Origin and mining
How emeralds form in the Earth's crust and how they are extracted, from the shafts of Colombia to the great mines of Zambia.
Explore →Certified emeralds · Dominican Republic
Esmeraldas RD is the Dominican meeting point between those who love emeralds and those who know them. Buy, learn and invest with the expert guidance of Rafaelina Brito.
The House
Esmeraldas RD is born from a conviction: buying an emerald should not be an act of faith, but an informed decision. Under the direction of Rafaelina Brito, gemologist and author of specialised guides, we offer Dominican collectors, jewellers and investors transparent access to quality emeralds.
Every stone we recommend is understood, explained and documented. Here the client does not just receive a gem: they receive the judgement to appreciate it and the peace of mind of knowing exactly what they hold in their hands.
Educational resource
An open library on the world of the emerald: from how it forms and is extracted to how its value is assessed. Free knowledge so that every decision is yours.
How emeralds form in the Earth's crust and how they are extracted, from the shafts of Colombia to the great mines of Zambia.
Explore →Colour, clarity, cut and carat. Why colour rules in the emerald and how to tell a fine green from a dull one.
Explore →Why the fine emerald is a tangible store of value, what to buy for investment and what risks to consider first.
Explore →What it means for an emerald to be "no oil", how treatments are classified and why disclosure is everything.
Explore →Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. How origin defines the colour, character and price of each gem.
Explore →The essential checklist: certification, colour in daylight, eye-clean clarity and the seller's reputation.
Explore →The criterion
The quality — and the price — of an emerald are deciphered through four factors. In this gem, colour reigns above all.
The dominant factor. Look for a pure or slightly bluish green, of medium to medium-dark tone and vivid saturation. It explains most of the value.
Inclusions (the "garden") are natural and prove the stone is genuine. Ideally it is eye-clean at a normal distance.
The emerald cut protects the gem and shows its colour. A good cut balances weight, colour and the least visibility of inclusions.
Price per carat grows exponentially: fine stones of large size are extremely rare and far more coveted.
Frequently asked questions
With the four Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat. In the emerald, colour rules: a pure or slightly bluish green, of medium to medium-dark tone and vivid saturation. Internal inclusions are natural and expected; ideally the stone is eye-clean. For valuable pieces a certificate from a recognised laboratory stating the treatment is indispensable.
The Colombian shows a pure, warm, slightly bluish green with a saturation that sets the world standard, and keeps a premium of 30% to 50% over other origins. The Zambian has a cooler, bluer green from its iron content, often with better transparency and fewer visible inclusions.
They combine real scarcity, global demand, portability and low correlation with financial markets, which makes them a tangible store of value. Resale value concentrates in stones of fine colour, eye-clean, with minimal or no treatment, prestigious origin and certification. However, their liquidity is limited and it is advisable to buy with expert advice.
Almost all emeralds receive a fissure filling with colourless oils or resins to improve their clarity. Laboratories classify the degree as none, insignificant, minor, moderate or significant. A certified "no oil" emerald is the most valued on the market. The greatest buying risk is non-disclosure of treatment.
At Esmeraldas RD, at Calle Francisco Prats Ramírez #258, Santo Domingo. We offer certified emeralds and gemological advice by appointment. You can arrange a visit by calling (809) 857-6588 or writing to RBritoT@gmail.com.
Contact
Personalised attention by appointment in the heart of Santo Domingo. We will be delighted to assist you.
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The initial evaluation is indicative; a formal appraisal requires examining the piece in person.
Indicative information; not financial advice. Investment decisions are your own.
Download the complete guide “Emeralds: from the mine to the market”, written by Rafaelina Brito. 19 pages on mining, cutting, quality, market and investment.
Download the guide (PDF)You can also read it online.
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