Faceted tear-drop (pear) emeralds 4-5 mm from Zambia. Intense green with characteristic natural inclusions. Micro format for precision jewelry.
Piece details
| Mineral |
Emerald (green beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) |
| Dimensions |
4-5 mm on the major axis (tolerance ±0.5 mm) |
| Shape and back |
Faceted tear-drop (pear), faceted back |
| Finish |
Faceted mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7.5-8 Mohs — suitable for earrings and pendants; for rings we recommend a closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Zambia |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece type |
Available in lot |
This specific piece
The tear-drop cut (pear shape) in micro format 4-5 mm concentrates the green of Zambia in an elegant proportion: the tip directs the eye to the center of the stone while the rounded shoulders distribute light to the edges. The dark Zambian green at this size produces a dense and deep optical effect difficult to achieve with lighter emeralds.
Inclusions are visible under 10× magnification — the authenticity marker of natural beryl from schist formation. To the naked eye, the transparency allows the deep green to be appreciated.
What setting it works for
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Hook earrings / Pendants (925 silver) — the tear-drop cut has its natural hanging axis at the tip; it is the ideal format for hook earrings.
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Micro jewelry in 925 silver — the 4-5 mm size fits into prefabricated micro-bezel settings for pear shape.
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Precision wire wrap — with fine wire (28-26 AWG gauge) keeping the tear-drop silhouette visible.
Emerald in lapidary tradition
For centuries, emerald was more valued than diamond in many cultures. 17th-century Mughal lapidaries engraved surahs from the Quran on flat emeralds to use as amulets. Pliny the Elder described emerald as "the only stone that rests the eyes" — a property attributed by ancient world scribes. In crystal tradition, emerald is linked to patience, prosperity, and lucid vision.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine emerald
At 4-5 mm, distinction requires 10× magnification: natural emerald has characteristic inclusions (pyrite crystals, fine fracture veils). Synthetic emerald is practically perfect. Green glass presents rounded bubbles. A hardness of 7.5-8 Mohs scratches quartz without difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are they natural Zambian emeralds?
Yes. No detectable treatment. Declaration based on lapidary observation; pieces do not include formal gemological certification.
What type of jewelry is this cut most suitable for?
For hook or hoop earrings, delicate pendants, and rings with micro-settings. The pear cut has a natural hanging axis that facilitates mounting in earrings.
Are the dimensions uniform in the lot?
The pieces range from 4 to 5 mm on the major axis. As it is lapidary stock not industrially calibrated, they are not interchangeable in exact millimeter format.
Are the inclusions a defect?
No — they are the hallmark of natural emerald authenticity. A completely clean emerald at 10× magnification is almost always synthetic or treated.
How to care for it?
No ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Clean with a soft cloth. More at jewelry care.
See also: cabochon collection · faceted gemstones.
