When it comes to exquisite gemstones, it's hard to argue with the natural emerald as one of the most captivating in the world. This stunning green gemstone, and the birthstone for May babies, has been treasured for centuries, associated with myriad mythologies, worldwide cultures, rebirth, love, and prosperity. And while diamonds remain the top choice for engagement rings and wedding band gemstones in general, the emerald's vibrant allure has gained popularity as a symbol of unique, enduring love and commitment.
But is an emerald wedding band right for you? Whether you're considering an emerald wedding band for its vibrant green hue or its rich symbolism, read on to discover everything you need to know about this enchanting gem.
Emerald rings come in all shapes & sizes
What to Look for in an Emerald Ring
Known for their stunning green color, this member of the beryl mineral family is considered one of the "big four" precious gemstones, alongside diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Their hue can range from a deep, rich green to a brighter shade, but the most valuable emeralds typically exhibit intensely saturated color.
While all gemstones have some type of natural inclusions inside them, emeralds are often quite included, and these inclusions can be quite beautiful themselves. So much so, in fact, that in emeralds these inclusions are sometimes referred to as "jardin," the French word for "garden." Inclusions are considered a part of the gemstone's unique character and are fine, as long as they don't break too much surface of the stone or significantly impact the overall beauty and durability of the gem.
Mix up the color by using green emeralds as accents in your wedding band
Emerald Wedding Band Styles
If you're looking to purchase an emerald wedding band, there are plenty of style options to choose from — something for everyone, really. One of the main things to consider is whether you want emeralds to be the feature or only gem in your wedding band or if you'd prefer them to be a smaller accent to, say, a diamond band. A petite shared-prong emerald ring, with a stunning row of natural or lab created emerald gems, makes a simple, colorful statement. But if you want more brilliant impact, with just a touch of color, you can opt for a major diamond eternity band with emerald details.
Baguette shape gems concentrate color, making your emerald wedding band pop
Matching A Wedding Band with an Engagement Ring
If you already have, say, a diamond engagement ring, but want to add a bit of color to your wedding set with an emerald band, there are a few tips to keep in mind. When pairing an emerald wedding band, consider factors such as metal type or color (say, yellow gold, platinum, white gold, etc.), setting style, and overall design details.
If your rings have different gemstones, but the same overall style, you can create a visually cohesive look. Emerald rings are often set in yellow gold, as the yellow color is a beautiful complement to the green hue of this gemstone, however if you enjoy white gold or platinum, they can also look quite beautiful. On our site, you are able to shop custom emerald rings and choose from any metal color you prefer, as well as emerald engagement rings if you want a truly cohesive look.
Unique Emerald Rings
For more unique looks, or as a standalone band, there are also beautiful emerald gemstone rings to look at. Perhaps you want something dainty? Or something that feels organic and natural? Our Laurel Band with marquise cut emeralds makes a subtle, natural statement and works well alone or in a ring stack.
Or go big and bold with an emerald cut emerald eternity band (say that three times fast), featuring classic emerald gems set all the way around your finger. You can set this in bright 14k white gold, 18k yellow gold, or the metal of your choice, and as with any ring we offer, select natural or lab created diamonds or gemstones. Just make sure that you size your finger correctly, as eternity bands cannot be resized.
Green Emeralds come in a variety of shapes for your wedding band, including oval and round
Are Emerald Rings Durable Enough for Daily Wear?
You might already know: Diamonds are the hardest material on Earth, making them super suited for daily wear. But what about other gemstones? And are emerald rings up to the job? It's crucial to consider this gorgeous gemstone's hardness when considering them for a wedding band or ring you plan to wear all the time.
The Mohs Scale of Hardness
Introduced in 1812 by the German geologist and mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, this qualitative scale from 1 to 10 characterizes different minerals by their ability to be scratched by harder materials. Diamonds measure a 10 on the hardness scale, rubies and sapphires measure a 9, and emerald gemstones measure a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, indicating moderate hardness.
This means that emerald rings are more susceptible to scratches and fractures than diamonds, however with proper care, you can significantly reduce risk. For instance: choosing a protective setting for your emerald ring, removing your ring during activities like working out, gardening, or cleaning, and following good care guidelines. These can all help ensure that your emerald wedding band retains its bright, brilliant personality for years to come.
Proper Care for Your Emerald Wedding Band
Given the emerald's moderate hardness and natural crystal structure, there are a few simple ways to take special care of this gemstone ring, preserving its beauty to last a lifetime. As with any gemstone, you should avoid exposing emeralds to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as these can adversely affect their color and durability. To clean your emerald jewelry at home, you can use a soft bristled brush (like an old, soft toothbrush) and mild, soapy water. Make sure to rinse them off and dry them thoroughly before storing.
Store your emerald wedding band or emerald jewelry away from other jewelry, especially diamond jewelry, to prevent your emerald rings from being scratched. A regular professional cleaning and inspection by a trained jeweler, once a year or anytime you notice something askew, is recommended to address any potential issues early on.
Share a floral themed emerald ring with your loved one
Emerald Rings are Everything
If you're a woman of style, a man of taste, shopping for birthdays or shopping emerald rings or bands for your biggest of days, experience everything this timeless gemstone has to offer in our full collection of colored gemstone jewelry. Their lush green color, historical significance, and symbolism is perfect for anyone seeking a distinctive look to remember.
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