Synthetic Emerald experience?

[Meowingtons]

I know there's several cutters who offer synthetic emeralds. However, it seems that photos are not great at capturing it's true color or its glow in real life! This makes it very difficult deciding where to purchase the stone from.

@dk168, @Babyblue033, @MakingTheGrade, @elle_71125, I was reading up in the other threads and understand you all have bought synthetic emeralds from Gene and Jeff. Can you share your thoughts or any pics with me? What is its color in real life? Do you get that "glow" from emeralds? Are there any likes/dislikes about the stone you received?

If anyone else has experience with synthetic emeralds please feel free to share! I am trying to learn what I can to make an informed decision.

Thanks!

 

[elle_71125]

I can only speak for myself but it’s damn hard to capture the true beauty of an emerald. I have my lab emerald from Gene and it’s the most delicious green color. It doesn’t glow like my paraiba “glows” but it has a gorgeous intensity. I’ve also visited with another PSers natural emerald and it was equally gorgeous. I don’t think I took any pics or videos of them together but I really should have. What they say about emeralds is totally true, they look so much better in person.

I can’t think of anything I don’t love about my emerald. I wish it was easier to take good pics...yup, that’s it.

Here’s my lab emerald:




Here is the PSer‘s glorious ring. Let me tell you, the color is a thousand times better in real life.

 

[dk168]

@SJEsper sorry, my lab Emerald is still with Jeff, however, this is the pic he sent me next to the Imperial Topaz that he had cut for me for your information.



Attached below is the pic from his FB page that prompted me to ask him to cut one for me:



Hope this helps.

DK

 

[JPie]

This is my 9x7 lab emerald cut by Jeff White. I asked for the rough with more inclusions so it looks more natural. It’s hard to capture the color but it’s a true emerald green without the blue hue of my natural Colombian.

 

[Meowingtons]

Thanks @dk168 and @JPie for the pics! The stone looks gorgeous.

@JPie, your stone and ring looks gorgeous! How does it perform in person compared to your natural emerald? Does it have that glowy/velvety look that emeralds have irl? How do you like it?

 

[JPie]

Thanks @dk168 and @JPie for the pics! The stone looks gorgeous.

@JPie, your stone and ring looks gorgeous! How does it perform in person compared to your natural emerald? Does it have that glowy/velvety look that emeralds have irl? How do you like it?

Thanks! The color saturation of the lab emerald is intense, but it doesn’t have the velvety look that the natural emerald does. I can try to take some side-by-side comparison photos when the sun is back tomorrow.

 

[Meowingtons]

@elle_71125 , your ring looks absolutely STUNNING. I love the fact that your emerald has "visited" another emerald! It looks glowy and velvety in the photo. I am assuming it's the case in person as well! How do you feel it looks compared to the emerald you "visited?" I love the fact that your emerald has visits, lol!



I am thinking of having it cut as an emerald shape and resetting my old 2 ctw round studs on each side as a 3 stone. A part of me likes the light play of rounds compared to say, traps, or emerald cut diamonds (which was what I was thinking of originally). On the other hand, I have never had a ring with different "shapes" (round brilliant and step cut EC) as a 3 stone. I am unsure if I will end up liking it or not.

 

[Meowingtons]

Thanks! The color saturation of the lab emerald is intense, but it doesn’t have the velvety look that the natural emerald does. I can try to take some side-by-side comparison photos when the sun is back tomorrow.

Thanks @JPie, I really appreciate it!

 

[dk168]

@SJEsper personally, I would advise against mixing cuts with diamonds in a 3-stone ring, especially with an EC cut Emerald.
Emeralds do not give the same kind of sparkles as diamonds.
Depending on the size of the Emerald and the diamond side stones, the latter could overwhelm the main stone.
I would advise getting your lab Emerald first, then pair it with your old diamonds to see if they go together before having them set.

All in my own personal opinion and preferences, etc., etc...

DK

 

[elle_71125]

@elle_71125 , your ring looks absolutely STUNNING. I love the fact that your emerald has "visited" another emerald! It looks glowy and velvety in the photo. I am assuming it's the case in person as well! How do you feel it looks compared to the emerald you "visited?" I love the fact that your emerald has visits, lol!



I am thinking of having it cut as an emerald shape and resetting my old 2 ctw round studs on each side as a 3 stone. A part of me likes the light play of rounds compared to say, traps, or emerald cut diamonds (which was what I was thinking of originally). On the other hand, I have never had a ring with different "shapes" (round brilliant and step cut EC) as a 3 stone. I am unsure if I will end up liking it or not.

Visiting with other people’s jewelry is my favorite thing. Why do you think PS holds those meet ups? Lol. I haven‘t been to one but the idea of seeing all that bling in one place...drool!

My emerald was a little more saturated, which is to be expected (considering it’s a lab gem and meant to be “top of the line” in color). They both have that same vivacity and I wouldn’t know the difference with the exception that mine is very clean (and hers was so deliciously massive on my finger).

I have seen a couple three stones that I think fit your description. One point to mention. These are antiques (or made to look antique)...so the diamonds are old cuts, which gives it a different vibe. But I thought you’d like to see them anyway.



This one is from Lang Antiques


Emerald ring on the right.

 

[Meowingtons]

@SJEsper personally, I would advise against mixing cuts with diamonds in a 3-stone ring, especially with an EC cut Emerald.
Emeralds do not give the same kind of sparkles as diamonds.
Depending on the size of the Emerald and the diamond side stones, the latter could overwhelm the main stone.
I would advise getting your lab Emerald first, then pair it with your old diamonds to see if they go together before having them set.

All in my own personal opinion and preferences, etc., etc...

DK

Thanks @dk168, that's also my concern as well - that the shapes and cuts don't "mix" well together. If it weren't for the photos I have seen floating around that @elle_71125 posted I wouldn't even realize such a combination is possible. Of course, I am getting ahead of myself - I do so love to figure out settings because for me it's not so much the center stone, but the overall look of the ring that makes or breaks the whole look. What are your plans for your emerald?

Visiting with other people’s jewelry is my favorite thing. Why do you think PS holds those meet ups? Lol. I haven‘t been to one but the idea of seeing all that bling in one place...drool!

My emerald was a little more saturated, which is to be expected (considering it’s a lab gem and meant to be “top of the line” in color). They both have that same vivacity and I wouldn’t know the difference with the exception that mine is very clean (and hers was so deliciously massive on my finger).

I have seen a couple three stones that I think fit your description. One point to mention. These are antiques (or made to look antique)...so the diamonds are old cuts, which gives it a different vibe. But I thought you’d like to see them anyway.

@elle_71125 , thanks for sharing the photos! Thanks for pointing out the diamonds are old cuts. My old studs are round brilliant, so not sure how that would look. I want a more "classic" look rather than a cocktail ring look hence I am leaning towards 3 stone.I love the proportions of your ring! If you have any more photos or ideas please send them my way!

 

[dk168]

@SJEsper I am most likely to set the lab Emerald as a 3-stone ring with a pair of Moissy step cut traps, something like this inspiration ring that I have already planned for my EC Aqua and Morganite step cut traps cut by Jeff W (the traps are still with him).








DK

 

[JPie]

Video taken outdoors in shade:

Outdoor in sunlight:


Outdoor in shade:


Indoor next to the window:


All pics and video taken with an iPhone XS with no additional processing beyond what the phone does automatically.

 

[Meowingtons]

@JPie, thanks for the video and photos! I have to admit my eye was drawn to your ring, the color and velvety depth of it is mesmerizing.

From what I can see it appears that the lab emerald has this glow, although the natural has a bit more of a glow and deeper velvety look. Is this reflected in real life? My concern is the lab simply doesn't have this deep glowy look I am looking for. That's the reason I fell in love with emeralds in the first place. My natural emerald has this glowy, velvety (some might call hazy) appearance which I love.

 

[JPie]

@JPie, thanks for the video and photos! I have to admit my eye was drawn to your ring, the color and velvety depth of it is mesmerizing.

From what I can see it appears that the lab emerald has this glow, although the natural has a bit more of a glow and deeper velvety look. Is this reflected in real life? My concern is the lab simply doesn't have this deep glowy look I am looking for. That's the reason I fell in love with emeralds in the first place. My natural emerald has this glowy, velvety (some might call hazy) appearance which I love.

I think you might be right about natural emeralds having that velvety glow. The lab has fantastic color saturation, but it’s missing that something extra.

 

[Meowingtons]

Thanks @JPie for your thoughts. I am also wondering if where they got the rough from makes a difference. Based on speaking to several cutters and the pics from them as well as @elle_71125 and @marymm 's lovely emeralds I have seen variations in the velvety glow.

I can't take my eyes off that ring of yours - it's a showstopper!

 

[alene]

I have a lab emerald from Gene. Not sure if it glows, but it’s a gorgeous green, even in low lighting. The only natural emeralds i have are tiny cabs, so it’s hard to compare. It’s getting set with a pair of lab diamond traps, hopefully later this year.

 

[swaye2010]

I have a lab emerald from Gene. Not sure if it glows, but it’s a gorgeous green, even in low lighting. The only natural emeralds i have are tiny cabs, so it’s hard to compare. It’s getting set with a pair of lab diamond traps, hopefully later this year.

Can I ask where you found the lab diamond traps? I would love to update my emerald moissanite with traps to diamonds and a colored stone. Those look like the exact sizes I need.

 

[alene]

Can I ask where you found the lab diamond traps? I would love to update my emerald moissanite with traps to diamonds and a colored stone. Those look like the exact sizes I need.

The traps were custom cut by Ouros Jewels on EBay (they’re also on Etsy). They’re better known here for their moissanite (Golden Bird), but they have a lab diamond shop as well. They can cut just about any shape/size and their prices were very reasonable.

 

[Meowingtons]

@alene, your emerald and traps combo is gorgeous. How do you find the traps, does it perform well? Can't wait to see your ring!

 

[swaye2010]

The traps were custom cut by Ouros Jewels on EBay (they’re also on Etsy). They’re better known here for their moissanite (Golden Bird), but they have a lab diamond shop as well. They can cut just about any shape/size and their prices were very reasonable.

Yes, I forgot about Vijay’s expanded business. I interviewed him last month for the reddit page but I hadn’t seen any of the lab diamonds pop up yet on the boards. He has some great prices for smaller stones that can also be used for side stones at very good prices. Look forward to seeing your completed ring.

 

[alene]

@alene, your emerald and traps combo is gorgeous. How do you find the traps, does it perform well? Can't wait to see your ring!

Thanks so much, SJEsper! The traps are certainly not as sparkly as rounds, but they do have some light return. They seem to pick up all sorts of colors around them, including the green from the emerald, which is pretty neat.

 

[Meowingtons]

Thanks @alene, can't wait to see your ring when it's ready!

 

[dk168]

Hmmm, I did not have a good experience with Golden Bird, not sure if I would try them for stones alone.

DK

 

[sprinklesparkles]

Video taken outdoors in shade:

Outdoor in sunlight:


Outdoor in shade:


Indoor next to the window:


All pics and video taken with an iPhone XS with no additional processing beyond what the phone does automatically.

I cannot get over your e ring.

 

[Mreader]

I'm bumping this thread because I started one this evening as I am in search for a lab emerald that looks as natural as possible - haven't gotten replies yet https://www.pricescope.com/communit...al-and-the-way-they-look-esp-emeralds.267465/ but this thread mentions it. @JPie your stone looks amazing and to me in the pics the ring doesn't look different than the loose lab stone! But when I photograph the lab I just got, it also looks like my natural! I like how it looks better in pictures than irl. Irl I feel like it has a very bright look. I don't know if I am going to keep it and I just ordered from a different company and will compare. Grrr what is it about emeralds that are hard to capture?!

lab:



natural:

 

[worldtraveler101]

Where does one find this elusive Gene and Jeff?

 

[Lovey Lace]

Where does one find this elusive Gene and Jeff?

Jeff: https://www.whitesgems.com/

Gene: https://www.precisiongem.com/LabCreatedGems/LabPrecisionGems.html

I found the former to be super nice and patient, but wait time is much much longer and has a $500 minimum. I would work with him again.

The latter is cheaper than the former, and wait time is shorter. Customer service? You decide. Also, if he happens to have something during his gem drop emails that you like, go for it, but they sell out fast, like within a few minutes, and I don't like to make impulse buys like that. There are many other lapidaries doing custom precision cuts on Etsy, Reddit, and IG who are friendly and also affordable, and they all have hydrothermal emeralds.

 

[dk168]

Also try Gary Braun of Finewater Gems as he offers lab stones including Emeralds.

He is great to work with too and has a lab Emerald listed right now.

2.74 ct Lab-Created Emerald

2.74 ct Lab-Created Emerald

www.finewatergems.com

DK

 

[worldtraveler101]

Also try Gary Braun of Finewater Gems as he offers lab stones including Emeralds.

He is great to work with too and has a lab Emerald listed right now.

2.74 ct Lab-Created Emerald

2.74 ct Lab-Created Emerald

www.finewatergems.com

DK

Thank you.