M A Y

EMERALD (BERYL)

Emerald derives its beautiful green colour from the prescence of chronium and vaniadium. Emeralds are rarely flawless, so stones are often oiled to fill and disguise cracks, hide flaws, and enhance colour. To minimize the loss of material, the step-cut (or “emerald-cut”, as it is known) is commonly used, but ancient engravings are known, and cameos, intaglios, and beads can make the best of a flawed stone.