When many people think of rare or expensive gemstones their first thought is of diamonds. But it is emerald that are among the rarest of all gemstones and so often have a price tag to match. They are part of a family of gems called beryl and are mined all over the world including Central and South America and Africa.

Is emerald a type of diamond?

There are four types of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Each type has its own specific chemical and physical properties. Diamonds are made from carbon, rubies and sapphires from alumina and emeralds from beryllium.

What is the difference between an emerald and a diamond?

Emerald cuts, due to their large surface area, show yellowish tints in their make-up much more than other diamond cuts. Emerald cuts have a subtler shine than most other cuts of diamonds due to their being a step cut. The diamond is more similar to mirrors than it is to a brilliant and sparkly diamond.