Make your own Jewelry. It is easy and fun.
I learned how to make rings and earrings with loose stones and settings. It is so much cheaper than buying jewelry through a dealer. Here is a great place to start:
http://www.tripps.com/
I have been buying loose stones for my daughter (My son is getting the US proof coin sets).
BTW – Emeralds are rarer, and usually cost more per caret, than diamonds.