Gold purity is measured in karats, while platinum purity is measured in parts per thousand.

• 24 Carat Gold is pure yellow gold.
• 18 Carat Yellow Gold is made by combining three parts pure yellow gold with one part copper and silver alloy.
• 18 Carat White Gold is made by combining three parts pure yellow gold with one part palladium and silver alloy.
• Platinum 950 is made by combining 95% pure platinum with 5% alloying metals for strength and durability.

Carat in relation to gemstones is the measurement of their weight.

• 1 Gram = 5 Carats.
• 1 Carat is further subdivided into 100 points.

Refers to the symmetry, proportions and polish of an Emerald and greatly influences its color, brilliance, visibility of inclusions, weight retention and overall beauty.

Depends on the form of the rough Emerald. The precise shape will vary according to the Emerald’s natural characteristics, the cutter’s experience and the qualities the cutter wishes to preserve.

The Cabochon Cut has a smooth, polished surface without facets and is usually shaped with a softly rounded dome. This traditional cut emphasizes the Emerald’s depth of color, natural character and distinctive internal glow.

• Color: Lee Wasson subjectively classifies Colombian Emeralds into three principal hues of green: Herb Green, Blue Green and Golden Green.
• Tone: Lee Wasson subjectively grades the depth of each hue from (1), the lightest, to (10), the darkest.

Every Colombian Emerald’s color is unique. Its evaluation is subjective and requires years of experience, continuous viewing and comparison.

Inclusions are internal characteristics or foreign materials within an Emerald’s crystalline structure.

Lee Wasson subjectively estimates the quantity of inclusions as:

• (*) Free of Inclusions.
• (*) Lightly Included 1 to 3.
• (*) Moderately Included 1 to 3.
• ( ) Highly Included 1 to 3.
• (*) Asterisk denotes desirability.

Every inclusion in a Colombian Emerald is unique. Its evaluation is subjective and requires years of experience, continuous viewing and comparison.

Unlike a faceted Emerald, a Cabochon does not produce brilliance through multiple internal reflections. Instead, its smooth, rounded surface reveals a soft glow that emphasizes the depth of its color and the natural character of the Emerald.

Every Colombian Emerald is individually cut according to its natural characteristics. Its evaluation is subjective and requires years of experience, continuous viewing and comparison.

• Colombia
• Brazil
• Sandawana
• Afghanistan
• Russia
• India
• Pakistan
• North Carolina
• Zambia
• Ethiopia

Chivor Emeralds are prized for their distinctive bluish-green color and remarkable brightness. The finest examples combine exceptional crystal and brilliance, giving the Emerald a lively, vibrant presence characteristic of fine Chivor stones. Color alone does not distinguish Chivor from Muzo; their natural inclusions help reveal the difference.

Inclusions are internal characteristics or foreign materials within an Emerald’s crystalline structure.

Lee Wasson subjectively estimates the quantity of inclusions as:

• (*) Free of Inclusions.
• (*) Lightly Included 1 to 3.
• (*) Moderately Included 1 to 3.
• ( ) Highly Included 1 to 3.
• (*) Asterisk denotes desirability.

Types of Inclusions:

Three-phase inclusions consist of a gas bubble, liquid and a crystal enclosed within the Emerald.

Pyrite, calcite, quartz, parisite, albite, dolomite and shale may also be present and can provide conclusive evidence of natural origin.

Every inclusion in a Colombian Emerald is unique. Its evaluation is subjective and requires years of experience, continuous viewing and comparison.

Formed naturally within the earth.

A man-made material with essentially the same physical, optical and chemical properties as its natural counterpart.

Lee Wasson identifies surface-reaching inclusions susceptible to enhancement and subjectively estimates the degree of treatment as:

• (*) None.
• (*) Minor.
• (*) Moderate.
• ( ) Significant.
• (*) Asterisk denotes desirability.

Clarity enhancement is normally present unless otherwise specified.

Colombian Emeralds commonly contain surface-reaching inclusions that may be filled with colorless oils or permanent resins to diminish their visibility and improve the passage of light through the stone.