Looking for an emerald engagement ring? Here’s what we learned in Colombia about emeralds

Emeralds are an alluring gemstone choice for an engagement ring. Hard enough to withstand daily wear with care (7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale), they have a unique green glow that seems to emanate from within the stone. An emerald engagement ring stands out from the crowd of diamond rings, and yet it remains a timeless, classic choice – and with very good reason.

Emeralds are over twenty times rarer than diamonds, and no two are ever alike. Each stone tells its own story through its colour, character and natural inclusions, making emeralds especially appealing for bespoke engagement rings designed to be truly personal.

Emeralds have been cherished since ancient times, symbolising love, rebirth and fertility – a fitting choice for an engagement ring. Their vibrant green hue is highly prized and looks particularly beautiful when set in solid gold jewellery.

What we learned sourcing emeralds in Colombia

We were lucky enough to go emerald shopping in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and the heart of the world’s finest emerald trade. With the help of a local expert guide, we visited some of Colombia’s most respected emerald dealers, viewing hundreds of stones in all shades and sizes. From these, we carefully selected a handful of exceptional emeralds to bring back to our London jewellery studio for future bespoke designs.

Seeing emeralds at the source deepened our understanding of what truly makes a beautiful stone – and what matters most when choosing an emerald for an engagement ring.

If you are considering an emerald engagement ring, here are a few key things to keep in mind.

1. Not all greens are equal

Emeralds are defined by their green hue, but not all greens are created equal. The famous ‘emerald green’ shade is unique to emeralds and sets them apart from other green gemstones such as tourmaline, green sapphire or tsavorite garnet.

The most valuable emeralds display a rich, saturated green with excellent depth and liveliness. Colombian emeralds are especially prized for their colour – often described as a vivid grass green with a perfectly balanced mix of blue and yellow undertones. Stones with weaker saturation or a stronger blue or yellow hue are generally less valuable, while vibrant, glowing greens command higher prices.

When designing a bespoke emerald engagement ring, colour should always be prioritised over size.

2. Be aware of the treatments applied to your emerald

Almost all emeralds are treated in some way, and this is entirely normal within the gemstone industry. Emeralds naturally form with internal fissures, and treatments are used to improve clarity and durability.

The most traditional and accepted treatment is minor oiling, where colourless oil (often cedar oil) is used to fill surface-reaching fissures. This enhances the stone’s appearance without altering its natural structure. Higher-quality emeralds will only require minimal oiling.

More heavily included stones may undergo major oiling or be treated with synthetic resins. These treatments are less desirable and can affect both the longevity and value of the stone.

When sourcing emeralds for our custom jewellery in London, we always prioritise stones with minimal treatments and are transparent about how each emerald has been enhanced.

3. Emeralds naturally have inclusions – and that’s part of their beauty

Unlike diamonds, emeralds are almost never flawless. Their inclusions – often referred to as the stone’s jardin (French for “garden”) – are a natural part of how emeralds form.

These inclusions scatter light within the stone, giving emeralds their distinctive soft glow rather than a sharp sparkle. In a high-quality emerald, inclusions should enhance character without dulling the stone’s brilliance or compromising durability.

When designing a bespoke emerald engagement ring, we look for inclusions that add personality while ensuring the emerald remains suitable for everyday wear.

4. High-quality emeralds are among the most expensive gemstones in the world

Fine emeralds can be more valuable per carat than diamonds. When working to a budget, it’s far better to prioritise quality over carat weight. A smaller emerald with beautiful colour, good transparency and minimal treatment will always outshine a larger but lifeless stone.

Thoughtful design also plays a key role. A well-designed bespoke setting in solid gold can enhance the presence of an emerald, making it appear larger and more vibrant.

This approach allows us to create exceptional emerald engagement rings that balance beauty, longevity and value.

Considering an emerald engagement ring?

An emerald engagement ring is a bold, romantic and deeply personal choice. When mindfully sourced and thoughtfully designed, it becomes a piece of jewellery that will be treasured for generations.

If you’re looking for a bespoke emerald engagement ring in London, or would like to explore solid gold jewellery designed around a carefully chosen emerald, we would love to help. Get in touch to discuss your ideas or book a consultation at our London studio, where you can see the emeralds we brought back from Colombia in person.