A look inside the secret world of emeralds at Duffs Jewellers Geelong

When it comes to timeless elegance and sophistication in jewellery, emeralds hold a special place. Duffs Jewellers in Geelong invites you on a journey into the captivating world of emeralds, delving into their origins, colours, and the significance of the renowned engagement ring "emerald-cut." Discover the artistry behind custom-made jewellery featuring emeralds and the beauty they bring to engagement ring designs and earrings.

Considered one of the “big three” precious gems alongside sapphires and rubies, emeralds come in a variety of shades and share the same chemical composition as aquamarine and morganite, showcasing a rich spectrum of colours and captivating hues.

Watch our new video on Youtube to learn more about emeralds from our Geelong jewellers.

Emeralds have captivated humans for thousands of years. Cleopatra was often seen dripping in emeralds, and the pharaohs were buried with them. Their emerald colour was considered sacred, associated with fertility and eternal life.

Emeralds get their colour from trace elements of other minerals entering the crystal when it’s being formed. The brightest and clearest emeralds are typically found in Colombia, while Brazil and Zambia produce emeralds that are more on the darker side.

Wondering about the price of emeralds?

Emeralds are generally less expensive than rubies and sapphires, but due to their rarity, these precious gems are now giving diamonds a run for their money.

Find out more about emerald pricing from Duffs Jewellers.

Mother nature’s “Little Garden”

Emeralds are typically fairly “included”, with a unique pattern of marks that form during the crystallisation process. This is often referred to by the French term “jardin” or “garden” because they often look like a little garden.

Oiling emeralds to improve their appearance is a common industry practice, according to Ben Duff: “Most natural emeralds are actually treated with cedar oil, which is soaked into the stone to disguise the garden look a little, making it look cleaner and improving the colour.”

Explore further insights into emerald inclusions.

How the emerald cut got its name

The “emerald cut”, characterised by cropped corners and a long rectangular shape, dates back to the 1500s. Stonecutters were accidentally taking the edges and corners off when cutting the emeralds.

Eventually they realised that the shape enhanced the look of the stone and “emerald cut” was born. It is now a popular cut for diamonds and other gems, so that’s why you see so many engagement rings with emerald cut diamonds.

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