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Gem Buying Guide:

Emerald Buying Guide

Shop Jyotish gemstones like an expert with our Buying Guides.

Emeralds are some of the most complex and enchanting gemstones on the planet. They have colors and properties unlike any other gem type. Emeralds are part of the Beryl family and are characterized by their unique, enchanting green color.

Ideal Color of Emeralds

The ideal color is a very rich green with subtle blue undertones. The more intense the color, the more potent the astrological effect of the emerald. Lighter, minty green stones to have a charming and clean energy that works very well for air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius ascendants) in Jyotish. They are also a great way to get a dose of Mercury without breaking the bank, as the deeper color Jyotish stones are much more rare and expensive.

Ideal Clarity of Emeralds

Emeralds are famous for their elaborate, weblike formations filled with surface-reaching fissures and crystals. They are one of the few “Type III” precious gemstones, meaning that finding emeralds that are completely free of inclusions is technically impossible.

They are often so heavily laden with inclusions they aren’t even transparent! Fortunately, it is possible to find extremely clean, transparent emeralds with enough persistence and careful examination. Only wear emeralds for astrology that fall into this super clean category. The combination of ideal color and clarity commands a much higher price than lighter or more heavily included stones because of their exceptional rarity.

A poor quality, opaque emerald next to a proper Jyotish quality emerald.

Understanding Emerald Treatment

Because of the clarity issues with emeralds, it is standard practice to oil the stones before cutting them and again afterwards as needed. The oil helps cutters to determine the best ways to cut a stone and it also reduces the optical interference from inclusions within the stone.

Unlike treatments from other stones, oiling emeralds doesn’t actually change the chemical composition of the stone in any way, so it’s considered acceptable in moderation for Vedic Astrology. It’s important that the stones contain very limited amounts of oil to attest to the clarity and stability of the gemstone. A very rare and small percent of emeralds are unoiled (approximately less than 0.05%) because of their outstanding clarity. These stones command a premium price and are highly prized in the astrological community and by collectors.

What Size Emerald Should I Buy?

Emeralds are most commonly recommended above 2 carats, but 1 carat stones that are extremely clean with strong color can be very effective astrological stones. Premium quality emeralds are usually found in the 1 to 4 carat range and occasionally larger. 

Why Do Emeralds Look So Included in Your Photos?

Our photographs showcase our gemstones in all their intricate glory, highly magnified to reveal every tiny detail.

Emeralds do have a lot of personality! Their insignificant inclusions are nature’s fingerprints, adding character and authenticity to each stone. So, don’t be alarmed if you spot some minuscule imperfections in our zoomed-in images. We only carry the best quality, highest clarity emeralds possible, and these little flaws are what make each emerald truly one-of-a-kind.

We must admit, though, that emeralds can be camera-shy. In photographs, they might appear less vibrant green than they truly are. But trust us, once you hold one in your hand and witness how it radiates with life in person, you’ll be spellbound.

How Should I Wear My Emerald?

Emeralds can be worn as a ring or a pendant. The traditional Vedic metal for emerald is yellow gold. The finger for Mercury gems is the pinky finger (smallest finger), but many of our customers wear emeralds on their ring finger because it is safer for it.

We recommend setting emeralds into pendants as this is the safest way to wear them. Emeralds are not as durable as diamonds, so extra care should be taken to keep them in good shape.

Can I wear emeralds?

The Vedic rising signs that benefit the most from emeralds are Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, and Capricorn ascendants. Libra and Aquarius ascendants can wear emeralds but should exercise caution when doing so, given Mercury’s lordship of inauspicious houses in their chart. Libra and Aquarius rising people do best with emeralds when Mercury is well-placed in their Jyotish chart, lighter minty-green stones are used (activating the Gemini side of Mercury more than the Virgo side), or if they have very clear intentions for wearing a Mercury gem that they can focus on cultivating with the gemstone.

If you are still unsure if you can wear emeralds, you can request a personal consultation with us here.

You can find our collection of top quality Jyotish emeralds here.

You can read more about emeralds on our blog here.