All glory to the vibrant green emerald

The Birthstone of May

10 Fun Facts about the Beautiful Emerald Gemstone:

1. Emeralds are among four precious stones recognized around the world – the other three being diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
2. The first known emeralds were mined in Egypt around 1500 BC. Interestingly Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments. (www.harveymaria.com) Ancient history shows us that she even had her own Emerald mines.
3. The word “emerald” comes from the ancient Greek word smaragdos, which means green gem. A beautiful description was once given by Roman author Pliny the Elder, he wrote in his encyclopedic Natural History that “nothing greens greener.” Beautiful isn’t it?
   
4. When many people think of rare or expensive gemstones their first thought is of diamonds. However, emeralds are among the rarest of all gemstones and so often have a price tag to match.
5. Wondering where the emerald is sourced? World wide emerald deposits are limited. Colombia is the biggest emerald supplier in the world, contributing more than 50% of all emeralds. The May birthstone can also be found in Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan and regions in Africa. Zambia is known for producing emeralds that are bluish-green and darker in tone.
6. Ancient folklore suggested that putting an emerald under your tongue would make it possible to see the future. Just think how amazing that ability would be!
7. Want to be sure what your lover is saying is real? Emerald was believed to act as a type of truth potion, helping decipher whether the lover’s vows were true or false. Most likely why it makes the perfect 55th Anniversary gift – you know just to make sure all the love is still true.
8. Feeling a bit sick? Emeralds can help! For years it was believed that wearing an emerald could cure diseases like cholera and malaria! 
   
9. One of the largest uncut Emerald stones – and probably the most famous – is The Duke of Devonshire Emerald, weighing 1383 carats. This beauty is a hexagonal crystal approximately 5cm by 5cm in size. If you really want to see this gemstone it is on display at the British Natural History Museum.
10. Now we know celebrities love to dress with only the finest jewellery, one, in particular, is Elizabeth Taylor. An emerald pendant necklaces she owned sold for an outstanding amount of $6.5 million in 2011, the buyer paid about $280,000 per carat! Imagine having that beauty around your neck!
    

Bonus Fact:

Emeralds are the only gemstones to have a diamond-cut named after them — the classic rectangular step-cut. 

Emerald Jewellery can enhance your personality and can add the royal touch to your wardrobe. So add an emerald ring, emerald studs or even a pendant to your jewellery collection.

Find out how we can help you find those everlasting green gemstone – perfect for you. Contact us today.

Everlasting Green Gem

Want your own emerald jewellery, contact us today.