Emeralds and diamonds are among the top 10 most expensive gemstones in the world. Known for both their stunning beauty and high value, they are true must-haves in the most exclusive jewelry collections.
If you want to see the visual impact these gemstones can have on different jewelry creations, we recommend visiting Mumit’s online store. As experts in precious stones, each of their designs aims to highlight the inherent properties of these natural marvels.
Without a doubt, you must have noticed that the primary difference is their colour. While emeralds boast a distinctive green hue, diamonds are completely transparent. However, these popular gemstones also possess a range of unique characteristics beyond their pigmentation.
In today’s article, we will share all the details that distinguish emeralds from diamonds. If you are unsure what stone to choose for an engagement ring or are simply curious to learn more about the world of gemology, keep reading!
Origin and Rareness
Both emeralds and diamonds are the result of geological processes involving high pressure and temperatures. Emeralds, a variety of the mineral beryl, acquire their characteristic green colour through chemical reactions involving elements like chromium or vanadium. On the other hand, diamonds are almost exclusively composed of carbon.
Thus, due to their different origins, emerald and diamond deposits are found in different astridcountries. The most famous emeralds come from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. Colombian emeralds are especially renowned for their rareness, colour, and quality. However, the main producers of diamonds are Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa. Although diamonds are more common than emeralds, high-quality, large, and clear diamonds are rare and extremely valuable.
As we have learned previously, it is important to verify the origin of the diamonds we purchase to ensure they do not come from conflict zones. At Mumit, they guarantee that the diamonds used in their jewelry creation comply with the Kimberley Process, confirming that the trade of these diamonds does not fund conflicts in their country of origin.
If you are interested in diamond earrings, we recommend Mumit’s Irem 0.55 ct Diamond and Emerald Earrings in 18k White Gold: a tribute to the fantastic formation process and rareness of these two gemstones.
The sublime contrast between the sparkle of the diamond halo and the unique hues of the central emeralds gives them an irresistibly sophisticated personality: a true ode to the beauty of nature. If you have also fallen in love with this design, find the matching ring and necklace in their exclusive emerald jewelry selection.
Hardness, Brilliance, and Clarity
To understand the hardness of these gemstones, we turn to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The diamond is famous for being the hardest with a rating of 10. This property makes it the perfect choice for significant jewelry pieces we wear daily, such as diamond engagement rings, or jewelry box staples such as diamond bracelets and long diamond necklaces.
Emeralds, on the other hand, have a lower hardness, requiring special care to preserve their beauty. However, with a rating between 7.5 and 8, they are more resistant than many other minerals, like quartz. This makes them an attractive option for special jewelry like emerald engagement rings.
The brilliance and clarity of these two precious stones also differ significantly. The most valuable diamonds stand out for their transparency and brilliance, a result of their ability to refract light. Conversely, the best emeralds often have inclusions, known as “jardin” or garden, resulting in lesser clarity when compared to diamonds.
Are you enchanted by the unique properties of diamonds and searching for the perfect engagement ring? Do not miss Mumit’s selection of gold diamond engagement rings. Personally, we love solitaire diamond engagement rings like their Always 0.70 ct Solitaire Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold. Its minimalist design allows the diamond to dazzle with its characteristic sparkle, an ideal piece for everyday and forever wear.
If you want to know how to evaluate a diamond ring and understand why Mumit’s diamonds are of superior quality, we cover all the important aspects of how to tell if a diamond is real on our blog.
Symbolism
To start, it is important to note that diamonds are the birthstone for April and emeralds for May. Therefore, if you are looking for a gift for someone born in either of these months, jewelry with the corresponding gemstone is an ideal way to make them feel special on their day.
Due to their physical characteristics described earlier, diamonds symbolise purity, eternity, and invincibility. For this reason, diamond rings for women are a fantastic way to express deep feelings and celebrate significant occasions like engagements or special anniversaries. Personally, we believe white gold diamond engagement rings are the most elegant and timeless way to surprise that special someone.
On the other hand, emeralds are a well-known symbol of hope, prosperity, and sincerity. Their intense green colour sublimely reflects the rebirth of nature, making them an ideal choice for meaningful jewelry.
Have you seen Mumit’s Astrid Emerald and Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold? It is the best way to add a touch of freshness and symbolism to your jewelry collection thanks to the renewing power of emeralds. Versatile and sophisticated, it is a perfect jewel for everyday wear. You can also pair it with other pieces from the same collection to elevate your look for any special event.
As you can see, both emeralds and diamonds have special characteristics that make them stand out among other gemstones. When choosing between the two, it is important to have the relevant information to select the one that best suits your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget, without forgetting their symbolic significance.
If you have enjoyed this deep dive into the fascinating world of precious stones, we recommend visiting our blog to explore various topics related to gemology. Additionally, by following Mumit’s Instagram profile, you can continue admiring the brand’s innovative diamond jewelry and uncover the most interesting secrets of this captivating universe.