Emerald jewelry has captivated collectors for centuries, admired not only for its lush green hue but also for the sense of mystery and royalty it evokes. From Cleopatra’s obsession with emeralds to Queen Victoria’s treasured emerald tiara, these verdant gems have long been favored by monarchs, romantics, and connoisseurs alike.

For vintage jewelry lovers, emeralds offer a compelling blend of color, history, and artistry. Whether showcased in an engagement ring, pendant, pair of earrings, or brooch, emeralds often take center stage in some of the most exquisite antique designs. With all their rarity and allure, emeralds come with an air of mystery that inspires plenty of questions.

In this guide, the GIA-graduate jewelry experts at Walton’s answer the most frequently asked questions about emerald jewelry, blending practical insights with historical context, so you can wear, collect, and admire these storied colored gemstones with confidence. 

French Edwardian Emerald & Diamond Ring // Walton's Jewelry

1. Are emeralds a good choice for engagement rings? Are emeralds durable enough for everyday wear?

While treasured for thousands of years, emeralds became a popular choice for engagement rings when Queen Victoria’s own betrothal was sealed with this special green gem. Emeralds rank 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively hard and an excellent choice as an accent gemstone. Antique emerald rings, especially those from the Victorian or Art Deco periods, were often reserved for special occasions rather than daily wear. Today, collectors appreciate these pieces for their enduring beauty but handle them with care, as their natural inclusions make them more susceptible to breakage than sapphires or rubies. 

Victorian Emerald & Diamond Navette Ring // Walton's Jewelry

2. What is the meaning or significance of emerald jewelry? What does wearing or gifting emerald jewelry symbolize?

Throughout history, the lush green of emeralds has been associated with fertility, growth, joy, and everlasting vitality.  

As the official birthstone for May, emeralds are especially great gifts for those born in the month or have a loved one who is a May baby. The practice of wearing one’s birthstone for protection and prosperity has its roots in ancient civilizations, but it was popularized in Victorian jewelry after Tiffany & Co. published a poem detailing 12 months of birthstones and their supposed metaphysical properties; it reads in part:

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.

Emeralds are the traditional gift for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, though they’re an excellent choice for celebrating any of life’s milestones. 

Art Deco Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Filigree Ring // Walton's Jewelry

3. Are emeralds more rare than diamonds? Which countries produce the best natural emeralds?

Yes, large, high-quality emeralds are more rare than diamonds of similar size and quality. Fine emeralds can rival or even surpass diamonds in price per carat, particularly if they’re from celebrated sources like Colombia, which was a primary supplier during the Victorian and Art Deco periods after the rediscovery of key mining sites. In the antique world, an emerald’s origin, age, size, and setting all contribute to its value. 

Platinum & Gold Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Ring // Walton's Jewelry

4. What gives emeralds their signature green color? Why do some emeralds have visible inclusions?

Emeralds owe their rich green hue to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium present in the formation of this stunning beryl, a family of stones shared by aquamarine and morganite. Emeralds are often shaped into rectangular, sugarloaf, or cabochon cuts to enhance the stone's color and complement its crystalline structure. Compared to other green stones, like peridot or tourmaline, emeralds offer richer color, greater prestige, and a deeper historical footprint. 

Far from being a flaw, inclusions in an emerald are often seen as a fingerprint of authenticity. The jardin (as the French would say) is part of an emerald’s unique charm and helps gemologists identify the stone’s origin. Historically, emeralds have often been treated with oils to reinforce the stone along these natural inclusions and reduce its likelihood of breakage. 

5. What's the best way to clean and care for emerald jewelry?

Due to their unique crystalline structure and natural inclusions, emeralds should never be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam devices. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush are generally safe cleaning options for emerald jewelry. Take care to rinse jewelry thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, being mindful to cover drains and other crevices as you do. 

For deep cleanings and regular maintenance, consider taking your emerald jewelry to a professional jeweler with the expertise and tools to safely clean your pieces while inspecting the setting, checking for loose stones, and other signs of damage.

Don’t wear your fine jewelry in water or harsh conditions, and store your pieces in a fabric-lined jewelry box. Gentle cleanings and proper care help preserve the integrity of both the stone and delicate antique settings, such as filigree. 

Emeralds are more than just beautiful, they're storied treasures that carry centuries of symbolism and craft as a testament to their enduring appeal. For collectors and vintage enthusiasts, understanding the nuances of emerald jewelry—from care and durability to origin and authenticity—deepens both appreciation and value.  

At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.