Why Do Emeralds Look Dull Over Time? | PreciousCarats

It looked perfect… until it didn’t.

You bought an emerald. Deep green. Glossy. Elegant. You wore it with hope and belief.

But just a few months later — it started looking dry, dull, and cloudy. What happened?

The Truth: Most Emeralds Are Filled with Oil, Resin, or Wax

In many local shops and astrologer visits, emeralds are presented in packets dripping with oil. These stones appear shiny, smooth, and wet — but it’s not natural glow. It’s surface-level treatment, used to mask flaws and enhance colour temporarily.

Why Are Emeralds Treated?

Emeralds naturally contain inclusions and fissures. A small amount of colourless oil is sometimes used to reduce surface reflection — this is acceptable in the trade.

But when sellers use coloured oils, resin, or wax, the effects are temporary and misleading. These materials degrade over time, making the emerald appear dull or flaky.

Dynamite Mining = Hidden Fractures

In some regions, emeralds are mined using dynamite. This process damages the crystal structure internally. To hide these flaws, gems are heavily treated with oil or resin. These emeralds look good for a while — but don’t last.

Normal Emerald Care vs. Poor Treatments

Light re-oiling is a normal part of emerald maintenance after setting in a ring. A little dryness is okay.

What’s not okay: heavy resin peeling off, cracks opening up, or colour fading unnaturally. That’s not ageing — that’s poor treatment showing through.

At PreciousCarats — Our Emerald Standards

– Only certified emeralds
– No coloured oils, resins, or wax
– Minimal, colourless oil only when absolutely needed

We only offer Zambian and Brazilian emeralds that are genuine, stable, and chosen to last.

Shop Real Emeralds — Built to Last

Our collection includes only long-lasting, honest emeralds. No fake shine. No quick fades. Just real stones — handpicked for their beauty and integrity.

[Explore Certified Emeralds →]

Because real emeralds don’t just shine. They stay.