Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl and are coloured green by small amounts of chromium. Although emeralds rate highly on Moh’s scale at 7.5-8, they are generally highly included and so their resistance to breakage is considered to be poor.
Emeralds are graded like diamonds by the four C’s of connoisseurship: Colour, Cut, Clarity and Crystal, whereas with other gemstones the most important factor is colour. An emerald’s crystal (or transparency) is equally important. A really good emerald must have a good colour, as well as a good transparency.
The fine jewellery auction which will be held within our quarterly fine sale on 3rd July 2013 at the Exeter Saleroom in Okehampton Street includes some choice pieces assembled by our jewellery department.
Amongst these, there is an emerald and diamond mounted pear shaped pendant (FS19/151), which has a central pear shaped emerald measuring approximately 14.5mm long x 10mm wide in a rub over setting, within a surround of brilliant cut diamonds.
An emerald and diamond pendant (FS19/151)
This stunning piece of jewellery is estimated to fetch between £1,500 and £2,000 when it goes under the hammer.
Also within the same sale, there is an emerald and diamond mounted oval brooch (FS19/155), with central emerald cut emerald within a petal surround of old brilliant cut diamonds in millegrain settings.
Emerald and diamond mounted brooch (FS19/155)
This delicate brooch carries a pre-sale estimate of £1,200-£1,500.
