Emerald Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

emerald engagement ring

Courtesy of Bario Neal/Design by Amelia Manley

Colored gemstone engagement rings have steadily become more popular among brides-to-be, not only for their vibrant colors but also their unique flair. One of our favorites? Emeralds. An emerald's deep-green hue makes it instantly eye-catching, and, just like glimmering diamonds, options are limitless when it comes to settings, cuts, and style. Hues range from bright green to bluish-green, and it pairs beautifully with different types of metals, stones, and settings.

What Is an Emerald?

Emerald is a richly green gemstone belonging to the beryl family of minerals. They are rare and beautiful and serve as the May birthstone.

Whether your tastes are bold and statement-making or subtle and simple, emerald engagement rings come in a wide range of styles to suit all aesthetics and budgets. We talked to jewelry designer Grace Lee about what to look for in an engagement ring and how to care for this colorful gemstone.

Ahead, learn the pros and cons of an emerald engagement ring, why the cut is so important, and why a lower-carat emerald is a great option.

Pros and Cons of Emerald Engagement Rings

If you do spring for an emerald solitaire or center stone, be aware: Emeralds are softer than other stones, making them more fragile to cut. "Green emeralds rate 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness compared to a diamond’s hardness of 10," explains Grace Lee. "While softer than diamonds, emeralds can still be cut and polished into a variety of beautiful shapes by expert cutters and are safe for daily wear."

High-quality emeralds are rarer than diamonds and, therefore, tend to come with a higher price tag. However, since emeralds have a lower density, a one-carat emerald will actually appear larger than a one-carat diamond. 

Emeralds are bright, beautiful, and highly versatile, and they look stunning as center or side stones.

What to Look for in an Emerald Engagement Ring

Thinking green for your engagement ring? Here are a few questions and answers you should know before you look for the perfect stone.

  • How important is the color of the emerald? "I tell clients that color is the most important factor when it comes to green emeralds," says Lee. The consistency of coloring, the tone, and saturation of the green are all factors that can help determine the quality of the emerald. 
  • What should I know about emerald clarity? Most natural emeralds have inclusions (small imperfections known as "jardin," which means garden in French) and fractures or fissures that present as tiny lines within the emerald. These tiny lines don't necessarily detract from the look of the gemstone and can actually add to its overall beauty. Lee notes that an emerald can be cut strategically to ensure the fissures do not come up to the surface and/or corners of the emerald.
  • Why are emeralds sometimes treated with oil? "Oil is commonly used on emeralds to fill in fractures and enhance their clarity," explains Lee. Though oiling is common with these gemstones, it can have an impact on any given stone's price; emeralds that have not been treated with oil are the rarest and therefore more highly priced. Medium and significantly oiled emeralds would be priced much lower. The appearance of heavily oiled emeralds could change overtime, and are therefore on the lower end of the price range.
  • Where should I source my emerald from? "As with all precious gems, I recommend sourcing from a reputable and trusted jeweler or dealer," says Lee. "[Smaller] green emeralds (below a half carat) are not typically accompanied by a certificate but can be certified if you have concerns." Good quality emeralds, especially in larger carat sizes, are generally certified by GRS, Gubellin, and SSEF. If you have any concerns about the quality of an emerald you're considering, it's perfectly acceptable to request a certification from one of these labs.

How to Care for an Emerald Engagement Ring

Although emeralds are safe for daily wear, they are softer than most gemstones and require thoughtful care. Since emeralds are often treated with oil, it's best to avoid exposing your stone to extreme and potentially damaging heat. As for cleaning your engagement ring, Lee notes that gentle soap and warm water, as you would use on most other pieces, is perfectly fine for emerald jewelry. It's important to not overdo it, though; because most emeralds are oiled to some degree, it's best to clean them only as often as necessary. You can also gently massage natural unscented baby oil into your stone from time to time.

And, when in doubt, always feel free to bring your emerald engagement ring back to your jeweler for a professional cleaning.

01 of 09

Grace Lee Emerald Signet Ring

Grace Lee Emerald Signet Ring

Grace Lee

This emerald baguette ring crafted from 14K gold is an utterly stunning choice for the bride-to-be who appreciates a timeless design.

02 of 09

Chroma by Greenwich St. Jewelers Cleo Brazilian Emerald Ring

Chroma by Greenwich St. Jewelers Cleo Brazilian Emerald Ring

Greenwich St. Jewelers

In brilliant green, this emerald ring feels at once modern and timeless. Its polished 18k gold setting lets the stone speak for itself.

03 of 09

Allurez Pear-Shaped Emerald and Floral Diamond Halo

Allurez Pear-Shaped Emerald and Floral Diamond Halo

Allurez  

What could be more beautiful than an emerald showcased in a floral diamond halo? This style feels as fresh and feminine as a garden wedding set in the English countryside.

04 of 09

Yoshinobu Kataoka Inishmore Emerald Ring in Gold

Yoshinobu Kataoka Inishmore Emerald Ring in Gold

Catbird NYC

Understand yet exquisite, this engagement ring is perfect for the bride-to-be who appreciates simplicity. Its dainty band is elegant and really makes the center stone pop.

05 of 09

Wwake Nestled Emeralds in Yellow Gold

Wwake Nestled Emeralds in Yellow Gold

Wwake  

Why have only one emerald when you could have two? This ring with nestled emeralds isn't something you see every day and will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.

06 of 09

Kotlar Collection Harmonie Emerald Ring

Kotlar Collection Harmonie Emerald Ring

Harry Kotlar

Vibrant and showstopping, this Harry Kotlar design is crafted with a breathtaking asscher-cut emerald mounted between two diamonds and a band featuring a double row of diamonette-infused pavé.

07 of 09

Danhov Tubetto Diamond Shank Emerald Ring

Danhov Tubetto Diamond Shank Emerald Ring

Danhov Tubetto  

A deep-green stone and diamond halo make this ring feel instantly classic. This style is offered in 14K and 18K white gold as well as platinum.

08 of 09

Azlee Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring

Azlee Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring

Azlee  

This beautiful piece of emerald jewelry will look stunning on your ring finger and can be engraved for an extra-special touch. Wear yours stacked or solo.

09 of 09

Grace Lee Crown Bezel Emerald Ring

Grace Lee Crown Bezel Emerald Ring

Grace Lee  

For a delicate and elegant emerald engagement ring that you'll love and cherish for years to come, you can't go wrong with this rose-cut emerald set in a 14K gold crown bezel.

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