4.1mm Translucent Brazilian Emerald Earrings (Genuine Natural Emeralds), 4.1mm x 0.25 Carats each, Round Cut, Sterling Silver top Emerald Studs

These earrings feature a pair of natural emeralds set in sterling silver 'basket' style settings (the type that allow the maximum amount of light to play around the gems).

The emeralds were mined in Campo Formoso in the Brazilian State of Bahia and are 100% natural and untreated (that's to say, no laboratory treatment processes have been applied to them to enhance their natural colour or translucent* clarity). The gems are well matched in size, colour and cut, and are fine examples of the darker forest green hue that Brazilian emeralds are renown for.

Like most larger natural emeralds they'd rate 'SI' for internal clarity. 'SI' is a jeweller's term that stands for 'Small Inclusions'. It's used to describe gems that contain some microscopic flecks deep within their crystal matrix that could be seen on close inspection with a jeweller's loupe. These 'inclusions' however barely detract from the face-up beauty of the emeralds, and are in fact a valuable presence since they prove them authentic (indeed, emeralds over 3mm to 4mm diameter that lack visible 'inclusions' are almost certainly synthetic fakes).

Unset, each emerald weighs a quarter carat and measures 4.1mm diameter. Along with their 4-prong sterling setting each earring measures 14mm (long) and weighs 0.22 grams. The settings used are crisp, professional designs made by Stuller Inc. of Louisiana, America's finest jewellery components manufacturer.

As with all Salon Petite earrings the prong tips holding the gems have been micro-sanded and polished to limit the chances of the metalwork catching in hair or on clothing. Sterling silver butterfly clutches as well as clear silicone stoppers will be included for your comfort and convenience in fitting.

Presentation for the earrings includes a hinge-lid gift box lined with Japanese Unryu papers. Unryu is a handmade designer paper that contains strands of plant fiber for colour and contrast - very pretty. I really enjoy dressing up my creations for display and gift-giving. If you'd like to see a photo of the presentation style do please drop me a line and I'll be happy to send you a photo.


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* ... there's three grades of transparency in gemstones :

- 'Transparent' (the highest grade of gemstone : clear and sparkling);
- 'Translucent' (semi-transparent or cloudy, with more of a soft 'glow' than a bright sparkle);
- 'Opaque' (like jade, a green stone without any glow or sparkle at all).

Pricewise, the more transparency and richness of colour an emerald displays, the higher its assay value. top