Emeralds Natural, Treated, and Synthetic Comparisons

Untreated Emeralds:
Emeralds in their natural, untreated state are the rarest and most highly prized. These gems have not undergone any enhancements to improve clarity, color, or durability, making them true treasures of nature. Untreated emeralds often display minor inclusions — sometimes poetically referred to as the stone’s “jardin” (French for “garden”) — which are accepted as part of their character. Large, untreated emeralds with good transparency and strong color are exceedingly rare and command exceptional prices on the market.

Treated Emeralds:
The vast majority of emeralds available today have undergone some form of treatment to enhance their appearance, with oiling being the most traditional and widely accepted method. Typically, colorless oils — such as cedar oil — are used to fill surface-reaching fractures, improving the stone’s clarity and overall visual appeal. Light oiling is generally considered standard practice and has minimal impact on an emerald’s value, whereas heavier treatments or the use of artificial resins can lower a stone’s desirability and price. Disclosure of any treatments is considered essential when purchasing fine emeralds.

Synthetic Emeralds:
Synthetic emeralds are laboratory-grown stones that share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as their natural counterparts. They can display vivid color and impressive clarity, often mimicking high-quality natural emeralds. However, because they lack the geological rarity and storied formation process of natural emeralds, synthetic stones are valued much lower.

Emerald Simulants:
Unlike synthetic emeralds, which share the chemical composition of natural emeralds, simulants are simply look-alikes made from entirely different materials. Common emerald simulants include green glass, synthetic spinel, and treated quartz. While they may have a similar appearance at a glance, simulants lack the physical and chemical properties of real emeralds and are generally considered costume jewelry. Their value is minimal, and they are not regarded as true gemstones.