Why Do Some Colombian Emeralds Change Tone?

Did you acquire a Colombian emerald and notice that its color or tone has changed? Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean it’s not a natural emerald or that you were sold a different gemstone. These changes can be caused by several factors that significantly influence the appearance of the stone.

Exposure to sunlight, changes in temperature or pressure, chemical products, and even sweat can all affect the tone of your Colombian emerald. In this article, we explain the physical characteristics of emeralds, the factors that can influence color changes, what you can do to prevent them, and how Emerald By Love can help you solve this issue.

What Makes a Colombian Emerald Green?

The intense green color of Colombian emeralds results from the presence of elements like chromium and vanadium in their chemical composition. These minerals give each emerald its deep, luminous, slightly bluish green tone—what sets Colombian gems apart from those found elsewhere in the world.

In addition to their composition, the geological environment where emeralds form also influences their color. Colombian emeralds develop in a unique setting where conditions of pressure, temperature, and minerals contribute to producing gems of superior quality.

What Factors Can Influence the Tone Change of a Colombian Emerald?

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight: Sunlight can temporarily alter the perceived color, especially if the stone has been treated.

• Oil treatments: The oil used to enhance the emerald’s appearance can oxidize or evaporate over time.

• Improper cleaning: Using abrasive or chemical products can deteriorate the stone’s tone.

• Sudden temperature changes: Extreme heat or abrupt changes can modify the gemstone’s internal appearance.

• Chemicals: Frequent contact with substances like chlorine, perfumes, or cleaning products can affect the emerald’s tone.

• Scratches or impacts: While emeralds are resistant, knocks can alter how they reflect light.

• Dirt buildup: Grease or dust can dull the stone and distort its true color.

• Oxidized metal settings: If the gem is mounted in oxidizing metal, it may reflect a different tone over time.

• Intense artificial light: Certain types of artificial lighting can make the emerald’s natural green appear duller or more yellowish.

How to Prevent a Colombian Emerald from Changing Tone

• Avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun: Don’t sunbathe with your jewelry or expose it to high temperatures.

• Don’t use harsh cleaners: Choose a gentle clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.

• Remove your jewelry before swimming: Pool chlorine can be very damaging.

• Don’t apply perfume or lotion directly on the emerald: Apply them beforehand and let them absorb fully.

• Store each piece separately: Prevent gems from scratching one another.

• Avoid abrupt temperature changes: Don’t move quickly between hot and cold environments while wearing your jewelry.

• Take your emeralds for an annual check-up: At Emerald By Love, we offer a lifetime warranty on materials, so you can get free maintenance on your jewelry. We’ll keep it in top condition and prevent changes in tone or color.

• Don’t do housework while wearing your jewelry: Cleaning products and accidental bumps can damage the gemstone.

• Avoid exposing emeralds to steam or intense heat: This can cause the oil to evaporate and alter the tone.

• Use a soft cloth to clean it: This will maintain its shine and color without damaging it.

Emerald By Love: No More Faded Colombian Emeralds

At Emerald By Love, we believe a Colombian emerald should not only be beautiful but also authentic, well-treated, and with its natural color carefully preserved. That’s why we are committed to offering stones that maintain their intense green without resorting to invasive processes that alter their essence.

We say no to faded emeralds—those that have lost their color and life due to poor handling or improper treatments. With us, every Colombian emerald is a gem that preserves the vibrant green of its origin in the mountains of Colombia.

Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gemstones and fine national jewelry. Currently works for one of Bogotá’s most prominent jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jeweler has over 40 years of experience and two physical branches in the capital, located in the city center.