How to choose your Colombian emerald according to the gold type?

A curious fact about Colombian emeralds and the high jewelry that everyone should know is that for the choice of a Colombian emerald for a jewel, it is very important to take into account the tone of gold in which you want to ride the gem, but why?.

The answer is simple and is that there are very surely shades of gold that make the imperfections present in a natural emerald relish or disguised. Therefore, in this article we will tell you step by step as choosing the emerald for your jewel and that tone of gold goes best to each quality of gem.

Tonalities of gold

Gold, being a very versatile precious metal, can present several shades depending on the materials with which it is mixed or how it is processed. Here are some of the most common shades of gold:

1. Yellow gold: It is the most classic and traditional tone of gold. It has a bright yellow and warm color due to the mixture of pure gold with other metals such as copper and zinc.
2. White gold : To get this tone, gold is usually combined with metals such as palladium, silver and sometimes nickel. The result is a gold with a more silver or white tone, very popular in modern and elegant jewelry.
3. Pink or red gold: Also known as red gold, it is achieved by mixing pure gold with a higher proportion of copper. This mixture produces a characteristic pink or reddish tone, ideal for those looking for a warmer and romantic appearance.
4. Green gold: This tone is less common and is obtained by adding zinc or silver in a specific amount to gold, creating a slight greenish tone. Although not as popular as the other shades, it can be a unique and striking option.
5. Black gold: Although technically not pure gold, dark alloys can be created by mixing gold with other metals such as cobalt or palladium, resulting in a dark black or grey hue.

Step by step: I love to choose the Colombian emerald for your gold jewel

Step 1: Determines the tone of gold

Before choosing an emerald, it is crucial to determine the tone of the gold you want to ride on. The most common tones are yellow gold, white gold and pink gold.

Step 2: Understands the combination of colors

Each golden tone harmonizes differently with emeralds due to its characteristic green color. Yellow gold tends to highlight the brightness and warmth of the emerald, while white gold can create an elegant, modern contrast. On the other hand, pink gold can bring a romantic and gentle feel to the stone.

Step 3: Consider the color of the emerald

Emeralds vary in shades ranging from light green to deep green with shades of blue. If you're looking for a sharp contrast, the darker tone emeralds may stand out more about gold, while the lighter tones can better harmonize with it.

Step 4: Saturation and clarity prevail

In addition to color, it is important to consider the saturation and clarity of the emerald. An emerald with good saturation and little inclusion will be brighter and more attractive in any golden tone.

Step 5: Try different combinations

Before making a final decision, it is advisable to try different combinations by placing the emerald on gold samples in different tones. This will give you a better idea of what the stone will look like and help you choose the combination you like aesthetically.

Step 6: Consult an expert

If you have any questions or want additional advice, do not hesitate to consult a jeweler or gem expert. They can offer you specific recommendations based on your preferences and the aesthetics you want to achieve with your jewel.

What gold to choose?

The choice of gold to mount an emerald depends to a large extent on your personal preferences and the aesthetic effect you want to achieve. Here are some suggestions that can help you decide which gold tone best combines with an emerald:

1. Yellow gold: Yellow gold is a classic and timeless option that usually complements the green tones of emeralds very well. The warmth of yellow gold can enhance the natural beauty of the emerald, creating an elegant and traditional combination.
2. White gold: If you prefer a sharper, more modern contrast, white gold can be an excellent choice. The contrast between the emerald's green tone and the silver white color of gold can highlight the stone in a striking and sophisticated way.
3. Pink gold: For a more romantic and soft approach, pink gold can be a lovely choice. The pink tone of gold can very well complement the green nuances of the emerald, creating a delicate and feminine combination.
4. Green gold: If you're looking for something unique and different, consider the option of green gold to mount an emerald. The greenish tone of gold can create an interesting harmony with emerald, resulting in a distinctive and striking jewel.

Paula A. Bonilla

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

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