Mount your Colombian emerald or leave it loose?
Deciding whether you should mount your emerald in a jewel or leave it loose depends on several factors, including the value and quality of the emerald, your personal preferences, the type of jewel you have in mind and your long-term plans.
For example, it is sometimes much more profitable to mount the emerald in a jewel if you are looking to sell it in the future, so you can make the most of it. Sometimes, however, it's better to leave it as it is.
We know it can be a difficult decision, so here are some considerations that could help you make that decision:
Aspects to be taken into account
- Emerald's Value and Quality:
- If you have a high quality emerald, with an intense color and few visible defects, it might be a good idea to mount it in a jewel to enhance its beauty.
- If emerald has natural inclusions or imperfections, you could opt for a jewelry design that hides them or minimizes them.
2. Use and Durability:
- If you plan to use the jewel with the emerald regularly, it is important to consider durability. Emeralds are more fragile than other types of gems, so you could opt for a jewelry design that protects the stone, like a ring with a protective setting.
3. Design of Jewel:
- The design of the jewel can influence the decision. Some emeralds look better in certain types of jewelry. For example, a large emerald could be the focus of attention on a pendant, while smaller emeralds could complement a couple of earrings.
4. Sentimental value:
- If emerald has sentimental value, such as being a family heritage, it could be more meaningful to mount it in a jewel you can wear and appreciate regularly.
5. Resale and Flexibility:
- Leaving the emerald loose could give you more flexibility in the future. If you change your mind about the jewel design or if you want to sell the emerald separately, having it loose might be more convenient.
6. Professional advice:
- Consulting a jeweller or a gemologist is essential. An expert can evaluate the emerald and recommend the best approach according to its features and desires.
7. Design trends:
- If you mind being fashionable, investigate current trends in emerald jewelry design. Some epochs favor eye-catching and unique jewelry designs, while others prefer a more minimalist approach.
Ultimately, the decision to mount your emerald in a jewel or leave it loose depends on your personal preferences and individual circumstances. Taking the time to consider the above-mentioned factors will help you make an informed decision that allows you to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of your emerald in the best possible way.
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.
