Lot of 5 Zambian emerald round cabochons, with individual diameters between 2.30 and 2.70 mm. Emerald green with a slight bluish tint, characteristic of the Kafubu deposit (Zambia), with natural jardin visible under 10× magnification. Non-industrial calibration: each piece varies within the declared range in weight and dome profile. For precision jewelry in 925 silver — bezel, channel, or detail pavé settings.
Item Details
| Mineral |
Emerald (green beryl with Cr/V, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) |
| Diameter |
2.30–2.70 mm (varies among the 5 pieces in the lot) |
| Shape and Back |
Round, flat back |
| Finish |
Polished with a soft dome (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 (uncalibrated, random selection) |
The Zambian Hue and the 2.5 mm Jardin
Kafubu (Zambia) emeralds have a slightly bluer green than classic Colombian emeralds, due to a higher concentration of vanadium relative to chromium. At a 2.5 mm scale, this difference is perceptible to the naked eye — the green is deep, with a coolness that contrasts well with 925 silver.
The jardin at this scale is visible under 10× magnification as internal micro-textures: fine actinolite needles, fluid veils, and areas of slightly varying color. In sound pieces (without prominent surface fractures) the jardin is confined to the interior and does not affect structural integrity for setting.
What Settings it Works For
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Closed Bezel Setting (925 silver or gold) — At 2.5 mm, the bezel requires a wall 1.5-2 mm wide. Ideal for small solitaire rings, drop pendants, or stud earrings.
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Channel and Detail Pavé — The slight diameter variation among the 5 pieces makes this lot more suitable for organic pavé (artisan design) than for CNC pavé with strict tolerances.
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Artisan Wire Wrap — Flat cabochon facilitates encapsulation in 0.5 mm silver wire.
Emerald in Lapidary Tradition
Emerald is green beryl, and the Zambian emerald belt was discovered by geologists in the 1930s, although systematic commercial production began in the 1970s. Kafubu emeralds were initially mined by local artisans and gradually transitioned to structured mining. Today, Zambia is the second largest emerald producer globally after Colombia. In crystal tradition, emerald (loyalty and vision) is associated with clarity of purpose and continuous growth — and in historical jewelry, it has been as valued as diamond for centuries.
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 This Scale
At 2.5 mm, distinguishing between natural, synthetic, and imitation requires a loupe or microscope. Accessible signs: green color with slight tonal variation (natural emeralds are rarely perfectly uniform in color); jardin visible as internal micro-textures. Imitation green glass has a lower weight (SG ~2.5 vs 2.7 for emerald) and no mineralogical jardin. Synthetic emerald has a very homogeneous color and its inclusions are of a different type than natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all pieces in the lot have the same diameter?
No. The diameter varies between 2.30 and 2.70 mm among the 5 pieces. For precision settings with tight tolerance, measure each piece individually before preparing the setting.
Are they oil-treated?
No detectable treatment. In pieces of this scale, observation is not conclusive without spectroscopy; if treatment purity is critical for your project, request independent gemological certification.
How should they be cared for?
Hardness 7.5-8 Mohs but sensitive to side impacts. Avoid contact with harder jewelry without separation. For finished jewelry, more information can be found at Jewelry and Mineral Care.
More about emerald: emerald properties and uses. See also: all cabochons.
