable gemstones: an emerald, a garnet, and a tourmaline (not in that order).
GUESS WHO IS WHO OF THE EMERALD HUES?
GEMSTONE A
GEMSTONE B
GEMSTONE C
STAY TUNED TO FIND OUT…
WHY JEWELRY INGREDIENTS MATTER
I talk a lot about why jewelry “ingredients” matter and emerald demonstrates one of the many “facets” of this topic.
THE MOHS SCALE:
EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, TOURMALINE, AND GARNET
Gemstones that are harder than quartz, a 7 on the Mohs Scale, are great options as everyday and engagement rings.
Diamond is the hardest at 10, meaning it is ideal as an engagement ring.
Sapphire is also a gorgeous engagement ring option at 9.
Emerald is on the hard side at 7.5 - 8, but it is brittle because of naturally occurring inclusions.
Tourmaline at 7 - 7.5 and garnet at 6.5 - 7.5 are also good candidates as everyday rings - ideally with a setting that is designed to protect it from accidental bumps with hard surfaces.
All of these would be amazing as cocktail rings!
THE EMERALD-HUES REVEALED… COMING SOON
In the world of EMERALD vs TOURMALINE vs GARNET, which is your favorite?
The most important distinction: Beyond what the market dictates, whatever color, cut or size of stone that is uniquely beautiful to you is what matters most!
As your fine jewelry guide, I can help you acquire empowering fine jewelry that aligns with your values
What to know about ETHICAL GEMSTONES and GOLD to ensure your jewelry is NOT FUNDING CONFLICT
WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLY SOURCED MEAN?
A sample report outlining details of a single Nomad’s gemstone, as well as the history of origin and traceability story.
This is an example of a proprietary provenance report that demonstrates Nomad’s commitment to transparency, trust, and traceability. Beyond the descriptive details about each gemstone, the report discloses the history of the origin and a specific gemstone’s journey to their cutting wheel. Nomad’s developed 4 levels of traceability - from Level 1, acquired through direct “mining partnership”, to Level 4 acquired through a dealer in an “open market” with the origin being determined by a gemstone laboratory.
In the same way that we know where our food is from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?
Responsible sourcing goes beyond ethically or sustainably sourced. This encompasses conflict-free, traceability, protecting people, their skills, and the environment be it land or sea. This is an open, evolving conversation worth having, as we all seek to make choices that align with our values.
As much as possible, the designers in this community do their best to choose jewelry “ingredients” that honor this.
Gemstones can be responsibly sourced or post-consumer recycled (recovered from previously worn jewelry to be reset in a new design).
For precious metals, this can mean using recycled gold - or a step further is mercury-free Fairmined gold.
WHAT IS FAIRMINED GOLD?
As we make ethical choices with Fairtrade wine, food, and fashion, why not the gold in our jewelry? Let’s compare recycled gold versus Fairmined gold…
3 RIVETING JEWELRY Q&As
WHAT GEMSTONE IS A GOOD INVESTMENT?
The one that is uniquely beautiful to you!
Similar to collecting art or cars, invest in what you love while understanding what aligns with your reasonable expectations of a “return on investment”.
Watching high-profile jewelry sales at auction houses will offer an understanding of the market for particular gemstones at the collector level.
Rarity is one of the greatest factors that affect value. Being aware of gemstones that are no longer being mined (or soon to be no longer mined) could be one strategy such as Argyle colored diamonds or Tanzanite.
Spinel can be a beautiful investment because availability can be limited and unreliable. Demand definitely exceeds availability, especially for red and cobalt blue.
Rare garnets can also be alluring investments, such as mandarine (orange) and tsavorite (green). The rarest and most prized is the demantoid garnet for its exceptional fire and brilliance that rivals diamonds.
ARE GEMSTONES STILL BEING FORMED TODAY?
This is such a good question and a complex one to answer.
What I can say is the earth is ever-changing and different gemstone species require different environmental conditions to form.
A current geological study suggests the oldest gemstone material known is Greenland Ruby, forming 3 billion years ago.
GIA Graduate Gemologist® Adrianne Sanogo shared an enlightening article on the ages of diamonds.
The conclusion appears to be that gemstones are eternally being formed, although what is being formed today will not materialize for millions or billions of years.
WHAT IS THE BEST JEWELRY CLEANING SOLUTION?
You already have it at home!
The best cleaning solution is mild dish soap (not detergent) and water with a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth.
Personally, I do not recommend ultrasonic cleaners. They can crack opals, shatter pearls, or damage gemstones that are treated. While it may be safe to clean hard gemstones, such as diamond engagement rings, it can result in loosening prongs over time.
Keep in mind, different gemstones require different wear and care considerations. Among these are soft or brittle gemstones such as emerald, pearl, opal, turquoise, and Tanzanite.
Get the full scoop HERE!
THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE: YOUR FINE JEWELRY GUIDE
I find discerning jewelry that aligns with your values. Beyond gemstone sourcing, this includes private shopping for:
rings
earrings
necklaces
bracelets
responsibly sourced gemstones
Learn more about this white-glove service.