Emerald Studs order (3.75mm Transparent Genuine Natural Emeralds), 0.44 Carats TCW, Round Cut, Sterling Silver Post Earrings

These post earrings feature a pair of pale mint green natural African emeralds set in sterling silver 'basket' style settings (the kind that allow the maximum amount of light to play around and under the gems).

The gems were earth-mined in the Republic of Zambia. They're 100% natural and untreated, that's to say, no laboratory treatment processes have been applied to them to enhance their natural colour or clarity. Technically speaking, these gems would rate 'VSI' for clarity, which means they're highly transparent* and near flawless to the eye, containing only a few microscopic internal spots (called 'inclusions') deep within them that would be visible with a microscope or loupe. To the naked eye however the gems appear bright and clean, and good examples of the highly sparkly, pale 'seafoam green' colour that African emeralds are known for. The keyword is 'pale' ... and that's because these emeralds are highly transparent hence full of light ... so, if you're after more of a rich colour for your emeralds you'd probably be better of with say, the translucent Colombian variety of emeralds - not as transparent and sparkly as the African ones, but in compensation they've got more colour. The gems are well finished too. Externally, each displays a good cut with neat proportions and symmetry, and smooth unblemished surface facets.

Unset, each emerald weighs 0.22 carats and measures 3.75mm diameter. Along with their premium qualio y 4-prong sterling silver setting each earring measures about 4mm (wide) x 14mm (long) and weighs 0.16 grams.

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. Dressing up my jewellery for display and gift-giving is one of my favourite parts of the Etsy process. If you'd like to see a photo of the presentation do please drop me a line and I'll be pleased 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, as in this listing);
- 'Translucent' (semi-transparent and 'glowing' rather than sparkling);
- 'Opaque' order (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 value.