Emerald

EMERALD (Beryl)

 

Emerald, along with aquamarine and beryl, belongs to the beryl group of minerals and is the most precious. Emerald is always green in colour. Most emeralds have a ‘jardin’ which is the technical term for the inclusions which cloud an emerald. Because emeralds are rarely flawless, most are oiled to fill cracks, hide flaws and enhance the colour. A large, deep green, un-oiled transparent stone would be very valuable. Emeralds are brittle and sensitive to heat and pressure. They should not be placed in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner and great care must be taken when applying heat to items of jewellery containing emeralds. Emerald is the birthstone for May.

Cleopatra’s Passion

FOUND IN

Australia, Brazil, Columbia, Egypt, India, Norway, Sri Lanka, USA

COLOUR

Grass-Green

HARDNESS

7.5 – 8

BIRTHSTONE

May

ANNIVERSARY

55th

Emerald is the grass-green variety of the mineral beryl, its beautifully cool green colour deriving from the presence of chromium and vanadium and found in granites, pegmatites and schists.

The ‘Emerald Cut’ is a step cut which is used for many gemstones, removing the corners while reducing the risk of damage during setting as emerald is a brittle stone, formed from a hexagonal crystal structure.

Most emeralds used in historical jewellery can have their origins traced back to Cleopatra’s mines in ancient Egypt around 1300 BC, when the gem was revered as a symbol of fertility and life. They were the first recorded example of sunglasses, as Emperor Nero wore flat emerald crystals to watch the gladiator games in the Italian sunshine.

Emeralds symbolize immortality and faith and are associated with the heart chakra, promoting loyalty and sensitivity in couples.

You May Also Like…

Carnelian

Carnelian

CARNELIAN (Quartz) Looks like Redeye FOUND IN Brazil, India, Scotland, USA COLOUR Blood-red, Reddish-orange HARDNESS 7...

Diamond

Diamond

DIAMOND Splinter of Stars FOUND IN Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia COLOUR Colourless, White, Black, Yellow,...

"We called into Nicholas Wylde 2 days ago looking for wedding bands. My engagement ring was missing as I had it in for...

ADVANCED SEARCH

Wylde Search

Please select from one or more of the dropdowns below.

Jewellery Type

Jewellery Type

Gemstone

Gemstone

Metal

Metal

No. of Stones

Quantity Of Stones

Occasion

Occasion

Collection

Collection

Main Stone Shape

Main Stone Shape

Setting Style

Setting Style

Availability

Availability

Price Range

Price Range