If you are like me and born in the month of May, then you just might receive an emerald for your birthday. Or if you're prepared to wait, it is also the gemstone marking 20 and 35 years of marriage. I just might have to wait for that!

When it comes to finding the emerald of your desire, how do you know what to look for or where to go? These are questions I get asked all the time by my girlfriends and you, my dear readers. So, let me share with you my expertise as a gemologist and walk you through everything you need to know about buying an emerald.

An Emerald As An Investment

The first decision you need to make before settling on the ideal emerald is whether or not you want an investment piece or if you are following your heart's desire and looking for a design piece. One example I can give you is Elizabeth Taylor's emerald and diamond pendant brooch that fetched $6,578,500 in 2011 – a record-breaking $280,000 per karat. There's no doubt that this beautiful brooch is an investment piece, but it is also an exquisite design by Bulgari.