The glorious green colour of Emerald Gemstone has made the stone highly prized for many thousands of years. Believed to protect the wearer from misfortune, it has a mystical quality that soothes and promotes tranquillity.
The first known emerald mine was Cleopatra’s Mine in Egypt, which supplied the entire world until the incredible emeralds in South America were discovered. The majority of the emeralds in the world come either from Colombia or Africa, and emeralds from each country have quite distinctive appearances.
Fine emeralds can be either strong, deep green or lighter, brighter green, depending on personal preference. This gemstone is usually more heavily included than others, and it is possible to identify not only which country the emerald comes from by examining the inclusions but, in some cases, which mine in that country! Emerald is the birthstone for May and is used to celebrate the 55th Wedding anniversary.
Quality or Emeralds
As with any gemstone, emerald quality varies from very high to very low. The clarity of emeralds is not as important as that of other gemstones, as the stone is traditionally more heavily included than other coloured stones.
Emerald Gemstone Treatment
Oiling emeralds involves filling in surface-reaching fractures in the stone with colourless oil to improve the appearance of those fractures. A high percentage of emeralds are treated in this way, so you may always assume the stone has been treated in this manner. Untreated, bright, clean, and clean stones are highly prized and always cost more than a heated stone of similar appearance.
Emerald Folklore
The emerald is traditionally a feminine stone and is associated with the planet Venus and romantic love. The green of the emerald is said to be beneficial to the sight and has been ascribed excellent healing power. It is also symbolic of Spring and new life. The earliest reference to emeralds in Western literature comes from Aristotle; he was a great fan of the gemstone and wrote that owning an emerald increases the owner’s importance in presence and speech during business, gives victory in trials, helps settle litigation, and comforts and soothes eyesight. The Romans once considered light-coloured Emeralds unripe and believed that an Emerald becomes a darker shade of green as it matures. Emerald is the traditional birthstone for May and celebrates its 55th anniversary.
Emerald Gemstone Care
Jewellery made with emeralds, particularly rings, must be treated with care. Emerald jewellery should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic, as the combination of heat and vibration is hazardous to the structure of the stone. Emerald is a relatively soft and brittle gem that requires considerable care when worn and cleaned. Exposure to heat may cause the oil used to treat emeralds to soften and run out of the stone; whenever possible, emeralds should be removed from the setting before any work is done. An emerald may shatter if dropped or hit, is susceptible to thermal shock and should never be subjected to heat or extreme cold.
Scientific Information
Refractive Index 1.56-1.60
Hardness 7.5-8
Fracture Conchoidal
Lustre Vitreous
Emeralds, with their mesmerizing green hue, have captivated humanity for millennia. Their allure transcends time, culture, and geography, making them one of the most revered gemstones in history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, emeralds have adorned the crowns of kings, the fingers of nobility, and lovers’ hearts. Their rarity, beauty, and mystical significance have endowed them with an enduring charm that continues to fascinate and inspire. In this essay, we will delve into the enchanting world of emerald gemstones, exploring their origins, properties, symbolism, and cultural significance.
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, renowned for their rich green colour caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The intensity and hue of an emerald’s green depend on the presence of these elements and other factors such as clarity and cut. Unlike many gemstones, emeralds often contain inclusions known as “jardin” (French for garden), considered part of their character and can enhance their allure when managed adequately by skilled lapidaries.
Emeralds have a history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of their use found in ancient Egypt, where they were associated with fertility, rebirth, and eternal youth. Cleopatra, renowned for her love of luxury, adorned herself with emeralds, believing they bestowed upon her divine protection. In ancient Rome, emeralds were dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, symbolizing hope, renewal, and prosperity.
Throughout the ages, emeralds have been prized not only for their beauty but also for their purported metaphysical properties. Many cultures believe they possess healing energies, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some claim that emeralds enhance intuition, wisdom, and inner vision, fostering clarity of thought and emotional balance.
Emeralds have also been associated with various myths and legends, adding to their mystique and allure. In medieval Europe, they were believed to have the power to reveal truth and foresee the future, making them popular among kings and clergy seeking divine guidance. According to legend, the Holy Grail was said to be encrusted with emeralds, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and the quest for spiritual fulfilment.
In addition to their historical and symbolic significance, emeralds also hold practical value. Along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, they are among the four precious gemstones prized for their rarity, durability, and beauty. High-quality emeralds command premium prices in the market, with larger stones of exceptional colour and clarity, are particularly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Colombia is widely regarded as the primary source of the finest emeralds in the world, known for their vivid green colour and exceptional transparency. Other significant producers include Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan, each offering emeralds with unique characteristics and qualities. The mining and trade of emeralds have long been intertwined with tales of adventure, intrigue, and romance, reflecting the enduring fascination with these captivating gemstones.
In conclusion, emeralds occupy a special place in gemstones, revered for their beauty, rarity, and symbolism. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, they have inspired awe and admiration, symbolising love, power, and eternity. Whether adorning a monarch’s crown or gracing a beloved’s finger, emeralds continue to enchant and enthral, weaving a timeless tale of beauty and allure that transcends the ages.