Marcus Tempus
Some emeralds simply deserve to stand alone.
At the centre of this one-off pendant is an exceptional Zambian emerald, chosen for its vivid green colour, depth and unmistakable natural character. Its softly squared shape is surrounded by a fine halo of diamonds, bringing light to the stone without taking anything away from the richness of the emerald itself.
Set in 18ct yellow gold, the warmth of the metal intensifies the green beautifully, while the diamond surround gives the piece just enough brilliance to frame such a remarkable gemstone.
This pendant forms part of our One and Only collection for a simple reason: the emerald cannot be repeated. Another pendant may one day follow the same idea, but it will never have quite this colour, this character or this stone.
One stone. One piece. One and only.
For us, this piece starts and ends with the emerald.
The colour is extraordinary — bright, rich and full of life — with the natural individuality that makes a fine coloured gemstone so compelling. The diamond halo simply gives it a little more light, while the 18ct yellow gold provides the perfect warm backdrop.
This is exactly what The House of Gemstones is about: finding the stone first, then allowing the jewellery around it to support it.
The House of Gemstones
Emerald has been admired for thousands of years for its unmistakable green colour, rarity and connection with renewal, hope and growth.
Fine emeralds balance strong colour with life and transparency, while their natural internal features give each gemstone an individual character.
Nature’s Artistry
Emerald is the green variety of beryl, coloured principally by chromium, vanadium or a combination of both.Clean emerald gently with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals and hard impacts.
Understanding Emerald Colour
Soft and bright with an airy character, often showing excellent transparency.
A balanced medium green with lively colour and broad appeal.
Cool, vivid green with a subtle blue component, often highly prized.
Rich and saturated, ideally retaining enough light return to remain lively.
Origins and Character
Famous for vivid green to slightly bluish-green emeralds with exceptional colour.
Often known for cooler bluish-green tones, strong saturation and good transparency.
Produces emeralds across a wide range of shades, frequently with attractive brightness.
Sandawana emeralds are renowned for intense colour, often in smaller sizes.
A modern source producing emeralds with varied green tones and distinctive internal character.
A Garden Within the Gem
Emeralds commonly contain internal features such as fine fractures, crystals, veils and growth structures. Collectively, these are often described by the French word jardin, meaning garden.
These natural features help gemologists understand how an emerald formed and can contribute to its individual identity. The goal is not always perfect clarity, but a beautiful balance of colour, transparency and character.
Understanding Treatment
Because emeralds often contain surface-reaching fractures, colourless oil or resin may be used to make those features less visible. This is a long-established and widely accepted practice when properly disclosed.
Only a small degree of clarity enhancement is present.
A more noticeable level of enhancement is present within surface-reaching features.
A substantial degree of clarity enhancement is present and may affect value.
Heat, solvents and aggressive cleaning may disturb some clarity-enhancing substances.
Marcus Tempus Gemstone Selection
We select emeralds for colour, life, transparency, durability and individual character. We also consider the type and extent of any clarity enhancement so each stone can be presented honestly and matched to an appropriate setting.
Marcus Tempus Bespoke
Emerald jewellery can be created around your preferred shade, gemstone shape and precious metal. Where the design allows, we can discuss origin, treatment level and complementary diamonds or coloured gemstones.
Availability varies according to colour, origin, treatment, shape, size and stone dimensions. Natural inclusions are expected in emerald, and some stones may require protective setting styles.
Enquire About Bespoke Options →Emerald Questions
Emerald is coloured principally by chromium, vanadium or a combination of both.
It can be worn regularly with care, but it is more vulnerable to knocks than sapphire or diamond.
Emeralds commonly form with fractures, crystals and growth features known collectively as jardin.
Many are clarity enhanced with colourless oil or resin to reduce the visibility of fractures.
Usually not. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning may affect fractures or clarity-enhancing substances.
Yes. Emerald is the traditional birthstone for May.
