Please help with my Emerald E-ring search

[Eggvillan]

I'm shopping for an Emerald engagement ring. I would like an emerald-cut (preferably at least 7mm long) with two small baguette cut diamonds on either side... basically, this: http://www.ross-simons.com/products/486843.html

I dont want to buy from Ross-Simmons or any other big-name jeweler, because i assume that i would be paying too much.

I have found the exact same ring-setting at gensny.com, and have constructed a ring with one of their loose emeralds for about $3500 (which is about my price range)..... But i've recently read bad reviews here about gemsny, so im skeptical

Here is what im talking about from gemsny:
http://www.gemsny.com/emerald-rings/Emerald-And-Diamond-Three-Stone-Ring-R10243EM/
http://www.gemsny.com/emeralds/0.76-Carat-Emerald-Emerald-E10238EC/


i'm not looking to construct a museum-quality piece... i just want something that looks good


I live in Providence, RI - so a trip to Boston would be no problem, and a trip to NYC is do-able, but it would really need to be "worth" it.... but i wouldn't really even know where to go!

(a) is it possible to have a ring like the ross-simmons one for ~$3500 ?
(b) am i correct to assume that i can get a better deal by shopping somewhere other than one of the big-name stores?
(c) should i try to buy stone and setting seperately, or do it all at once, like gemsny?
(d) would anyone like to offer me some advice?!?


thanks, guys (and gals)!

 

[kenny]

Emerald is not a very durable gem for an engagement ring, which is expected to hold up to a lifetime of daily wear and tear.
I'd stick with diamond or sapphire for the E-ring, and get an emerald ring for occasional wear.

 

[Eggvillan]

With all due respect--and with many thanks for your observation--a traditional diamond E-ring simply is not an option.

We have been together for 8 years, and for all 8 of those years, she has repeatedly and consistently said that she wants an emerald E-ring... If i were to present her with a diamond ring, i'm sure she would say yes, but i'm also sure that she would be devastatingly disappointed.

When it comes down to it - the girl knows what she wants, and this is what she wants...


Also - she does not typically wear rings. She wants this one ring that she will wear to be an emerald. We both recognize that an emerald is not as durable as a diamond. Fortunately, we aren't talking about a $5,000 stone here. Presumably, if/when it does break down the road, we will be able to replace it with something comparable or better.


at any rate - any advice on purchasing?

 

[Kismet]

Because both of those jewelers are only showing stock settings, it's tough to say if you can get a better deal elsewhere as you don't really know the quality of the emerald you're getting.

http://www.gemfix.com/emerald.html the emerald in the bottom middle is a bit smaller than what you want but looks pretty and not too included.

I don't know any jewelers in RI, but I can recommend my jeweler in Arlington, MA (TC Jewelers). I've never had them set emeralds for me but they've set zircons for me with no problem.

 

[Eggvillan]

Because both of those jewelers are only showing stock settings, it's tough to say if you can get a better deal elsewhere as you don't really know the quality of the emerald you're getting.

http://www.gemsny.com/emeralds/0.76-Carat-Emerald-Emerald-E10238EC/

This link was kinda hidden under the other - its the emerald that i was thinking of to go with that setting - but its hard to tell just how "see through" this stone is

http://www.gemfix.com/emerald.html the emerald in the bottom middle is a bit smaller than what you want but looks pretty and not too included.

Thanks for the recommendation - how do you think that emerald compared with the one i just linked to above?

I don't know any jewelers in RI, but I can recommend my jeweler in Arlington, MA (TC Jewelers). I've never had them set emeralds for me but they've set zircons for me with no problem.

Do they sell loose stones as well, or just do the settings?


thanks again for the response!!

 

[SB621]

What color emerald are you going for exactly? Also, emeralds can be heavily treated, what treatment are you OK with? Or do you not care at all as long as it is within budget?

 

[kaos1972]

Understand the desire for emerald, but have you considered Tsavorite? If it's the desire for a rare green gemstone, I'd go with Tsavorite over emerald in a minute... And I grew up LOVING emeralds.

http://www.lapigems.com/tsavorite_gem_stone.asp

 

[Kismet]

They're both about the same dimensions but the gemfix one is heavier so I imagine it's deeper. It's possible the gemsny one is windowed but I can't tell from the pictures. The gemsny emerald is a lot cleaner than the gemfix one. The color on the gemsny emerald looks strange. It's quite dark around the edges and bright in the center. It may just be bad photography (or that the distribution of color is really uneven) but I'm guessing they have the stone lit up quite a bit and the actual color is more like edges than the center. The gemfix one says it's been enhanced but no details are given so you'd have to ask about that. The gemsny one says it's been oiled. I'd be more inclined to go with the gemfix one but mainly because I've purchased from them before and have been happy with what I've received.

TC Jewelers may have loose stones (I've never asked) but more likely they'd have to order something from one of their suppliers (maybe stuller).

 

[mercoledi]

Emeralds come in a wide range of depths of color and level of inclusion. The price also varies with the quality, as you probably expect.

I've looked around a bit, and haven't seen any nice emeralds in the size you'd like that would fall within your budget.

For example, these are lovely and in budget, but smaller than you'd like:
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4880
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4705

Recognizing that Lang's is a bit overpriced, to get to the size you'd like in a nice quality emerald is quite a bit more:
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-5016
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4218

Closer to budget and size: http://www.rubylane.com/item/161033-14103/Speaking-Chic-Emerald-Diamond-Ring

And these I just liked and are near your budget but may not be the size and style you prefer. They look to have good color and a lot of presence: http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4840
http://www.rubylane.com/item/413524-585/Lovely-Square-Cut-Emerald-Diamond
http://www.rubylane.com/item/449282-5400/Platinum-Emerald-Diamond-ring

Edited to add one more This is an example of a really lovely emerald in the size you're looking for (although the setting isn't attractive IMO): http://www.rubylane.com/item/518197-RG0412003VR/Vintage-1960s-2-4ct-Emerald

 

[corundum_conundrum]

If she's not a jewelry lover, perhaps you could explain to her that emerald is not really for everyday wear because its liable to chip? Then she could wear the emerald ering on special occasions, and her wedding band daily. I've heard some jewelers recommend the right kind of bezel to protect an emerald--another measure you might consider.

Color and treatment preferences would help. A little small but what about the bottom one:

http://www.spectralgems.net/A-beryl.html

It looks to be good clarity. you'll have to ask about treatment

 

[corundum_conundrum]

(b) am i correct to assume that i can get a better deal by shopping somewhere other than one of the big-name stores?
(c) should i try to buy stone and setting seperately, or do it all at once, like gemsny?

yes to both. You'll get the best deal and the best quality if you buy outside of some of the "big-names." The "big-names" often sell heavily treated stones that look nice initially. I don't think this is because the "big-names" are nefarious--they just have high overhead and mostly trade in diamonds. Gemstones are not as cookie-cutter as diamonds, so because of their lack of knowhow and time they sell heavily treated, superficially nice-looking stones. If you go though them, make sure you have whathever you buy independently certified.

 

[LD]

Personally I adore Emeralds and my mother wore her inherited antique emerald ring every day of her married life. I do need to caveat that by saying that my mother absolutely knew how to care for her rings and the result is that it only has one tiny chip on the side and it's over 100 years old. If your g/f loves Emeralds then a Tsavorite just won't cut it. They look very different and in any event, a Tsavorite is equally as soft and needs to be babied also.

Why am I telling you this? If your g/f has her heart set on an Emerald then she needs to understand the care that is needed and as she doesn't wear rings much I think it would be sensible for her to wear a "play ring" for a month or two to see if she's generally hard on her jewellery or not. This isn't something you know until you start wearing jewellery. For example, I know I'm very light on my jewellery so an Emerald isn't a problem for me - however a fellow forum poster, TL, is hard on hers and consequently we could wear the same ring with very different results.

One other thing you can do, once you know whether she's hard or soft on her rings, is the level of protection you'll need from a setting. Some give more protection than others and since you want this to last a lifetime, it should be a consideration.

Apologies if you know all of the above but just thought I'd mention it.

Edit: Love the design you've chosen but wouldn't buy the Emerald you've linked to. A seller who gives a report made by themselves is worthless. In any event, it doesn't list treatment etc. Try http://www.embassyemeralds.com Josh posts on here and has a very good reputation. Good luck!

 

[Eggvillan]

First of all - i want to thank all of you for your comments and your help. I really appreciate that this community is coming together to offer its knowledge and experience to assist me!

I had just typed out a very lengthy reply that included reference to each of your posts, but i somehow ended up screwing up and losing it.... please forgive me if this reply is a bit less involved:

What color emerald are you going for exactly? Also, emeralds can be heavily treated, what treatment are you OK with? Or do you not care at all as long as it is within budget?

I'm okay with "natural" treatments (oiled) - i dont want resins, and i dont want a lab-created stone. As far as color, i'd prefer darker than lighter... one of the other posters put this link up: http://www.spectralgems.net/A-beryl.html The bottom one is a good color, and the one on the right is ideal (but i recognize that the one on the right is more expensive BECAUSE of its color). I'd be happy with either color.

Understand the desire for emerald, but have you considered Tsavorite? If it's the desire for a rare green gemstone, I'd go with Tsavorite over emerald in a minute... And I grew up LOVING emeralds.

http://www.lapigems.com/tsavorite_gem_stone.asp

Emerald is her birthstone - for her, its more about it being a natural emerald than it being a pretty green stone.

Emeralds come in a wide range of depths of color and level of inclusion. The price also varies with the quality, as you probably expect.

I've looked around a bit, and haven't seen any nice emeralds in the size you'd like that would fall within your budget.

First - i really appreciate you spending the time to look for me. However, while some of those rings are, indeed, quite attractive; i'm pretty set on the style. I want something minimalistic and simple (i.e., no ornate metalwork on the band). I want an emerald-cut emerald flanked by two baguette diamonds. And white gold or platinum.

this one is actually kinda nice, but she doesnt like yellow gold: http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4705

If she's not a jewelry lover, perhaps you could explain to her that emerald is not really for everyday wear because its liable to chip? Then she could wear the emerald ering on special occasions, and her wedding band daily. I've heard some jewelers recommend the right kind of bezel to protect an emerald--another measure you might consider.

Color and treatment preferences would help. A little small but what about the bottom one:

http://www.spectralgems.net/A-beryl.html

It looks to be good clarity. you'll have to ask about treatment

She understands that they can be fragile... We have discussed the possibility of your suggestion (wearing wedding band only), or even the possibility of getting a duplicate ring with lab-created stones for daily wear.

As far as the stone you linked to, see my comments above: it is nice, but i cant tell how much it costs

Apologies if you know all of the above but just thought I'd mention it.

Edit: Love the design you've chosen but wouldn't buy the Emerald you've linked to. A seller who gives a report made by themselves is worthless. In any event, it doesn't list treatment etc. Try http://www.embassyemeralds.com Josh posts on here and has a very good reputation. Good luck!

please dont apologize - i found all of your information to be very helpful! As far as the lack of a report, i noticed that as well, and was equally concerned by it. Not all of their stones are like that. For example, this one looks promising, but there is no picture: http://www.gemsny.com/loose-emerald/0.88-Carat-Emerald-Emerald-E10231EC/

or this one: http://www.gemsny.com/emeralds/0.74-Carat-Emerald-Emerald-E10218EC/ looks great to me, but a bit small. Also, when combined with the setting i posted, its out of my price range (~$4100) In an ideal world, i'd keep saving. But for personal reasons, i'd really like to pop the question within the next few months

EDIT: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=473 this one looks very nice, but its a hair on the small side. Do those of you who are more experienced than myself think that it would fit into the type of setting i am considering?

http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=474 this also looks nice, but it looks "flat" on the bottom... would i need to have any concerns about it fitting in a ring?

 

[corundum_conundrum]

As far as the stone you linked to, see my comments above: it is nice, but i cant tell how much it costs

forgot to mention. You have to email the cutter, Roger Dery, for the price. that's how he roles. His prices are not extravagant.

 

[LD]

EDIT: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=473 this one looks very nice, but its a hair on the small side. Do those of you who are more experienced than myself think that it would fit into the type of setting i am considering?

http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=&products_id=474 this also looks nice, but it looks "flat" on the bottom... would i need to have any concerns about it fitting in a ring?

The Emerald in the top link has very very good colour and is priced because of it. I went back to look at the setting from GemsNY and it appears that they can make the head to fit most sizes so I think this would be ok. The only rider to that is whether they (a) will supply the ring without the centre stone and (b) whether they will adjust to a non-calibrated size. A calibrated size would be 6x4mm. This stone is a little over 6mm but the width is almost spot on the 4mm. I think this would probably fit a 6x4 setting.

The second stone is almost square so I doubt will fit in the setting you're looking at. Also, the stone has a slight hazy look (caused by the jardin). If you're looking for a relatively clean stone this may not be the one for you. I'm not sure this stone has a flat bum - I think that's just the photograph. However, shallow stones can cause issues (as can deep ones) but the important factor is how they look face up. If they look good then ignore the cut! A shallower stone is easier to set than a deep one.

By the way, with respect to the lab reports from GemsNY - I'm not sure I'd want a report from UGL, especially since they give appraisals also. If you decide you're interested in either of those stones I would suggest doing a little more research on UGL. I would also strongly suggest you give Josh a call at Embassy Emeralds. I sound like a shill for them but I'm not! I've just seen some great advice from them and also they worked on a friends stone that really improved it.

 

[chrono]

Since you are interested in oiled only emeralds, know that it cannot be steamed or cleaned in an ultrasonic. It is also not advisable to clean it with soap or jewellery cleaner because the oil can be removed, meaning no washing dishes with it on. Oiling treatment will need to be reapplied after a few years once it dries out, leaving the stone less than pretty.

The other thing not mentioned is the level of treatment. Even for oiling, it can be anywhere from faint to heavily treated. For an e-ring stone, I would go for nothing more than light to moderate, if on a budget. The less heavily treated the better from a durability stand point.

 

[LD]

Since you are interested in oiled only emeralds, know that it cannot be steamed or cleaned in an ultrasonic. It is also not advisable to clean it with soap or jewellery cleaner because the oil can be removed, meaning no washing dishes with it on. Oiling treatment will need to be reapplied after a few years once it dries out, leaving the stone less than pretty.

The other thing not mentioned is the level of treatment. Even for oiling, it can be anywhere from faint to heavily treated. For an e-ring stone, I would go for nothing more than light to moderate, if on a budget. The less heavily treated the better from a durability stand point.

Chrono - is that right with the new oils also? I thought these would last in excess of 10 or more years before it might be needed again?

 

[Eggvillan]

The Emerald in the top link has very very good colour and is priced because of it. I went back to look at the setting from GemsNY and it appears that they can make the head to fit most sizes so I think this would be ok. The only rider to that is whether they (a) will supply the ring without the centre stone and (b) whether they will adjust to a non-calibrated size. A calibrated size would be 6x4mm. This stone is a little over 6mm but the width is almost spot on the 4mm. I think this would probably fit a 6x4 setting.

Well - 2 things. First, it seems like a very standard style setting. I, too, doubt that GemsNY would set an emerald that i bought elsewhere.... but, presumably, i could take it somewhere relatively local and find a similar setting. (or does this sound unlikely?)

Second - how can you tell what a "calibrated size" is? Are you simply referring to standard stone sizes (5x3, 6x4, 7x5, 8x6, etc...)? Or do you mean to say that that particular setting is "calibrated" to fit only 6x4? If so, how can you tell?

The second stone is almost square so I doubt will fit in the setting you're looking at. Also, the stone has a slight hazy look (caused by the jardin). If you're looking for a relatively clean stone this may not be the one for you.

please forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean by the jardin? Also - do you mean to say that the stone would not fit in any similar setting because it is not a "calibrated size"? or just that it probably wouldnt fit in the type of setting i was looking at?


thanks again for the helpful comments!

 

[Eggvillan]

missed the edit window, but i figured out what jardin is... a fancy way of saying "lots of inclusions"

 

[Eggvillan]

would anyone care to offer their opinions on this stone?: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=498

To me, it looks like a great size with some inclusions that could be seen with the naked eye. Im guessing that some of these would "clear up" once in a setting. Doesnt look "cloudy" to me. The color is a bit on the lighter side, but not by too much.

do you think this would go with the type of setting i was talking about? Any other observations from a more experienced eye? Does it seem to be a good price?

Also - when buying from a place like embassy emeralds (where there seem to be no certifications with the stones) - is there a recommended process? i.e. should i take it somewhere to be tested and appraised immediately after receiving it? (any clue where?)

thanks!

 

[Jereni]

Recognizing that Lang's is a bit overpriced, to get to the size you'd like in a nice quality emerald is quite a bit more:
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-5016
http://www.langantiques.com/products/item/30-1-4218

mercoledi, that 2.77ct emerald ring stops my heart! How stunning.

 

[Jereni]

Since you are interested in oiled only emeralds, know that it cannot be steamed or cleaned in an ultrasonic. It is also not advisable to clean it with soap or jewellery cleaner because the oil can be removed, meaning no washing dishes with it on. Oiling treatment will need to be reapplied after a few years once it dries out, leaving the stone less than pretty.

The other thing not mentioned is the level of treatment. Even for oiling, it can be anywhere from faint to heavily treated. For an e-ring stone, I would go for nothing more than light to moderate, if on a budget. The less heavily treated the better from a durability stand point.

Chrono - is that right with the new oils also? I thought these would last in excess of 10 or more years before it might be needed again?

And on that note (not to threadjack), is the recommended cleaning method just water and cloth then? Is there anything more thorough that can be used?

 

[kenny]

would anyone care to offer their opinions on this stone?: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=498

Looks like it has a large window.
A window could be thought of as a hole or window in the stone that lets light straight through so you can see what's beneath the stone.
Light should be reflected instead of passing right through the stone.
If it was cut "better" that would not happen.
Windows are the result of trying to retain weight and ending up with a stone that is too shallow to close the window by forcing the light to bounce back into the stone.

I'd keep shopping.

 

[Eggvillan]

would anyone care to offer their opinions on this stone?: http://www.embassyemeralds.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=498

Looks like it has a large window.
A window could be thought of as a hole or window in the stone that lets light straight through so you can see what's beneath the stone.
Light should be reflected instead of passing right through the stone.
If it was cut "better" that would not happen.
Windows are the result of trying to retain weight and ending up with a stone that is too shallow to close the window by forcing the light to bounce back into the stone.

I'd keep shopping.

Thanks for the analysis - i can see what you mean. I was under the impression that you SHOULD be able to "see through" the stone.... for example - you woldnt want something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Natural-Colombian-Emerald-1-42ct-8x6-EC-I-Medium-Dark-Green-Loose-Stone-/321042177951?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4abf9adf9f

But im guessing you mean that the stone should be "transparent," but that the cut should be such that the angles make the green reflect within the stone (instead of having an open "window" to see through it)




I've been thinking about this emerald thing for over a year now, and its really a terrifying experience to try to buy one! What about ebay sellers? For example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-12-ct-Natural-Emerald-Certified-No-Reserve-/330844997434?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item4d07e6073a

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-03-ct-Natural-Emerald-Certified-No-Reserve-/230898813771?pt=Loose_Gemstones_1&hash=item35c2a44b4b

these look rather too good to be true, right? what's the catch?

 

[Kismet]

But im guessing you mean that the stone should be "transparent," but that the cut should be such that the angles make the green reflect within the stone (instead of having an open "window" to see through it)

You are exactly right about the cut. Although I wouldn't say that stone is windowed. The pictured Kenny posted shows the stone at a bit of an angle and you really can only judge if a stone is windowed if you're viewing it straight on. If you're worried about it, I'd ask the seller if it is.

 

[LD]

Ok several things that I hope will help ...............

Jardin = this is the name for inclusions in an Emerald. You EXPECT to see inclusions in Emeralds which is why they have the lovely name of Jardin! If an Emerald is clean, it's either NOT an Emerald OR it's going to be reflected in the price!

Calibrated size = the standard size for settings ie 6x4, 7x5, 10x8 etc. Some gems are cut and are calibrated to these sizes also, most aren't. There are some settings that you can't compromise on having a stone that is bigger or smaller. For example, in the setting you've chosen, you will probably get away with a stone that is near to 6x4 BUT that depends on the depth of the stone, the length of the prongs that the setting comes with and how close the side stones are to the central basket. A good skilled jeweller would be able to make a stone slightly bigger or smaller fit but that's not the case with all settings. For example, a tension setting or rub over setting doesn't have any tolerance. If you have your heart set on this particular setting then you need to ask GemsNY whether they sell it without the central stone - some don't and you have to buy everything from them so it's worth checking.

Windows in Emeralds = If you have a sought after stone, that is prized for its colour, then retention of weight helps with the selling price SO you will see cuts that may show a window. You should never be able to see right through a stone because it has to reflect the light back to your eye BUT there is something called a tilt window. This is when the gem is looked at at an angle and not head on. Due to facet placement you may see what looks like a window but it isn't. A tilt window is not something to worry about. Please take some time and read the thread I started at the top of this part of the forum because it explains it a bit more and has some photos so you can distinguish what is/isn't a window. In the link to the Emerald you've shown, there are no pictures that are exactly head on (which is the only way to judge a window). The photos show a tilt window and hint at the possibility of a small window. Small windows, with a clever setting may close up. With Emeralds, unfortunately you will find lots with windows as good colour trumps the cut for the weight. Definitely give Josh a call and ask him about that particular Emerald. I'm sure he'll give you an honest opinion and steer you to one that may be better for you if this isn't the one.

Ebay and Emeralds - there are good and bad sellers on there BUT personally I'd never buy an Emerald from Ebay. Why? Because there are so many simulants/synthetics out there, not to mention composite Emeralds and usually the return period doesn't allow for you to send to a lab and have the gem appraised. Of course, there are exceptions! However, since this is for an e-ring and you clearly care about quality I would urge you to stay away.

 

[LD]

Here are some photos that I hope will help.

The first one is an Emerald set in yellow gold. The colour is ok and the size is good but you can see that it has a window - ie you can see a blank space in the middle that should have colour in it!

The second one is an untreated Emerald that's over 100 years old - so it's definitely not precision cut! You can see that it radiates green throughout the stone. No worries about a window on this one although the cut is not superb!

The third photo is an Emerald that I picked up relatively cheaply several years ago. I bought it because of it's size BUT it has lots of jardin annd it's a lighter green than the "best" you see. However, at arm's length, you don't notice the jardin and the colour is all you see (see the fourth photo). When you're looking at photos of gems, don't forget you're seeing highly magnified versions so please do take that into account.

 

[iLander]

LD has some excellent advice there, as she always does (Hi LD! Hope this week is better for you) so please read it all carefully.

Once you find a stone, you can have it set by IDJewelry in NYC, they will do an excellent job. They will source the finest side stones for you, they are sticklers for cut and quality. I, and others on PS, have had good experiences with them. They use these people for their settings;

http://www.uniquesettings.com/products/engagement_rings?ref=55

Your ring will be cast to order, so you can specify platinum, 18K, whatever. The code to reading this catalog is the section that says "Additional stones" lists the size of your stone. You can also click on the tab that says "Available Sizes" and usually the last number is the stone size for your emerald. You want to be within .5 mm for proper fit of the center stone. Ask IDJ for claw prongs, it's well worth the little extra $$.

I like the Gemfix emerald selection, myself.

I would also email Precision Gem and Master cut gems and see what they have in the back of the safe. I know Jerry at Gemart used to cut for an emerald mine owner (he does some AMAZING cuts). The amethyst on this page would look awesome on an emerald http://www.gemartservices.com/newstuff.htm . You might want to email him as well.

 

[chrono]

LD,
My understanding that even with the very best oil used, in this case cedarwood which is now synthesized and rarely 100% natural, at best, the life cycle for re-oiling is about 10 years if the quality of the emerald is very fine. The downside to oiling is its impermanence and discolouration to a brownish orange over time. The caution with oiling is to be sure that no dyes are added to the oil as well. Not every vendor discloses this either. This is why I would stay away from eBay vendors and do not accept any appraisals or certification done by the vendor. It is best to have a reputable and independent lab like AGL verify treatment.

Jereni,
Yes, just warm water and a soft cloth is best used to clean emeralds that have been oiled.

 

[LD]

LD,
My understanding that even with the very best oil used, in this case cedarwood which is now synthesized and rarely 100% natural, at best, the life cycle for re-oiling is about 10 years if the quality of the emerald is very fine. The downside to oiling is its impermanence and discolouration to a brownish orange over time. The caution with oiling is to be sure that no dyes are added to the oil as well. Not every vendor discloses this either. This is why I would stay away from eBay vendors and do not accept any appraisals or certification done by the vendor. It is best to have a reputable and independent lab like AGL verify treatment.

Jereni,
Yes, just warm water and a soft cloth is best used to clean emeralds that have been oiled.

Chrono that's interesting but some oils (in the past) have dye added to stop the discolouration AND without a lab report it's impossible to know whether an Emerald has had a colourless oil or a more invasive one. I'm not sure if (when) the dyed oil dries out whether it leaves a similar brown/white stain. I'm genuinely interested in this (not trying to be argumentative) because as you know I have a number of Emeralds (one that is probably untreated) but the others I'm pretty sure have been oiled. None have needed re-oiling and some are over 20 years. Okay, mine may be the exception but I'm not so sure that re-oiling is always necessary. I'll do a little research to see what I can find and let you know.

BTW I wouldn't buy an Emerald off Ebay either!!!!