The Emerald is the birthstone for May and is regarded as a stone for luck and good fortune.
The Emerald is truly one of the most fascinating gemstones, sometimes surpassing diamonds in value.
It’s a stone in which inclusions do not detract from its value. The French refer to the inclusions as “jardin” or garden, comparing inclusions to tender green plants in a stone born from great turbulence deep in the earth.
The rich and intense green hue symbolizes harmony, love of nature, spring, and the regeneration of life.
The Romans considered green the color of Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love.
The ancients believed the stone to have many healing powers. Some of the oldest mines were exploited by the Egyptian pharaohs around 3,ooo and 1,500 B.C. later known as “Cleopatra’s mines” because she was an avid collector.
Because Emerald has been held in such high esteem for centuries, many are seen in museums and private collections.
The best quality Emeralds are mined in Columbia where these stones have enjoyed a rich history prized by the Aztecs and Incas.
A lot of stones today are coming from Zambia. Alex prefers Columbian or Brazilian Stones where the color and value is a more traditional intense green, over the Zambian stones which have a tint of blue.
Although the Emerald itself is quite durable, the Garden of inclusions in each stone can make them delicate.
They are treated with natural oils, and paraffin’s to enhance the clarity of the stone and strengthen them.
Because of these properties the Emerald is considered a good stone for a unique piece of jewelry or statement piece. It is not recommended for an engagement ring.
Please stop by and learn more about this fascinating stone, and the many designs Alex could create for you!
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