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Green Diamond Versus Emerald

April 22, 2023

When making reference to the green diamond and the emerald, one is referring to two of the world’s most beautiful stones. Both are truly exquisite and possess unique qualities that make them highly sought after. For those looking for a deeper understanding of these gems, they are distinctive in different ways, with each stone having its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the other. 

In this article, we’ll dive into more information that will help you to get a true understanding of the differences between the green diamond and emerald jewellery in Australia.

 

A Closer Look at the Two

Green diamonds are one of the rarest and most valuable of all diamonds, coming in a range of colours from light yellow-green to intense blue-green. The most famous green diamond is the Dresden Green, a 40.7-carat diamond that is believed to be one of the largest green diamonds found anywhere in the world. The most popular shape for green diamonds is the round brilliant cut because this cut maximises the diamond’s brilliance and natural shine.

Emeralds, on the other hand, are a type of gemstone and not a diamond. They are made from the mineral beryl and are known for their deep green colour. The colour of an emerald also varies from a light yellow-green to an intense blue-green, with the most prized of all being those that have the most vivid and intense green colour. 

What does emerald symbolize? Emeralds are believed to represent fertility and love and bring about good health and prosperity.

 

Origin of Green Diamonds and Emeralds

Green diamonds are formed via an extremely rare phenomenon whereby the diamond is exposed to radiation, which causes certain molecules in the diamond to be replaced by others. Emeralds, on the other hand, are formed from the mineral beryl. Beryl can be found in many different colours, including green, blue, yellow, and pink. Sparkling green emeralds are the most highly cherished.

 

Colour of These Gems

The colour of both green diamonds and emeralds can range from light yellow-green to intense blue-green. Green diamonds tend to have more blue tones in them than emeralds, which tend to have more yellow tones.

The colour of an emerald is determined by its trace elements, such as chromium and vanadium. The higher the concentration of these elements, the more intense the green colour. 

 

Cut Affects Appearance

The cut of a diamond or emerald has a huge impact on its appearance. Green diamonds can be found in many different shapes and cuts, including round, oval, pear, marquise, princess, emerald, and more. The most popular shape for green diamonds is the round brilliant cut because this shape maximises the diamond’s brilliance and fire.

Conversely, emeralds are most often cut in the emerald cut or the oval cut. The emerald cut is a rectangular cut with truncated corners, and the oval cut is a round cut with elongated sides. These cuts are designed to maximise the emerald’s brilliance and fire.

 

Cost of These Stones

Green diamonds are extremely valuable and rare, and this is reflected in the very high prices these stunning gemstones command. Due to their rarity, green diamonds might be priced anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per carat. Emeralds, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per carat.

 

Caring for Your Gemstones

Green diamonds and emeralds are both delicate stones, and it is important to care for them well as an emerald does scratch easily compared to diamonds. Clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild detergent, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials which may damage the stone. It’s also important to store your gemstones out of the way of sunlight and dust. 

 

Final Thoughts

Green diamonds and emeralds are two of the most beautiful and unique gems to make the centrepieces of any contemporary jewellery, yet they are considerably different in their characteristics. Choosing jewellery for yourself or a loved one should be pleasurable and not daunting. Being informed about the differences and the reasons for these differences between the two before setting out to buy either of these exquisite stones will help you feel confident that you’ll make a perfect choice–Holloway Diamonds is ready to help make sure you do just that!

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