Emerald or Sapphire Which one should I choose?

In the world there are hundreds of precious gems that are admired for their beauty, color and perfection. Among these stones are Colombian natural emeralds and sapphires. Due to their quality and color characteristics these gems are usually used in high jewelry to give the perfect gift or have a jewel that is endorsed over time.

Whatever the reason, it is important to know the characteristics of each gem, its main differences and which of them would be the best investment for the jewel of your dreams. Then you can find this information.

Characteristics of the Emeralds:

Emeralds are one of the most precious and recognizable gems in the jewelry world. They are distinguished by its distinctive green color, which can range from light and bright green to darker and deeper tones. Some of its most outstanding features are:

1. Color and Transparency: Emeralds often have an intense and vibrant green color. Transparency can vary, from fully transparent emeralds to those with visible inclusions, known as gardens.
2. DurezaHardness: On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, emeralds have a rating of 7.5 to 8, which makes them relatively harsh but still susceptible to damage if handled in a careless manner.
3. Inclusions: Emeralds are likely to have inclusions due to the way they are formed in nature. These inclusions can affect your clarity and can influence your value.
4. Origin and Rareza: High-quality emeralds usually come from places like Colombia, Zambia and Brazil. However, finding emeralds of exceptional quality and without important inclusions is rare, which can increase its value.

Sapphire Characteristics:

Sapphires are another highly valued gem, known mainly for its deep blue color, although they can also be found in a variety of colors, such as pink, yellow and white. Here are some key features of sapphires:

1. Color and Variations: Although they are best known for their blue color, sapphires can display a wide range of shades and saturations. The most valued sapphires are those with a deep and live blue, often known as royal blue.
2. Hardness and Durability: The sapphires have a toughness of 9 on Mohs' scale, making them one of the toughest gems after the diamond. This makes them highly scratch-resistant and suitable for daily use in jewelry.
3. Clarity and Transparency: Sapphires often have excellent clarity and transparency, meaning they are less likely than emeralds to have visible inclusions with the naked eye.
4. Origin and Availability: The main producers of sapphires are countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand and Madagascar. Although relatively common, high-quality sapphires and large sizes remain valuable and searched on the market.

Emerald vs. Zafiros:

Both gems have their own distinctive and unique attractive features. Here's a comparison to help you decide what a better investment might be:

• ColorColor: The emeralds are known for their intense green colour, while sapphires are famous for their deep blue hue The choice between the two will depend to a large extent on the personal preferences and the style of whoever uses them.
• Dureza and Durability: In terms of durability, the sapphires surpass the emeralds due to their greater hardness on the Mohs scale. Sapphires are more resistant to scratches and daily wear, making them an excellent jewellery option that is often used.
• Rareza and Valor : High quality emeralds and without significant inclusions are quite rare, which can increase their value in the market. However, sapphires can also reach high prices, especially those of intense colours and large sizes.

What's the Best Investment?

The best investment between emeralds and sapphires will depend on several factors, including personal preferences, budget and purpose of the purchase. If you are looking for a durable and resistant gem for daily use, sapphires can be the best option due to its high hardness and durability.

However, if you're looking for a unique, flashy gem with a distinctive color, a high-quality emerald could be the right choice. Ultimately, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation and, if possible, consult a grove expert before making an investment decision.

Also remember that with Emerald By Love you can find the gem suitable for your tastes and you will be sure to acquire a quality gem at fair prices. Contact us in case you want to purchase any of these gems or if you want to customize your own jewel.

Paula A. Bonilla 

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.

Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.