How Much Does an Emerald Ring Cost?

Are you mesmerised by the beauty of emeralds and want to buy a ring adorned with this gemstone? You are not alone! It’s no secret that emeralds are precious gems. Their rarity and lush-green hue make them one of the most sought-after jewels in the world. But they also make emeralds a lot more expensive than other gems. This brings us to the main question – how much does an emerald ring cost?

You can get an emerald ring for as low as $250 to $500, but many factors are responsible for the final cost.

So before you set out to buy one, here are a few things you should know.

Factors That Determine the Cost of an Emerald Ring

1. Quality of the Gemstone

When choosing the ring, the emerald’s quality grade will make all the difference; in terms of looks and price. Unlike diamonds which are naturally clear and sparkling, emeralds have mossy green inclusions called Jardin. You’d be surprised to know that emeralds are prized for their inclusions by gemstone lovers. However, these lush-green gems are usually oil-treated to make the inclusions less visible. This means if an emerald is naturally clear and displays a uniform colour, its price will increase dramatically. The colour also plays a significant role in determining the quality and value of an emerald. Vivid green emeralds are more expensive than those that are light in colour.

2. Rarity

Like the aquamarine and morganite, emeralds too belong to the beryl family. So, what makes them so expensive and precious, you ask? Like most gemstones, emeralds are born in the depths of the earth, where beryl can be found in its pure and colourless form. However, if a tiny amount of chromium or vanadium enters the composition during the formation period, a beautiful green emerald is formed. Since this combination is unusual and requires the presence of such rare elements, it only takes place in limited locations on earth. This makes emeralds rare, precious, and therefore expensive.

3. Origin

Did you know emeralds were first mined in 3000 BC in Egypt? Most of these mines were owned by Cleopatra, whose love for emeralds knew no bounds. Today, Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil are the top three sources for emeralds. Interestingly, more than 50% of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia; they are also considered the best in quality and therefore priced higher. Since the Colombian mines are almost depleted, emeralds are becoming increasingly rarer.

4. Setting Costs

While wondering how much does an emerald ring cost, take into consideration the setting too. Emeralds are relatively durable stones; they have a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means they are not as tough as the other precious gems and can chip or get scratched without proper care. Choosing a sturdy setting is one of the best ways to protect your emerald. Metals like gold and platinum are great options as they are tough and safeguard the stone from damage. Gold is more expensive than silver but far more affordable than platinum – one of the strongest and most expensive metals available today.

That’s not all! All the above-mentioned factors will also be applicable when determining the cost of any other type of emerald jewellery, including emerald earrings, pendant necklaces and bracelets.

Did You Know?

Emeralds weigh a lot less than diamonds. Therefore, a 1-carat emerald will be larger than a 1-carat diamond! So you get more sparkle for your money. This fact makes it the perfect promise ring for her.