Emerald cabochon - does this inclusion pose structural problems?

[Pomelo]

Hi all, please can I tap into your collective wisdom?

I’ve been low-key looking for a sizeable emerald cabochon for a couple of years now. Given budget constraints, I’m okay to compromise on colour and clarity - as long as it means I have a big gum drop on my fingers

This cab has tickled my fancy but it has a large black inclusion on one edge. It’s also being sold abroad so I won’t have the opportunity to see it in person.

Please can I ask whether you think it poses a structural issue?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Autumn in New England]

That is a rutile or schorl (black tourmaline) inclusion, and it poses no threat at all. It's actually kind of cool, because you can see a well-defined point on the crystal. As long as the optics don't bother you face up, it's perfectly fine, structurally speaking.

 

[LilAlex]

I trust @Autumn in New England on the (lack of) structural significance. That is a big honkin' inclusion, though. True, it is a crystal and kind of cool but almost in a fly-in-amber sort of way. It would be a deal-breaker for me unless it were an original Deco piece, for example. And I would want some professional reassurance on the degree of treatment.

OTOH, as the purchaser of my share of gumdrops, I understand the allure and the constraints of a price-point! (Not sure anyone in my family or social circle shares my fascination, though!)

 

[Pomelo]

That is a rutile or schorl (black tourmaline) inclusion, and it poses no threat at all. It's actually kind of cool, because you can see a well-defined point on the crystal. As long as the optics don't bother you face up, it's perfectly fine, structurally speaking.

Thank you @Autumn in New England that’s great to know! I’m off to Google rutile / schorls now
Re: optics, usually I’m not one to shy away from inclusions - and I think it’s kinda cool that you think the well-defined point is cool too!

I trust @Autumn in New England on the (lack of) structural significance. That is a big honkin' inclusion, though. True, it is a crystal and kind of cool but almost in a fly-in-amber sort of way. It would be a deal-breaker for me unless it were an original Deco piece, for example. And I would want some professional reassurance on the degree of treatment.

OTOH, as the purchaser of my share of gumdrops, I understand the allure and the constraints of a price-point! (Not sure anyone in my family or social circle shares my fascination, though!)

Thanks for your thoughts @LilAlex , your and Autumn’s comments have made me consider the inclusion’s effect on optics more deeply - and maybe I just haven’t seen enough emerald cabs IRL to know whether the inclusion would bother me!

This looks like the inclusion at its worst front-on angle…




- - -

ETA a wider discussion: I wonder why the cutter didn’t remove the schorl from the emerald? As it’s right on the edge of the stone, it wouldn’t have made a huge difference to carat weight?

 

[Autumn in New England]

ETA a wider discussion: I wonder why the cutter didn’t remove the schorl from the emerald? As it’s right on the edge of the stone, it wouldn’t have made a huge difference to carat weight?

Removing that crystal may have affected the result more than we would initially assume. And size/weight is king with respect to the lapidary's goal (unless we're talking about a precision cut). Inclusions also tend to be more acceptable in cabs than faceted gems, so that's something the cutter would consider as well. This emerald does have fabulous color and glow though, so I can see why you were drawn to it. Still, it can't hurt to take another look around and see if something similar, but a little cleaner strikes your fancy. Good luck!

 

[Crimson]

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.n

 

[LilAlex]

I just want to pull it out with tweezers like a splinter

 

[lovedogs]

I think the inclusion is kind of neat. It wouldn't bother me, to be honest

 

[Pomelo]

Removing that crystal may have affected the result more than we would initially assume. And size/weight is king with respect to the lapidary's goal (unless we're talking about a precision cut). Inclusions also tend to be more acceptable in cabs than faceted gems, so that's something the cutter would consider as well. This emerald does have fabulous color and glow though, so I can see why you were drawn to it. Still, it can't hurt to take another look around and see if something similar, but a little cleaner strikes your fancy. Good luck!

Very interesting, thank you @Autumn in New England!

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.n

Minerva is the queen! I’ve mostly been looking online as I haven’t really found anyone with a decent supply of larger sized cabs, but to be honest it’s not been a super active hunt for me - I’m more seeing things by chance.

I don’t know if it’s the angle but that 32.22ct in the bottom right hand section is divine…!

 

[Pomelo]

I just want to pull it out with tweezers like a splinter

Hahaha like an annoying chin hair

I think the inclusion is kind of neat. It wouldn't bother me, to be honest

Thanks @lovedogs ! I do think it’s kinda cool, but I’m not sure if it’s a novelty or will start to bother me in the long run…!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Ooh, @Pomelo I love big gumdrops too. I think cabochons are so underrated. I enjoy staring into them. The black inclusion makes me think of the lines in trapiche emeralds. I find it quite cool.
It is such fun to be looking for an emerald cabochon. It the classic emerald of lore. I must say that although we live in Jewel land, emerald cabs are not so easy to find. Have you been looking online or in stores?
For entertainment here are sugarloafs and cabs - I took the photo at Jewellery and Gem World at SG expo in 2022.

I want to eat that bottom left one...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I do t think that would bother me. I would see it as the reason I could afford such a large and beautifully colored emerald. The compromise is well worth it. Adds visual tension.

 

[Pomelo]

@lovedogs Ooh visual tension is a great phrase! Love the enablement haha

 

[Crimson]

Minerva is the queen! I’ve mostly been looking online as I haven’t really found anyone with a decent supply of larger sized cabs, but to be honest it’s not been a super active hunt for me - I’m more seeing things by chance.

I don’t know if it’s the angle but that 32.22ct in the bottom right hand section is divine…!

I got Minerva by chance, too. The jewellery store staff were kind to save her for me. It was one of those, “I have something to show you” moments with magic hidden doors and drawers being opened. I have come to believe that one never knows what is hidden in jewellery stores!
Ah, yes I think it is the light. The 32.22 looks much brighter than the rest, but it’s also the one with the lowest (But still high ) price! It is not old mine Muzo green, but just green as you can see from the tag.
In SG there is a shop,(which I have never visited) called Windsor which claims to have the largest selection of emeralds - might be worth a visit if you are near Scotts Road?

I want to eat that bottom left one...

Seems you and @Pomelo both! I have never felt I wanted to eat Minerva. Maybe she is too precious to me

I love her more than this other ring. I guess I just love cabs.

 

[stracci2000]

I think the inclusion is beautiful and interesting!

 

[Pomelo]

Hello everyone, I’m coming back about another emerald cab I’ve seen (online only, 9ct).

I decided to rule it out because of the many speckled inclusions but wanted to ask: why is it that the cab’s edges go black in the top right hand picture? The seller said it’s because of the environment (I assume dark walls?), but I’ve not seen this before in other photos of cabs?

Shamelessly tagging @Autumn in New England and @Crimson for your eyes and thoughts please

 

[Starstruck8]

Hello everyone, I’m coming back about another emerald cab I’ve seen (online only, 9ct).

I decided to rule it out because of the many speckled inclusions but wanted to ask: why is it that the cab’s edges go black in the top right hand picture? The seller said it’s because of the environment (I assume dark walls?), but I’ve not seen this before in other photos of cabs?

Shamelessly tagging @Autumn in New England and @Crimson for your eyes and thoughts please

That's pretty common in cabs. Here is an extreme example - see my comment for an explanation:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/darker-edge-“rim”-on-garnet-chips.276492/post-5200926

I haven't tried to ray-trace the emerald, but you can see that in all four pics, there is a darkish area on the lit side and a lighter area on the unlit side. In the top right pic, the lighting seems 'smaller' (i.e. from a narrower angle, viewed from the stone) and more contrasty. This would lead to greater light-dark contrast.

This is why I think that the best cabs are not the glassy clean ones, but those that have the right sort and density of inclusions and micro-inclusions. The scattered light 'fills in' the darker patches. It's this that makes top-quality jadeite so magical.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

No useful information but can I say that I’m totally tickled that you’re going for these giant stones!!! They feel sooooooo nice to wear!!!

 

[Crimson]

Hello everyone, I’m coming back about another emerald cab I’ve seen (online only, 9ct).

I decided to rule it out because of the many speckled inclusions but wanted to ask: why is it that the cab’s edges go black in the top right hand picture? The seller said it’s because of the environment (I assume dark walls?), but I’ve not seen this before in other photos of cabs?

Shamelessly tagging @Autumn in New England and @Crimson for your eyes and thoughts please

@starstruck has answered!
I would add that there is nothing like seeing the cab for yourself. Since you’ll be at Hong Kong show, you’ll see many cabs!

 

[Pomelo]

That's pretty common in cabs. Here is an extreme example - see my comment for an explanation:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/darker-edge-“rim”-on-garnet-chips.276492/post-5200926

I haven't tried to ray-trace the emerald, but you can see that in all four pics, there is a darkish area on the lit side and a lighter area on the unlit side. In the top right pic, the lighting seems 'smaller' (i.e. from a narrower angle, viewed from the stone) and more contrasty. This would lead to greater light-dark contrast.

This is why I think that the best cabs are not the glassy clean ones, but those that have the right sort and density of inclusions and micro-inclusions. The scattered light 'fills in' the darker patches. It's this that makes top-quality jadeite so magical.

Thank you for the detailed explanation, and also the very useful advice to look for scattered/micro-inclusions!

I think it also helps explain why I think some of the icy jade looks better than glassy jade, but I couldn’t explain why!

 

[Pomelo]

No useful information but can I say that I’m totally tickled that you’re going for these giant stones!!! They feel sooooooo nice to wear!!!

Hehehe I am learning from the best masters here on PS

@starstruck has answered!
I would add that there is nothing like seeing the cab for yourself. Since you’ll be at Hong Kong show, you’ll see many cabs!

I can’t wait!! Just trying to train my eyes a little bit before the show itself so I’m as educated as possible before making a decision

 

[Odyssey44]

OOh, Pomelo, please report back on the Hong Kong Show! Pictures would be very appreciated so we can live vicariously through you. I have just started to look at emeralds and it is a tough world to feel any competence in.

Also @Autumn in New England has not been around lately. I miss her and hope she is ok. Hopefully she is off enjoying an exotic locale somewhere and will come back to us soon.

Also, too much??

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

OOh, Pomelo, please report back on the Hong Kong Show! Pictures would be very appreciated so we can live vicariously through you. I have just started to look at emeralds and it is a tough world to feel any competence in.

Also @Autumn in New England has not been around lately. I miss her and hope she is ok. Hopefully she is off enjoying an exotic locale somewhere and will come back to us soon.

Also, too much??

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Omg I saw this and thought of Pomelo too!!!

I reckon emeralds are the one stone where you can just go absolutely, ridiculously big. They are great value for that!

Just a sketchy photo of mine on the metro

 

[Crimson]

OOh, Pomelo, please report back on the Hong Kong Show! Pictures would be very appreciated so we can live vicariously through you. I have just started to look at emeralds and it is a tough world to feel any competence in.

Also @Autumn in New England has not been around lately. I miss her and hope she is ok. Hopefully she is off enjoying an exotic locale somewhere and will come back to us soon.

Also, too much??

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Glad you are looking for emeralds too, @Odyssey44. I find them challenging. I was lucky to have had guidance from some high end European jewellers and a fab B2B emerald supplier before I bought Minerva. I took a long time to decide. By comparison, I found it easier to buy jadeite.

Hmm, this Bayco emerald cab shows that size isn’t everything. It is huge but not beautiful. No glow, the colour isn’t top notch and the inclusions are messy. I like Bayco but this isn’t one of their best.

Re: Hong Kong, I will be getting updates from various jewellers too. Should be fun!

 

[RRfromR]

Me too me too. I love all cabs and emeralds.
I'd have to keep my kids and husband at arm's length while wearing one, they break EVERYTHING and I can't imagine something more delicate than an emerald cab.
I love this one

Vintage Edwardian Era Cabochon Cut Colombian Emerald Ring Gia - Etsy

This Engagement Rings item by HeirloomJewelers has 141 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Montgomery, AL. Listed on Aug 1, 2025

www.etsy.com

 

[Pomelo]

OOh, Pomelo, please report back on the Hong Kong Show! Pictures would be very appreciated so we can live vicariously through you. I have just started to look at emeralds and it is a tough world to feel any competence in.

Also @Autumn in New England has not been around lately. I miss her and hope she is ok. Hopefully she is off enjoying an exotic locale somewhere and will come back to us soon.

Also, too much??

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Thanks! Haha I’d have to see on-hand shots to decide whether the Bayco is too big

Omg I saw this and thought of Pomelo too!!!

I reckon emeralds are the one stone where you can just go absolutely, ridiculously big. They are great value for that!

Just a sketchy photo of mine on the metro

Yesss! I love that you rock big fabulous jewels on the metro!! If you don’t mind me asking, what’re the dimensions of your emerald?

Glad you are looking for emeralds too, @Odyssey44. I find them challenging. I was lucky to have had guidance from some high end European jewellers and a fab B2B emerald supplier before I bought Minerva. I took a long time to decide. By comparison, I found it easier to buy jadeite.

Hmm, this Bayco emerald cab shows that size isn’t everything. It is huge but not beautiful. No glow, the colour isn’t top notch and the inclusions are messy. I like Bayco but this isn’t one of their best.

Re: Hong Kong, I will be getting updates from various jewellers too. Should be fun!

Very sage advice, @Crimson. I agree that the Bayco stone isn’t the best / doesn’t glow, but I also wonder what the price difference would be if it did!

Just wondering if you have a post on what you found most difficult about buying emeralds, and what you learned from the professionals?

I’ve been wanting an emerald for years and tried on a few at auction but most of them are faceted. And many times my budget haha

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Pomelo 15.50×12.30×8.30 mm at 12+ carats

They are such good value when it comes to size!

I got confused with the Bangkok show and the HK show. BK show was happening and I was so disappointed that we didn’t hear from you until I realised it was the wrong show!

Can I pick your brain about China? What’s the CS situation like there? I know you have access to crazy amounts of jadeite but what about CS and pearls? Is it a “thing” over there too?

 

[Crimson]

Thanks! Haha I’d have to see on-hand shots to decide whether the Bayco is too big


Yesss! I love that you rock big fabulous jewels on the metro!! If you don’t mind me asking, what’re the dimensions of your emerald?


Very sage advice, @Crimson. I agree that the Bayco stone isn’t the best / doesn’t glow, but I also wonder what the price difference would be if it did!

Just wondering if you have a post on what you found most difficult about buying emeralds, and what you learned from the professionals?

I’ve been wanting an emerald for years and tried on a few at auction but most of them are faceted. And many times my budget haha

I’ll have to look for that post . Here are few of most helpful lessons I learnt. Numbers 1-3 are courtesy of Alexander Laut who was very kind to me.
1. No oil doesn’t mean no resin.
2. Always get an emerald re-tested before you buy it, If the cert is just a few months old, that might be OK but anything older is not acceptable. This is related to point 3.
3. Emeralds can be cleaned of oil, tested and treated with oil or resin post testing.
4. Ideally, you should compare your shortlisted emerald with other emeralds, side by side. Don’t buy it standalone unless you are very confident of your judgment.
5. Training one's eyes is vital. I learnt to tell the difference between Vivid Green (Muzo) and regular Vivid Green.

Just for comparison with the Bayco stone, here is an Columbian emerald cab pendant that was part of my education. Nice colour, evenly distributed but with low translucency and very little glow. The supplier told me, “This is big, but lower quality.” They were smart to make it a pendant.

 

[Crimson]

Btw I love cabochons. Don’t let anyone tell you that cabs are inferior or expect that they must cost less than faceted stones . They have ruled for ages and have a timeless appeal.

Cabochons: A Love Affair

Renowned high jewellery, rare gems specialist - yellow diamonds, fancy colour diamonds, vintage, bridal, gentlemen’s jewels. Guardians of family legacies for half a century, creating timeless pieces worthy of collection. Discover our collections.

www.ronaldabram.com

Also on Ronald Abram - two emeralds, one cab and one faceted. About the same size, about the same price.-

 

[Pomelo]

@Pomelo 15.50×12.30×8.30 mm at 12+ carats

They are such good value when it comes to size!

I got confused with the Bangkok show and the HK show. BK show was happening and I was so disappointed that we didn’t hear from you until I realised it was the wrong show!

Can I pick your brain about China? What’s the CS situation like there? I know you have access to crazy amounts of jadeite but what about CS and pearls? Is it a “thing” over there too?

I need a mind-blown emoji for your emerald!

I’m quite new to CS in China. I’ve added a few sellers on WeChat but haven’t been to any stores in-person. In malls, you either see jade (both fei cui and nephrite) or gold, sometimes pearls but rarely CS.

There’s a decent selection of pearls and esp freshwater, as you can imagine. I haven’t been to Zhuji where something like 80% of the world’s FW are produced and processed (don’t quote me on that, but it’s a huge amount!) but there’s a wholesale pearl market in Hongqiao Beijing with a decent selection. I haven't been back since getting some baroque akoya in Japan though so haven’t had a chance to compare the high lustre FWs vs akoya.

Tbh, I’m a bit confused by pricing of CS in China. For example, the 9ct Zambian can I showed earlier (photo reattached) is around 3.5k USD for minor oil and vivid green designation (but by GUILD, most CS that I’ve seen comes with Chinese certs only). That feels low to me? Or the quality just isn’t high enough?


Similarly, a 7ct tsav cab I enquired about in another thread is around 3k USD. Again, that feels very low? But again, local cert saying it’s a tsav without any extra info.

Tsav are top pics, jadeite bottom pic. The tsav seller refused to send me a video as she said the tsav videos badly, which probably means it’s not as vibrant irl