A 1-carat stone priced at $1,000 or a 10-carat stone priced at about $10,000 is no doubt a natural emerald, but such low-value stones will no doubt lack beauty or have an abundance of surface-reaching fractures. It is important to be sure that such stones are chosen for use only as accessories.

The value of a one-carat-size Colombian emerald of jewelry quality is approximately US $3,000 for the stone alone. (2004)


The price shown on page 34 through 41 (Colombian Emerald, Oil-treated / Zambian Emerald, Oil-treated), and the above-mentioned value, are based on emeralds that have been lightly treated with oil. Emeralds that have undergone severe treatment with oils or resins will appear beautiful at first glance, but they may have drastically lower prices, so caution is advised.