Best Green Gemstones Used in Jewellery

Green has always been an essential colour in the world of gemstones and remains among the most sought-after ones. It is a sophisticated shade that adds elegance to anything fancy or subtle. Green signifies life and renewal, freshness, nature, and positive energy. Green is the most soothing colour on the spectrum, and we are so fond of it regarding apparel or accessories.

Although we know only emerald as the most common green gem, there exist a variety of gemstones in the same shade that are being used in making gemstone jewellery. These gems vary in shades, prices and features, and choosing the suitable stone to suit your needs can be challenging.

We have picked out a list of some top green gemstones that look stunning in jewellery and also mentioned some interesting facts about each. Read on.

Emerald

Emeralds are the most popular green gemstones used since antiquity. Its traces go back to the Egyptian era when the famous queen Cleopatra was known for wearing emeralds. Emeralds are the gemstone variety of the beryl family. Since emeralds are mainly green, the essential aspect of the gemstones is the colour. The more deep and vivid the colour, the more valuable the gem is.

Most emeralds contain very natural inclusions, and transparent emeralds are incredibly rare. However, they do not lower the value of emeralds as compared to diamonds. The stones are relatively strong and durable, but the inclusions can cause them to weaken and chip when exposed to rough wear. Emeralds in the market are commonly treated and fracture-filled to enhance colour and stability. The gem is ideal for all types of jewellery; if well maintained, it can last long. The green colour of an emerald is said to symbolize growth, reflection, peace and balance.

Green Diamond

Green diamonds are extremely rare and exclusive gemstones. They are found in shades ranging from faint to fancy intense green, sometimes with secondary yellow, brown or blue tones. A pure green colour diamond can be found with eight different colour intensity grades. While most coloured diamonds get their shades from the presence of trace elements, green diamonds receive the same from natural irradiation that occurs over thousands of years. But they are not radioactive and are safe to wear as the process of radiation dates back thousands of years.

Green diamonds are costly, but more than red or pink diamonds. And due to their expensiveness, synthetic or human-made green diamonds varieties are available in the market, offering a more affordable option for consumers. Green diamonds are believed to symbolize youth, vigour, activity, and life

Green Sapphire

A few years back, green sapphires were not considered very desirable. Until recently, they gained popularity that suddenly coincided with their rarity. Green sapphires are quite rare, and they get their green colour from the presence of iron components. Finding green sapphire jewellery pieces can be tough because blue is the most sought after and desirable sapphire colour.

These gemstones come in a variety of shades ranging from faint green to dark green, with secondary hints of blue or yellow tones. Green sapphires have excellent gemstone qualities, like high durability, brilliance and beauty, so they are a good option for all rings and other trendy jewellery pieces. Most green sapphires are heat-treated, a typical process per industry standards. Since green sapphire stones are scarce, synthetic varieties of this gem are available at affordable prices.

Jade

Jade is a green rock-like gem best used in making ornaments. Since ancient times, jade has been a valued gem, especially in China, where its usage can be traced to over 7000 years back. Jade occurs in two main varieties: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is considered more valuable, scarce, and of better quality, while nephrite is more abundant and less expensive. Jadeite has a sugary texture, while nephrite is waxier with a smooth luster.

 Jade is of medium hardness but relatively compact due to its composition. Most jade gems are often cut into cabochons or unique smooth cuts or carved. Faceting these stones is less common but can give them an added shine. Jade has an attractive translucent, waxy lustre and can be found in other shades like lavender, red, yellow, white, and black.

Demantoid Garnet

Demantoid garnets are yet other members of the garnet family that belong to the andradite variety. These are the most valuable and sought-after garnets as they are rare. Most demantoid gemstones come in small sizes under 2 carats; therefore, finding a large demantoid gem is tough. Demantoids are found in various colours ranging from faint to vivid emerald green. Some have secondary tones of yellow or brown, which are less desirable. Bright green demantoid garnets primarily come from Russia and are the most valuable ones.

It is easier to find a demantoid with inclusions. However, these inclusions are unique horsetail-shaped inclusions that are not found in other gemstones. Hence, they add value to the stone, making demantoids one of the few gems to gain value from their impurities. Demantoid stones also have high brilliance and are durable enough for regular use in jewellery.

Peridot

Peridot is an idiochromatic gem that is mostly found in a single shade. It occurs in shades of green, some often with yellowish tones. Peridot is one of the two gemstones (the other being diamonds) that only form deep inside the earth's mantle and come up to the surface through violent geological activity. Due to which, it is often called a volcanic gemstone.

 Peridots are reasonably priced and are durable enough for regular use in jewellery. However, if you want them to last longer, they ideally should be mounted in protective settings, such as bezel, when used in rings. To bring out the stone's brilliance, a peridot gem can be cut into all standard gem shapes, like ovals, marquise, rounds, squares, etc. Peridots are mostly eye-clean but sometimes contain pear-shaped inclusions or little black spots only visible under magnification.

Amazonite

The Amazonite gemstone presumably gets its name from the Amazon Rainforest although no amazonite deposits exist in that area. It is found in light green to blue-green shades, but the most desirable variety is a deep leaf-green. Amazonite usually contains white streaks or lines, forming random patterns that add character and depth to the gem.

The beauty of this stone is that it requires no treatment to enhance it in any way. It is fairly hard and translucent to opaque gem with a vitreous lustre. Even though being somewhat rare, the stone is still reasonably priced. Due to its durability and inclusions, Amazonite is best to cut into cabochons or beads.

Green Tourmaline

Tourmaline gemstones occur in all rainbow colors, with the green variety known as Verdalite. Green tourmaline is a natural, semi-precious, and very popular gemstone found in various shades of green, mint green being the most valuable. Due to its vibrant hues and lustre, it is considered an excellent gemstone for jewellery.

Green tourmalines contain no cleavage and are quite hard, which makes them durable gemstones. Generally, these gems include little to no impurities, but the ones having inclusions are weaker and more prone to damage. Verdalites have a vitreous lustre and interact beautifully with light. When used in jewellery making, they are often faceted to maximize brilliance. While most tourmaline gems are heat-treated, it is not typical for the green varieties.

 Green Topaz

Topaz gemstones occur naturally as colourless, but some varieties may contain green shades due to trace elements like chromium or vanadium. Green topaz is usually very light in colour with a vitreous lustre, and it is less popular than other coloured gems of topaz.

It has excellent brilliance and is often faceted to bring out the same. Like all other topaz varieties, green topaz is an ideal gemstone for jewellery because of its durability and affordability. It is quite hard and can fit into any jewellery setting types. The gem is often transparent; only a few will contain visible inclusions. The gemstone of green topaz can be used in all kinds of stone jewellery, from rings and bracelets to earrings and pendants.

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