The price range of emeralds is very large, ranging from under £1 pound per carat to many thousands of pounds per carat, depending primarily on colour, but also on brilliance and clarity. Large, brilliant clear emeralds are very rare and expensive, in fact any clear emerald is quite scarce, regardless of size. In 2000, auctioneers Christies sold a 10 carat emerald for over $1 million, equal to over $100,000 per carat. Like many stones, the per carat price of fine quality emerald escalates rapidly with size. For example, a recent price guide lists a fine quality, 3 carat Colombian stone as six times more valuable than three equivalent quality 1 carat stones. ... Value factors hinge largely on color with nuances of saturation and hue affecting price to a significant degree. The most desirable color is a slightly bluish green in a medium dark tone with strong to vivid saturation. Clarity is important, but inclusions are tolerated more in this variety than virtually any other gem. Top quality, unenhanced stones, (with certification,) can bring as much as 50% more in price than treated stones of the same size, color and clarity. The Best and Most Valuable Colour Many people seem to believe that the darker the emerald the better, just as many seem to believe the opposite. Neither of these opinions is correct. If you think, even briefly, about this it becomes obvious why. A very dark emerald would appear black, and would not be very attractive or desirable. The darkness often being caused by inclusions. An extremely pale emerald would be colourless, and not particularly attractive or valuable. As usual, the truth lies between the two extremes. The most desirable emeralds are generally those with an intense grassy green colour, plenty of sparkle and life, and free of any inclusions. Some experts say that a dark velvety green is the most valuable. Ultimately which is "best" is a subjective matter, and personal preference is important. Our usual advice to potential customers is to buy whichever colour of emerald they personally find the most attractive. We also think it's slightly sad that we need to give this advice. Buy what you like, using your own judgment, rather than allowing yourself to be a slave to fashion and buying what you think will impress other people. The main choice in the colour of emeralds depends largely whether you prefer lighter but brighter stones, or a deeper more intense colour. Oiling or Filling The vast majority of emeralds are oiled, that is to say, immersed in oil which fills the many cracks and fissures to which emerald is prone. This has the effect of reducing the visibility of the inclusions, and improving the clarity of the stone. Sometimes oiling also improves the colour. Green coloured oil is sometimes used to enhance the stones natural colour, there are also other fillers used which are more permanent than oil. Because oil filling of emeralds has become almost universal, it is generally not considered essential to disclose this fact. We suggest that anyone wishing to buy a high quality or expensive emerald should request a gemstone laboratory certificate stating that the stone is natural and not oiled, but be prepared to pay extra for a certificated stone.Most modern emeralds are likely to be oiled at the mines, and again at the cutters.
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