Buy — Rough Emeralds
: Use a penlight to see through the stone. If the surface is too cloudy, experts often "window" (polish a small flat area) the rough to peek inside. 2. Common Pitfalls & Risks
: Generally more affordable ($10–$500 per carat) but often more heavily oiled. buy rough emeralds
: Given the difficulty of judging rough, never buy "sight-unseen" without a clear return window. : Use a penlight to see through the stone
: Known for smaller but intensely colored stones; rough lots can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on size. 4. Recommended Buying Checklist Common Pitfalls & Risks : Generally more affordable
When evaluating rough, you are looking for "potential" rather than finished beauty.
: Almost all emeralds are treated with oil (like cedar or rapeseed oil) to fill surface-reaching fractures. "No oil" rough is extremely rare and carries a massive price premium. 3. Sourcing & Market Prices