Pricing on emeralds for custom ring

[jhall557]

My boyfriend and I are designing our engagement ring with a local jeweler. We would really like to do an emerald (I know that's controversial for an engagement ring but we've thought through the pros and cons, I promise.)

This is what the jeweler quoted us for different sizes/grades of emerald. Are these fair prices? The jump in price for the 8x6 from A to AA seems really drastic to me but I'm new to this so I'm not sure what to think...

7x5mm A Emerald Cut Emerald $1895
7x5mm AA Emerald Cut Emerald $3595

8x6mm A Emerald Cut Emerald $2977
8x6mm AA Emerald Cut Emerald $6288

 

[chrono]

What is the treatment?
What is the level of treatment?
What are the criterias for A, AA, etc? I am asking because there is no standardized grading for such terminology. It’ll vary from store to store.

 

[strawrose]

Is that just an estimate? Stones have individual characteristics and you would need to see them in person.

 

[jhall557]

Is that just an estimate? Stones have individual characteristics and you would need to see them in person.

Yes, just an estimate. We're going to look at the stones in person but the rise in cost of $3k for the 8x6 from A to AA just seems like a lot to me...

 

[jhall557]

What is the treatment?
What is the level of treatment?
What are the criterias for A, AA, etc? I am asking because there is no standardized grading for such terminology. It’ll vary from store to store.

All good questions for me to ask! Thank you.

 

[lovedogs]

Yeah, I agree with @chrono that there isn't any definition for A, AA, etc, so make sure that you get all that info before committing. In general, I'd advise buying from a trusted vendor rather than a local jeweler, since lots of them don't have access to quality colored stones.

 

[prs]

Africa Gems sell emeralds in calibrated sizes, and in grades AA and AAA, no A grade apparently.
https://www.africagems.com/emerald-emerald-gemstones.html

I believe their online pricing is full retail, and is as follows:

7x5: AA $1,743 AAA $3,196
8x6: AA $2,564 AAA $4,817

Hope this helps.

 

[chrono]

My guess is that these are likely from a large commercial source such as Stuller, which sells in masses, hence a generic A, AA, AAA etc grading.

 

[lambskin]

I would never buy a colored stone without looking at it. Plus emeralds are mined from various regions of the world that affect price. On top of that treatments and quality of cut are significant factors that can not be assessed on paper.

 

[Anne111]

I'd stay away from anybody who is grading emerald or rubies with A, AA or such. That's like describing a car by 2x6meter or 2.5x7meter. Nonsense and only there to cheat you.