Lot of 5 Zambian emerald round micro cabochons, with individual diameters between 1.61 and 2.25 mm. Intense emerald green with natural jardin visible under magnification. Non-industrial calibration: each piece varies in proportion within the declared range, which is normal for gems of this size worked by artisan lapidaries.
Item details
| Mineral |
Emerald (green beryl with Cr/V, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) |
| Diameter |
1.61–2.25 mm (varies among the 5 pieces in the lot) |
| Shape and back |
Round, flat back |
| Finish |
Polished with low dome |
| Hardness |
7.5–8 Mohs — we recommend closed bezel or channel setting |
| Origin |
Zambia (Kafubu emerald belt) |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification. |
| Item type |
Lot of 5 pieces (uncallibrated, random selection) |
The jardin and authenticity of these emeralds
The term "jardin" (French for garden) describes the set of internal inclusions visible in natural emeralds: microfractures, inclusions of fine tremolite-actinolite needles, fluid veils, and crystals of minerals associated with the forming deposit.
The green color of these Zambian emeralds is intense and slightly bluish — a characteristic feature of the Kafubu deposit, where chromium and vanadium act together to produce a deeper green than some Colombian emeralds.
For what mounting it works
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Channel or micro bezel setting (925 silver or gold) — The 2 mm scale is common in pave jewelry and detail solitaires. A 1.5-1.8 mm wide bezel is sufficient to hold the stone without covering the color.
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Milgrain rings / detail solitaire — In filigree or milgrain settings, a 2 mm emerald acts as a focal point without dominating the composition.
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Wire wrap and macramé with setting — For those who work with wire, the flat cabochon facilitates front encapsulation with 0.4-0.5 mm wire.
Emerald in lapidary tradition
Emerald has been a precious gem in all great civilizations: the Egyptians exploited Cleopatra's mine in the Red Sea since the 2nd century BC; the Incas incorporated Colombian emeralds into their ritual ornaments before the conquest.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine emerald
At a 2 mm scale, the distinction between natural, synthetic, and imitation emerald requires a loupe or microscope. The most useful signs of authenticity to the naked eye: green color with slight tonal variation (natural emeralds rarely have completely uniform color); presence of jardin visible as slightly darker areas or with micro-textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all 5 pieces the same size?
Not exactly. The diameter varies between 1.61 and 2.25 mm among the 5 pieces in the lot. This variability is normal in uncalibrated gems of this scale; if you need pieces calibrated to the tenth of a millimeter for a precision CNC mounting, these pieces may not be suitable.
Are they oil or resin treated?
No detectable treatment based on lapidary observation. Most emeralds on the market have some degree of oil in surface fractures; for 2 mm pieces, observation is inconclusive without spectroscopy. No formal gemological certification.
What is the dimension tolerance?
±0.3 mm in any direction as these are non-industrially calibrated pieces. Variation is part of the nature of artisan lapidary material.
How are gems of this scale set?
With a very fine bezel tip tool or a bezel punch setter for micro bezels. The setting channel should be prepared with 0.2-0.3 mm tolerance over the actual diameter of the stone. It is recommended to test the seat before making the permanent bezel.
How to care for set pieces?
Emerald has a hardness of 7.5-8 Mohs but is sensitive to lateral impacts due to its hexagonal system with basal cleavage. Avoid contact with harder jewelry without separation. More at Care for your jewelry.
More about emerald: emerald properties and uses. See also: all cabochons.
