A Few Words About Emeralds

Our emerald dealer, Kirk Alexander, relaxes in front of our Santa Fe gallery with a well earned cup of tea. Along side is Helen Chantler, the lead designer and co-owner of Reflective Images. They have been friends for fifteen years.

Zambia, Columbia and Brazil are the most important sources in the world. Each varies in color and subtlety, but the quality of gems from these three countries is unsurpassed.

The emeralds we get are from the top emerald mine in the copper belt in Zambia; specifically, the Kafubu area. The Zambian mines are steeped in danger, intrigue and skullduggery. The miners rely upon their own wits, tenacity and determination to find the stones, but they also depend upon local superstitions and folklore. The finest goods make their way to the US and less quality merchandise tends to find its way to India and the Far East.

Our supplier, Mr. Alexander Kirk, is one of the foremost emerald dealers in the world. His international clientele have included the late Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, as well as Mick and Jade Jagger. Now you can be added to the list! He has given lectures extensively in Britain and the US, including to members of Gem Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Trade Association, (AGTA). He has also been the subject of a BBC documentary on gemstone mining.

In the tradition of the intrepid British explorer, Mr. Kirk circles the globe, going to the actual places where gemstones are mined. Over decades of travel, he has developed friendships with people in the villages where the mines are located. In Zambia, he pays top prices to the natives so they save the best material for him. These villages have come to depend upon his business for their food, medicine and schooling.

With all emeralds it is important to get the stone which speaks to you. Our emeralds have a, rich verdant green, with deep saturation and fire. Their vibrancy separates them from anything you'll see in a run of the mill jewelry store. Life and fire is everything and these gems have it.

Emeralds as a gem choice for your Engagement Rings

Emeralds are considerably less hard on the moss scale then sapphires, rubies or diamonds. If you are going to wear your engagement ring all the time, or if you are particularly hard on the rings you wear, then we recommend that you do not choose an emerald. However, if you are going to wear it occasionally, then emeralds are a great choice.

If you are interested in emeralds, please give us a call at 888-733-5238. We have excellent prices on the gems we offer.

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