Jewelry lovers have loved green gemstones for centuries with their natural beauty and rich symbolism. From modern collectors to ancient civilizations, these stones stand for growth and a connection with nature. Whether you’re drawn to the deep forest green of emerald or the bright hues of peridot. Green gemstones offer an impressive range of options for every budget and taste.
The popularity of green gems continues to grow as more people look for meaningful alternatives to clear diamonds. These colorful stones bring personality and meaning to necklaces, engagement rings, and daily jewelry pieces. Understanding the different types. Understanding the key differences between each stone is important. This guide will help you understand the key features between them all. This article will aid you in choosing the perfect green gemstone. One that best fits your style and budget.

What you need to know about green gemstones:

• Precious vs. semi-precious classes- Green diamonds, emeralds, and green sapphires versus other varieties
• Investment-grade considerations - Which stones hold value and appreciate over time
• Care and maintenance requirements - Proper cleaning and storage for different types of green gemstones.
• Choosing the right gemstone - Matching green gemstones to your lifestyle and jewelry tastes.
• Quality factors - Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight considerations
• Authenticity and certification - Verifying genuine stones and understanding treatments
• Setting and styling options - Best practices for showcasing green gems in jewelry

In this comprehensive guide, we are revealing all the insider secrets that gemstone experts don’t want you to miss when selecting green gemstones. Identify the hidden differences between precious emeralds and rare green diamonds that can save you money. Learn the surprising truth about affordable alternatives like peridot and green tourmaline without the heavy price tag. We will share key insider tips about each stone’s unique features, their origins, and value pricing. You will also learn maintenance tips that will keep your gems looking flawless for decades. These are the essential facts every green gemstone buyer needs to know before making a purchase.

Precious Green Gemstones

In the jewelry world, only 4 gemstones are recognized as truly “precious”. Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These 4 gems are precious because they are very rare, very durable, and beautiful and have historical significance. Among these precious stones are some amazing green gems on Earth.

Green Diamond

When most people think of diamonds, they imagine sparkling white stones. Did you know, however, that diamonds actually come in a rainbow of colors? These are called Fancy Colored Diamonds and they are highly sought-after. What makes fancy-colored diamonds different from colorless diamonds is the presence of trace elements that create beautiful hues. While colorless diamonds are valued for their lack of color, fancy-colored diamonds are cherished for their intense tones. These rare gems come in yellow, blue, pink, orange, red, brown, and green- each color more captivating than the last.

Today, we are focusing on green diamonds, which earn their place among the world’s most precious green gemstones. Green diamonds are among the rarest. They form deep underground over millions of years when natural radiation changes a diamond’s structure, creating their green color. Most green diamonds come from mines in South America, though some exceptional stones have been found in India and Africa.

While natural green diamonds are rare and valuable, treated green diamonds are highly prized and expensive. There’s nothing wrong with treated green diamonds - they are still genuine diamonds that are enhanced to achieve their green color. Both natural and treated green diamonds command high prices in the market.

Let’s give you an idea of their value: the famous “ Aurora Green” diamond, a 5.03-carat natural green diamond, sold at auction for a whopping  $16.8 million in 2016!  

Even smaller, treated green diamonds fetch tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Whether natural or treated, green diamonds come with special certificates from credible gem labs like GIA. These reports verify their authenticity and disclose any treatments. These certificates are essential: they help you understand exactly what you’re buying and ensure its genuineness. 

Emerald

Emeralds have been treasured for millennia. These beautiful green gemstones form when beryl mixes with chromium or vanadium deep within the Earth. This creates their rich, green color that no other gemstone can match.

The best emeralds come from Colombia, particularly in the Muzo region. There are also very yieldful emerald deposits in Zambia and Brazil. Colombian emeralds are famous for their deep green color and are most valuable.

Unlike other precious stones, emeralds almost always have small inclusions or tiny cracks inside them. These are called ”jardin” because they look like little plants under a microscope. These inclusions are totally normal and help prove the emerald is real. Most emeralds are treated with resin or oil to improve their appearance and clarity. This is a totally accepted practice in the gem world. 

However, completely untreated emeralds are very rare and command premium prices. 

Emeralds are graded by color intensity: Vivid Green, being the most valuable, Green - showing a good color saturation, and Light Green, having a more subtle, paler color. Untreated emeralds with a Vivid Green color are among the most expensive gemstones in the world.

Emeralds rank 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, behind sapphires and diamonds. This means they need extra care. They can crack or chip if hit hard. They are hence better for earrings than daily rings.

Green Sapphire

Many people think of blue when they hear “sapphire”. These precious gems come in many colors, including beautiful pinks and greens. Green sapphires get their color from titanium and iron inside the stone. 

Green sapphires are harder than emeralds. This means they are perfect for all types of jewelry. They are also usually much clearer than emeralds, with fewer inclusions.

The best green sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Australia, and Montana. An accepted practice in the gem world is to heat them to improve their color. As long as the treatment is disclosed, the treatment doesn’t make it less valuable.

Green sapphires cost much less than emeralds of similar quality and size. They are a smart choice for people who want a precious green gem without breaking the bank.
Most people think of blue when they hear sapphires, but sapphires come in a host of colors, including beautiful greens. Green sapphires get their color from iron and titanium present in the stone.
Green sapphires are much harder than emeralds, making them ideal for all types of jewelry. They are also clearer than emeralds, with fewer visible inclusions.

The best green sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Australia, and Montana. Some are heated to improve their color, which is a common practice in the gem world. Heat treatment doesn’t make the stone less valuable. They need to be properly disclosed, however, by gemstone retailers. 

Semi-Precious Green Gemstones

Semi-precious gemstones offer great beauty at more affordable prices than precious gemstones. These gemstones are not as rare as green diamonds or emeralds. They can, however, be just as stunning in jewelry. Many semi-precious green gems are actually harder and even more durable than emeralds.

Semi-precious gemstones are gems that are not categorized as one of the four traditional “precious” stones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald). They encompass a host of minerals, crystals, and even some organic materials, valued for their color, beauty, and unique properties. They offer great beauty at more affordable prices than precious gemstones. These gemstones are not as rare as green diamonds or emeralds. They can, however, be just as stunning in jewelry. We are picking green gems in this category and examining each thoroughly.

Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite Garnet is a relatively newcomer gemstone in the jewelry world. It was only discovered in 1967 in Kenya by a British gemologist. This bright green gemstone is named after Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. 

The tsavorite garnet is special due to its brilliance and fire. It sparkles more than an emerald and has fewer inclusions. The best tsavorite stones have uniform saturation with no blue or yellow tints.

Tsavorite has a limited supply, coming only from East Africa, mainly Tanzania and Kenya. This makes it quite rare and valuable due to its limited supply. Tsavorite gems with great specifications can cost as much as emeralds. It works great for all kinds of jewelry due to its durability. It is becoming more popular as people discover this alternative to emeralds.

Green Tourmaline

Green tourmaline comes in more shades of green than almost any other gemstone. Everything from light mint green to deep forest green. This variety makes it easier for you to find the perfect shade for any piece of jewelry.

Tourmalines also display what is known as pleochroism. This is where the gem shows different colors when observed from different angles. Some green tourmalines may look bluish or yellowish green from other angles.

The finest green tourmalines originate from Brazil and certain regions of Africa. Most green tourmalines are heated to improve their color. This is a normal practice and doesn’t affect its value.

Green tourmaline is hard enough for daily wear and usually costs less than emeralds.

Peridot

Peridot is actually one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color family- green. All peridots have a yellow-green color that ranges from light to deep green.  Some peridots display a lush green that can rival some emeralds.

This gem has been treasured for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it “the gem of the sun”. It is also believed by some cultures to protect its wearers from nightmares.  Most peridot today comes from Arizona, though it can be found in Myanmar and Pakistan. Not as rare as emeralds and other precious stones, it is a more affordable option. Peridot is softer than many other gemstones; it requires gentle care. It is best used in earrings, pendants, and necklaces.

Chrome Diopside

Unfamiliar name, yes, yes. Chrome diopside is not as popular as other green gems, but it is known for its vivid green color. This bright green is just as intense as that of emeralds, but it costs much less. The chromium that gives it its amazing color is the same element that makes emeralds green.

This gem is mined almost exclusively in a region of Eastern Siberia called Inagli. This area is also famed for impressive diamond deposits. Recently, some chrome diopside deposits have been found in Pakistan.

This makes it rare, but not as expensive as other rare gems. The downside of chrome diopside is that it is soft and can scratch easily. Due to this, chrome diopside is often cut into smooth, rounded shapes rather than faceted stones. This protects it from damage while showing its amazing green hue.

Jade (Jadeite)

This is a particularly meaningful stone. In China, it’s been treasured for over 5,000 years. People believe it brings protection and luck to its wearers. Now, there are actually two different minerals called jade. Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is rarer and more valuable. The finest jadeite has a pure green color and is nearly transparent. This top-quality jade is called “Imperial Jade”.

Most jadeite comes from Myanmar ( Burma). It can be found in Guatemala and other parts. The ideal jadeite stone has an even green color with no patches or streaks. Imperial Jadeite is among the most expensive gemstones in the world, with top pieces selling for millions of dollars per carat. The most prized jadeite comes from Myanmar and displays a deep green color with great transparency that commands astronomical prices at auction. This value comes from jadeite’s rarity, cultural significance in Asian markets, and the fact that the finest quality stones are limited in availability.

Jade is quite tough and durable. It can be used for everything from statement earrings to bold rings.

Other Notable Green Gemstones

So, aside from semi-precious and precious stones, other beautiful green gemstones deserve attention. These are usually more affordable and not as rare. They are great choices for daily jewelry or for people starting to collect gemstones. Let’s start with Aventurine.

Aventurine

Green aventurine is a type of quartz that has a sparkly effect called aventuresence. This sparkle comes from small pieces of mica inside the stone that reflect light. Most people recognize aventurine by its milky green color and light shimmer. It is much lighter in color than most green gemstones, giving it a calm appearance.
Some people believe aventurine brings prosperity and good fortune. This belief has made it popular in spiritual practices. Whether you believe in these properties or not, aventurine is great for affordable and beautiful jewelry.

Now, aventurine is a variation of quartz: it is quite durable and hard. It doesn’t really require special care due to this. 

Malachite

Malachite is a very recognizable stone due to its color and unique banded patterns. These bands create swirling designs that look like water ripples or tree rings. This gemstone is formed from copper deposits. In Ancient Egypt, it was ground into powder to make green eye makeup! It has been used for decorations for thousands of years. Malachite is quite soft compared to other gemstones and requires gentle handling.
It is not suitable for bracelets or rings that can get bumped around. It is often used in pendants, earrings or decorative objects.

The stone’s beautiful patterns make each piece unique. Malachite is really one-of-a-kind as no two malachite gems look the same.

Green Agate

Green agate is a variety of chalceony that comes in different shades of green. Some pieces are natural, while others are dyed to create deeper colors. Both dyed and natural agate are wiely available and affordable.

Natural green agate usually has a softer green color. Dyed agate can be bright and intense. There’s nothing wrong with dyed agate as long as it is properly labeled. It is still a real gemstone, just enhanced for color.

Agate often forms in beautiful patterns, including stripes, bands or moss-like inclusions. Some types, like moss agate look like they have small plants or like patterns trapped inside the stone.

Agate is actually quite durable and works for all types of jewelry. It is a smart choice for people who want green gemstones without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Green Gemstone

So with so many green gems to choose from, picking the right one can be a bit of a task. The best choice depends on several factors that you need to consider before making your purchase.

Consider Your Budget

Green gemstones range from very budget-friendly to extremely expensive. Set a realistic budget before shopping. Remember that the cost depends on the type of stone, quality, size and any treatment it has received.

For budget-conscious buyers, consider green agate or aventurine. These stones offer beautiful green colors without the high price tag. If you have a medium budget, your best bets are jade, peridot or green tourmaline. For those wanting luxury stones, green diamonds, emeralds and tsavorite are the top choices.

Color Preferences Matter

As we have already laid out, green gems come in a host of different shades. Some people prefer green colors, while others like greens with other secondary colors. Look at several stones in different lighting to observe the color changes. 

The most classic green color is provided by the emerald. Peridot has a unique yellow-green shade. Tsavorite garnet provides a brilliant green sparkle, and chrome diopside offers an intense green. Think about which shade of green appeals to you the most.

Match Your Lifestyle

Consider your daily activities and how they can affect your jewelry. If you work a lot with your hands, cook frequently, or play sports, select more durable stones and potential settings. Some stones need special care.

Ultrasonic cleaners can damage emeralds. Malachite shouldn’t get wet for long periods. Make sure you are willing to provide the care your gemstone needs.

Consider the Jewelry Type

Different gemstones work better for different types of jewelry.

Get Professional Help

Ask for help from jewelry experts. They can explain the distinctions between stones, help you understand treatments, and suggest the best options for your needs. A good jeweler will also help you choose the right setting and metal for your green gemstones. They can advise on care instructions and help you make informed decisions.

Care and Maintenance Guide

Taking care of your green gemstones will keep them beautiful for years to come. Different stones need different types of care, so it is important to know what your specific gemstone needs.

General Cleaning Guidelines

Most green gemstones can be cleaned safely with a warm, mild soap solution. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away oils and dirt. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Never use harsh abrasives, bleach, or chemicals on your gemstones. These can damage the stone’s surface or change its color. 

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless you are sure the stone can handle them. Clean your green gemstone jewelry regularly to prevent the buildup of lotions, grease, and dirt. Even durable stones can look dull if they are not kept clean.

Special Care for Softer Stones

Some green gemstones are softer and more fragile and thus, need extra gentle care.

Malachite - This stone should not be soaked in water for long periods. Clean it with a damp cloth and pat dry immediately. The copper in malachite can react with water over time. 

Emerald -  Emeralds should not be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners, which can cause cracks and color shifts. Stick to gentle hand cleaning with soap and water.

Jade - Jade is a tough gem, but it can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Clean with mild soap and water, then dry completely.

Peridot- Peridot can also be scratched easily. Be gentle when cleaning and store it away from harder gems.

Proper Storage

Store your green gemstone jewelry in a way that prevents damage and scratches. Each piece should be wrapped in a soft cloth or kept in individual compartments.

Harder stones like green sapphire and tsavorite can scratch softer stones like peridot. O not put all your jewelry together in one box. Keep your jewelry away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Some gemstones can change color or become dull if exposed to too much light or heat. Consider getting a jewelry box with soft, fabric-lined compartments. This protects your pieces and makes them easy to find when you want to wear them.

When to Remove Jewelry

When you are engaging in certain activities, take off your green gemstone jewelry. These activities include:

• Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean
• Exercising or playing sports
• Cleaning with household chemicals
• Gardening or doing yard work
• Applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray

When getting dressed, put your jewelry on last and take if off first when you get home. This reduces exposure to chemicals and prevents damage.

Professional Cleaning and Maintenance

Have your green gem jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. A jeweler can spot problems like worn settings or loose prongs before you lose a stone. 

Professional cleaning can make your gemstone look new again. Jewelers have special tools and solutions that are safe for the specific stone.

If you notice any loose stones or cracks, take your jewelry to a professional immediately. Small problems can become big if ignored.

Signs Your Gemstone Needs Attention

These warning signs indicate your green gem needs professional care : 

• The stone looks cloudy or dull even after cleaning
• You can see new chips or cracks
• The stone feels loose in its setting
• The metal setting looks worn or bent
• The stone's color seems to have changed

Don't try to fix these problems yourself. A qualified jeweler can assess and repair your jewelry to keep it secure and beautiful.

Investment and Authentication Guide

So you are thinking of getting a green gemstone as an investment. Start by understanding what makes certain stones valuable and how to get bang for your buck. Not all green gemstones are good investments, and authentication is crucial for valuable pieces. 

What Makes a Green Gemstone Investment-Grade

Investment-grade gemstones have to meet very high standards for beauty, durability, and rarity. Only the finest examples of certain green stones qualify as serious investments

Colombian Emeralds - These are the gold standard for green gemstone investments. Look for gemstones with no oil treatment and pure green color with no blue or yellow undertones. The emerald should have impeccable clarity, though its normal and accepted for some inclusions to be present.
Now, while Colombian emeralds are the premium choice for investment, emeralds from other locations can also make for excellent investment pieces. For emeralds from Brazil, Zambia, or other origins, focus on finding very clear stones. If possible, seek emeralds with no oil treatment, as untreated ones are always more valuable.  Also, larger emeralds over 4 carats from any location tend to appreciate better as investment pieces. Large, high-quality emeralds are becoming increasingly rare in the market. 

Natural Green Diamonds - These are among the most valuable and rarest gemstones in the world. Investment-grade green diamonds must be completely natural with zero to minimal treatments. It must also come with proper certification from reputable labs like GIA.

Tsavorite Garnets - With tsavorites, impeccable clarity and a good carat weight make for an excellent investment. The best investment pieces are over 3 carats with an intense green and no visible inclusions. High-quality, large tsavorite is very rare.

Imperial Jadeite -  high transparency with intense green color Jadeite can be very valuable. The most desirable pieces come from Myanmar and display an even, pure green color throughout the stone.

Untreated Green Sapphires - For good investments, look for green sapphires with exceptional color and clarity. Also, select stones with no heat treatment and vivid green color.

Understanding Market Value Factors

If you are making a green gemstone investment, you need to know the factors that affect its appreciation over time. 

Rarity and Supply - Gemstones that come from mines that are closing or have limited availability become more valuable. Political and economic problems in mining countries can also affect prices and supply. 

Treatment vs. Natural - Natural, untreated gemstones are always more valuable than treated ones. The difference in value can be a lot, especially for sapphires and emeralds. 

Size and Quality - Larger stones of great quality are rarer and more valuable than smaller ones. A 5-carat emerald is worth more than five 1-carat emeralds of the same quality.

Provenance - Where a gemstone comes from is very important. Colombian emeralds cost more than emeralds from other locations, even if they look similar.

Certification and Authentication

Let’s start with this. Never ever buy an expensive green gemstone without a proper certificate. Credible gem labs provide comprehensive reports that verify what you are buying.

Trusted Laboratory Standards - Only accept certificates from well-known, respected labs like GIA, AIGS, GUILD Labs, or SSEF. These labs have very strict standards and advanced equipment.

What Certificates Should Include - A proper certificate will identify the following. The stone type, clarity and color disclose any treatments and give the stone’s specifications. For valuable stones, determining the origin is also important.

Treatment Disclosure - The certificate must clearly state any treatments the stone has undergone. This includes oiling, heating, irradiation or any other processes.

Origin Determination - For investment-grade stones, where the gemstone came from is crucial. Kashmir sapphires, Burmese Jadeite or Colombian emeralds command premium prices because of their origins. 

Red Flags to Avoid

When buying expensive green gemstones, we talking about stone around $1000 and above, be very careful of some warning signs. 

• No certificate or certificate from an unknown lab
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Stones that look perfect but cost much less than they should
• Sellers who pressure you to buy immediately

Insurance and Documentation

You can protect your investment by acquiring proper insurance and documentation. You can start by having your stones appraised by a certified gemologist every couple of years. Market value doesn’t stay the same.

 Keep all paperwork related to your green gemstone. This includes certificates, purchase receipts and appraisals. Digital copies are okay, but keep the originals in a safe place. 

It is also important to be realistic. Most gemstones don’t appreciate as quickly as other investments. The resale market can be unpredictable at times, even for expensive pieces.

Getting Professional Help

If you wish to buy a green gemstone as a serious investment, work with qualified professionals who can help you through every step of the process. A certified gemologist who can evaluate each stone with an established track record.

Please bear in mind, investing in gemstones requires patience, careful research and knowledge. Do not rush into expensive purchases without understanding all the important factors.

Conclusion

The world of green gemstones is beautiful and offers something for everyone, regardless of your budget. From the brilliant sparkle of tsavorites to the classic elegance of emeralds, each is unique and appealing. When selecting your perfect green gem, consider your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. A beautiful jewel should bring you joy, whether it is an affordable agate or a precious emerald.

The key to finding your perfect green gem is working with professionals and education. Take time to learn about different stones and compare your options. This way, you make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Our master artisans here at SARATTI understand the unique beauty of each green gemstone. With years of experience in handpicking and setting the finest stones, we are committed to helping you find the perfect green gems. Our expertise ensures that no matter the type of green gem you choose, you will receive exceptional quality and craftsmanship.