Everything You Should Know About the Emerald Gemstone

Emerald loose gemstones and some rings

Want to peek into the future? Wish to become an eloquent speaker or break enchanting spells? Such is the world of the emerald gemstone, where you can imagine yourself as a wizard or an oracle, empowered by the green sparkle.

Why do we say so? It’s the history and deep symbolism of emeralds that make them mysterious yet stunning. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating back to at least 330 B.C. and continuing into the 1700s. Cleopatra was famously fond of these green gems, using them in her royal adornments.

That’s not all, Incan civilizations hid South American emerald mines in the 16th century. And some 500 years later, we’re still in love with this captivating gemstone. So, are you ready to explore what makes the emerald gemstone so special? Let’s take the ride.

Why Are Emeralds Green?

Rubies are red, emeralds are green and if you’re keen to know why, let’s break it down.

Emeralds are made from the mineral beryl and their captivating green hue comes from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Unlike other precious stones that come in a variety of colors, this green witch (not from Oz) is only ever green.

Even Pantone couldn’t resist its allure, naming emerald the “Color of the Year” in 2013 for the elegance it brings to the palette.

However, emeralds vary in hue. The palest stones aren’t true emerald gemstones; they’re simply green beryl. The most coveted shade ranges from bluish-green to vivid green, with medium to medium-dark saturation.

The emerald gemstone typically forms in six-sided prisms and is often shaped into the famous emerald cut. Most emeralds contain inclusions, which are embraced as part of their beauty, not flaws.

Source of Emeralds

So, what’s the source of this luxurious gem? Currently, emeralds are found in Zimbabwe, Brazil, Zambia and Colombia, countries that produce substantial quantities for commercial use. Other sources with irregular production include Russia, Canada, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Madagascar and a few others.

In 2015, Ethiopia exported high-quality emeralds, hailed as the most magnificent gemstones mined in the past hundred years.

Significance and Benefits

The green hue of this precious gemstone symbolizes many things, with meanings rooted in various religions and mythologies. However, an emerald most prominently represents rebirth, love, loyalty and fertility. This is also why emerald gemstone engagement rings are an extremely popular choice among couples.

woman wearing emerald drop earrings and her fingers should show emerald rings

Loyalty and Faithfulness

According to Greek mythology, wearing an emerald gemstone could bring fidelity to couples. They believed the gem would glow brighter when the wearer had a pure heart. If the shade deviated from vivid green, the wearer was thought to be unfaithful.

Ancient Greeks also believed the emerald gemstone symbolized unconditional loyalty between lovers and friends.

So, if you ever need to test your BFF’s loyalty, gift them a loose emerald gemstone. And if they turn it into a pendant or ring and wear it all the time, you’ll know you’ve got a keeper.

Eternal Youth and Good Luck

In Chinese culture, it’s believed that wearing the emerald gemstone on certain days can bring good luck. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan inscribed scriptures into emerald talismans for fortune and protection. Ancient Egyptians believed that the emerald gemstone granted eternal youth.

Furthermore, ancient folklore claimed that placing an emerald under the tongue helped one see the future. People also believed that wearing emeralds as adornments guarded against memory loss. And if you’re wondering whether your partner is being honest, some say the emerald gemstone can help draw out the truth.

Emeralds and Their Royal Seal of Approval

You already know that Cleopatra used emeralds in her adornments. The Aztecs and Incas also valued these gems, worshipping them as deities. Apart from history the emerald gemstone is steeped in royalty and the Egyptian queen was just the beginning.

In 1845, Prince Albert commissioned a Gothic-inspired emerald and diamond tiara for Queen Victoria. Joseph Kitching, the royal jeweler, crafted the piece featuring 19 inverted pear-shaped emeralds, the largest weighing 15 carats.

For the Delhi Durbar in 1911, Queen Mary wore a beautiful Art Deco emerald choker. It  was later gifted to Princess Diana by Queen Elizabeth as a wedding present.

Modern-day British royals, such as the Duchess of Cambridge, also possess a stunning collection of emerald jewels.

In 2018, when Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank, she flaunted the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, which featured six emeralds on either side. The tiara was her “something borrowed” from the Queen. The princess paired it with diamond and emerald drop earrings.

All this history and royal connection of the emerald gemstone is not just fascinating, it’s a testament to its everlasting allure. If the gem already has your heart, simply look for an emerald gemstone for sale; the rest is up to you.

For your information, GemsNY will soon begin their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales… so you know exactly what I’m hinting at.

How to Care for Your Emerald Gemstone?

A pair of hands holding an emerald gemstone under water

Do you already own some emerald jewelry? Then it’s time to learn how to properly care for it. With a score of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, the emerald gemstone is relatively durable, but softer than diamonds. If you own sapphires or rubies, keep emeralds away from them, as those stones are tougher than the green ones.

Worried it might scratch or chip over time? If you haven’t used bleach or acetone on your emerald gemstone yet, there’s no need to panic. You can wear your emerald jewelry daily, with just a little care.

I recommend taking off your emerald ring when doing household chores or strenuous activities. Trust me, I learned the hard way and saved my ring from damage.

For cleaning, simply use a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water and gently scrub the piece. Avoid ultrasonic or harsh cleaners and pat dry with a clean cloth. Store it in a separate box to prevent scratches.

These are easy steps that won’t take up your entire day. And if you want your emerald gemstone ring to keep sparkling for years, take it for professional inspections periodically.

A Forever Gemstone

Yes, emeralds are forever, not diamonds. This time, the emerald gemstone takes the throne for its captivating hue, royal history, elegance, deep symbolism and countless other praises.

Want to shine like a queen and turn heads wherever you go? Make the emerald gemstone your companion and Gems NY your guide. Explore their wide array of designs and choose the pieces that truly resonate with you.

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