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 It is far from easy to get to the fields where the most beautiful emeralds are found. After difficult discussions with Colombian politicians, our buyers can get closer to the mines. By helicopter, they avoid the looters who wait on the roads.
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The most appreciated stones (and thus the most in demand) are undoubtedly those found in the mine of Muzo. They have an intense green made up of approximately 48% blue and 52% yellow: a dark deep and velvety green. Inclusions are often numerous, and defaults certainly alter the beauty of the stone, but they are still tolerated since flawless specimens of a reasonable size are almost non-existent. As a matter of fact, experts prefer the poetic title " the garden of emeralds " in order to reduce the impact of these imperfections, or rather, impurities of nature. This said, we still have to chose the least frosted specimens: models with inclusions which do not stop the reflections or the passage of the light.
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Shape is an essential element in choosing an emerald.
We need to remember that a rough emerald with
a beautiful dark color may become clearer when
the stonecutter, in shaping it too closely without
regard for the optical axis, may alter the original
color of the crystal.
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On this subject, we should stress that there is neither an angle nor a proportion to take into account (as opposed to the diamond), and that stonecutters all around the world, can give a spark to this material so that its comes alive within their fingers.
When badly cut, an emerald may show a brilliant circumference, but have an empty, glassy appearance on its axis. Emeralds can be cut in any shape, but their hexagonal system of crystallisation favours the so called "emerald cut", rectangular or square with facets.
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In addition, the weight does not have a major
effect on the price of the gem, as it is the case
with diamonds. It is rather the surface area of
the gem that counts. The density of the emerald
is far inferior to that of the three other precious
stones. |
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In other words, a two-carat-emerald
will have a surface area 50% larger than a sapphire
of the same weight, which is cut in the same
proportions.
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To be sure to make
a good investment when buying an emerald, you
need to choose one which has a beautiful green,
with a velvety brilliance without too many inclusions
or fractures (stay away from emeralds with external
hairlines). It should be well shaped and weighing
between 3 and 7 carats. The circumference must
not, ever, have little cracks |
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Contact us for a meeting in our offices from Paris or Antwerp.
We guarantee the wholesale prices of our stones.
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