How To Make Custom Jewelry with Loose Emerald Gemstones

Creating a custom piece of jewelry that features a stunning emerald gemstone is a meaningful process shared with royalty and celebrities alike. A custom piece of emerald jewelry can make a perfect gift for a birthday as it is the May birthstone, a special 55th wedding anniversary, or simply because you appreciate the beauty and value of emerald gemstones, whether for someone you care about or for yourself. If you have inherited an emerald, bought a vintage piece, or have purchased a stunning loose emerald, here’s a guide to help you create a gorgeous custom piece that will stand the test of time.

How Is Custom Emerald Jewelry Made? 

Having custom jewelry made is a meaningful process. The goal is to create jewelry with deep sentimental value or to impress the wearer. This is a thoughtful process where you will work closely with your jeweler. From the initial design and wax carving to casting and setting the gemstone, you will place your personal touch on each step. Knowing these steps will help you communicate effectively with your jeweler and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into it. 

Step 1: Define Your Vision

Before you meet with a jeweler, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want. Here are some key points to consider when designing custom emerald jewelry: 

• What type of piece do you want made? Is it a ring, earrings, necklace, or bridal set? Emeralds make beautiful necklaces, pendants and earrings. While they also make stunning rings, keep in mind that emeralds are a softer gemstone (ranking between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale). Emeralds set in rings and bracelets are more prone to chipping or cracking as they experience more wear and tear while being worn on the hand and wrist.
  
• Do you have a preference for a certain color or cut of emerald? Popular emerald shapes are the oval and emerald cut. Other common cuts include pear and round. Emeralds are popular for their green hues with the most valuable stones having a bluish-green color or deep green hue. Less valuable emeralds tend to have a yellowish-green color.
  
• Which metal goes best with emeralds? What type of metal do you want to use? (Gold, platinum, silver, other alternatives) Pairing a bluish-green or deep green emerald with yellow gold and a yellowish-green emerald with white gold or platinum, enhances the gemstone’s color, making it stand out. These are recommendations and you can choose the metal that best suits your taste and your budget.
  
• What is your budget? Keep in mind custom jewelry pieces are more costly than commercially manufactured pieces due to their uniqueness and craftsmanship.
  
• Do you have a design preference? Perhaps you’ve seen a design you like or have your own artistic ideas – share these with the jeweler.
  
• How soon do you need the item? Custom jewelry takes time to craft, ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity and availability of materials.

Having answers to these questions will help in Step 3 when you work with your jeweler to design a piece that meets your expectations and fits your lifestyle.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Emerald

Selecting the perfect emerald is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Cut: The cut determines the stone’s brilliance and how light interacts with it. Popular cuts for emeralds include the emerald cut, oval, round, and pear shapes. You will want a cut that complements your design.
2. Carat: Carat weight measures the size of the emerald. Larger stones are rarer and more valuable. Ensure the size fits well with the intended setting.
3. Clarity: Emeralds often have inclusions, known as “jardin.” While inclusions are common, fewer inclusions typically increase the stone’s value. Emeralds with the best grading (AAA) have the fewest inclusions. 
4. Color: The most valuable color of emerald is a blue-green hue with full saturation. Emerald color can range from bluish-green to yellowish-green. The color and saturation will affect the emerald’s value.
5. Natural vs. Lab-Created: Natural emeralds are unique and often more valuable, while lab-created emeralds offer a flawless and more affordable alternative. Lab-created emeralds have poor resale value, where natural emeralds are often seen as an investment piece. Decide based on your preference and budget.

Shop our diverse selection of natural loose emerald gemstones or send us a message telling us what you are looking for. We can help you find the perfect emerald for your custom jewelry project.

Step 3: Consulting with a Jeweler

Once you’ve selected your emerald, it’s time to consult with a professional jeweler. Not all jewelers specialize in custom work, so find one with experience in creating bespoke pieces. Discuss your design ideas, show any inspiration images, and provide details about the emerald you’ve chosen. The jeweler will create a rendering or sketch to visualize the design details.

Step 4: Crafting the Jewelry

With your design approved, the jeweler will create a model of your piece. This prototype allows for any final adjustments. The jeweler will then proceed with carving, casting, and setting the gemstone, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted to bring your vision to life.

Step 5: Receiving and Caring for Your Custom Jewelry

After the piece is completed, you’ll receive your custom jewelry, ready to be worn and cherished. To maintain its beauty for years to come, proper care is essential:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your jewelry before using household cleaners or engaging in activities that involve harsh chemicals.
• Gentle Cleaning: Clean your emerald jewelry with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as they can damage the stone.
• Safe Storage: Store your jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage.

Creating custom jewelry with loose emerald gemstones is a deeply personal and fulfilling experience. By understanding the process, clarifying your vision, selecting the right emerald, and working with a skilled jeweler, you can craft a unique piece that reflects your style and holds significant sentimental value. Whether you are repurposing an inherited gem or starting a new design, the result will be a timeless piece of jewelry to be cherished for generations.

Explore our collection of loose emeralds and begin creating a custom jewelry masterpiece today!