Emerald Rings
Rich in both colour and history, emerald rings have been worn for centuries by royalty and style icons. As May’s birthstone and the 20th anniversary gem, they make a bold yet classic choice. From vintage-inspired emerald engagement rings to standout emerald cocktail rings, their vibrant green hue adds a distinctive touch to any jewellery collection.
Emerald Rings
Are emeralds good for engagement rings?
Emeralds can make beautiful engagement rings, but they require extra care. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are softer (ranking 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale) and often contain natural inclusions, making them more prone to scratches and damage with daily wear.
If choosing an emerald engagement ring, opt for a protective setting like a bezel or halo and remove it during activities that could cause impact. High-quality emeralds set in durable metals like platinum or gold can create a unique and striking alternative to traditional diamond rings.
What do emerald rings symbolise?
Emerald rings symbolise love, growth, and renewal, thanks to the gem’s rich green color.
Historically associated with wisdom and prosperity, emeralds have been favored by royalty and spiritual leaders for centuries.
As May’s birthstone, they represent rebirth and vitality, making them a meaningful choice for milestones like anniversaries and engagements.
What colour are emeralds?
Emeralds are typically green in colour. The intensity and shade of green can vary, but the most valuable emeralds are typically a rich, vibrant green with excellent clarity.
The colour of emeralds is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium or sometimes vanadium in their crystal structure.
What metals pair best with emerald rings?
Emerald rings pair beautifully with a variety of metals, depending on the desired look and durability:
Yellow gold – Enhances the warmth of emeralds, creating a vintage or classic appeal.
White gold – Provides a modern contrast, making the green hue appear more vibrant.
Platinum – A durable, high-end option that offers a sleek, elegant setting.
Rose gold – Adds a unique, romantic touch while complementing the stone’s rich color.
How do you clean and care for an emerald ring?
While emerald rings can be cleaned at home with mild soap and water, regular professional check-ups are the best way to maintain their beauty.
Matthew Ely Jewellery offers expert Polish & Sparkle jewellery cleaning to keep your emerald ring looking like new.
To protect your stone, try to remove your ring during intense physical activities, and avoid exposure to intense heat or chemicals.
How can you tell if an emerald is real?
To tell if an emerald is real, look for these key signs:
Natural inclusions – Real emeralds often have internal flaws (called "jardin"), while synthetic or fake stones may appear too perfect.
Color consistency – A genuine emerald will have deep green tones with natural variations, whereas fakes may look overly uniform.
Light reflection – Real emeralds have a soft, natural glow, while glass or synthetic stones may appear overly sparkly.
Temperature test – A real emerald feels cool to the touch, unlike plastic or glass imitations.
Magnification check – Under a jeweller’s loupe, real emeralds may show inclusions and slight imperfections, whereas synthetics often have bubble-like structures.
For certainty, Matthew Ely Jewellery can conduct professional tests.
