Emerald rules beside diamond, ruby, and sapphire as one of the four most precious and sought-after gems in the world. Its rich green color signifies the renewing power of spring and the certainty that in the cycle of life, good things will come. Sometimes called the stone of Mercury, the prince of planets, emerald is often associated with love and relationships. It is said that if lovers present each other with an emerald, their love will grow and become permanent.
Emeralds are the most valuable form of beryl, a family of gems that includes aquamarine and heliodor. Traces of chromium tint the stone an invigorating green. Its crystals form as delicate six-sided rings. Jewelers discovered that cutting the gem with long, flat steps on it not only displayed its rich color better, it also eliminated the sharp angles that were the weakest points of the stone. The “emerald cut” became popular for many colored gems.
The earliest sources of the stone were mines in Egypt and Austria. Cleopatra was so enamored of emerald, the mines in Egypt have become known as Cleopatra’s mines. Emeralds made their way into almost all of the ruling houses in Europe and Asia. When Spanish Conquistadors discovered an even more richly colored variety in South America, demand for these prizes spiked. The “Colombian emeralds” in royal jewel collections are among the most treasured gems and have been set and reset throughout the centuries.
Emeralds convey optimism and youthful energy. Newlyweds in ancient times exchanged emeralds as a symbol of steadfast commitment that their love was evergreen. To the Egyptians, it was a symbol of eternal life and the wisdom that comes through the ages. Some even consider emeralds helpful in matters of communication, public relations, and publishing. Emeralds should be worn near the heart to renew one’s passion for life.