Emeralds
Enviously beautiful, Emeralds are May’s birthstone.
These beautiful green gems have been coveted and revered by all cultures for centuries. From the Aztecs, Inca and Maya, to European nobility, African royalty and Asian aristocracy, all cultures hold emeralds in a high regard. Emeralds are one of four gemstones globally recognised as being highly valuable, the other three being diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
Most ancient treasures in history - Emeralds
The oldest emeralds can be dated as almost 3 billion years old, however they were first mined in Egypt around 1500BC. It is unsurprising then that Emeralds were Cleopatra's favourite gemstone. Not only are these stones exquisite, but they symbolised fertility and rebirth in most of the world. In South America Emeralds were even worshipped as gods of fertility by Incan and Aztec people.
Emeralds were also thought by many to possess special properties. Placing an emerald under one's tongue was thought to allow a person to see into the future and holding an emerald could help decipher truth from lies, according to ancient folklore. Wearing emeralds was also thought to enhance intuition and guard against memory loss. Some ancient tales also tell of emeralds being effective ingredients in truth serums and love potions. Today it is still widely believed that wearing emeralds grants good health, wisdom, prosperity, creative skills and blissful relationships.
Make it Green - How emeralds get their colour
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl that has been coloured by chromium or vanadium being present during the formation of the crystal. “Emeralds” are only ever green although their colour can range from a yellow-green to a deep jade tone.
Stones that are paler in colour are referred to as green beryl rather than emerald. Bluish-Green to Green stones are the most desirable emerald colours, with vivid saturation and medium to medium-dark tone. In coloured gemstones, the colour of the stone is it’s most important feature, and althougth there are special gemstone grading systems used to establish the quality and value of stones of note, emeralds are not typically graded unless a gem is exceptional in size, colour and rarity.
Soft and elegant
Emeralds have long been a symbol of hope, renewal and growth, but they are also reasonably soft, as far as gemstones for long wear go. As such most natural emeralds are treated to help prevent cracking and chipping. Almost 99% of all natural emeralds feature inclusions in them. These are formed by gases, other minerals, crystals and liquids that are present during the crystallisation process. Referred to as ‘jardin’ (French for garden) these inclusions are often seen as desirable and create patterns in the stone ensuring that no two stones are exactly the same. This actually increases the value of the gem unlike in diamonds where clarity is paramount to the value of the stone.
How to Care for your emerald
With emeralds care is particularly important as they are more delicate than other stones. Treat your emerald jewellery like you treat your most expensive high heeled shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. If possible, only wear it occasionally We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your emerald Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean emeralds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Alternatively, you can bring your emerald jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive it to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
The world’s finest emeralds come from South America, primarily Colombia, which contributes more than 50% of the world’s emerald production. This is an exceptional achievement, especially since emeralds occur naturally globally. Natural emeralds tend to be more commonly used for jewellery purposes,
Hardness - Emeralds are rated a 7.5 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Can you wear emeralds as an engagement ring centre stone?
Yes - Although less popular than diamonds, emeralds are often used as centre stones on engagement rings. However, they do scratch more easily than a sapphire, ruby or diamond so need a little more care. When looked after well, an emerald engagement ring will offer you many years of wear. The more you care for and look after your emerald, the longer it will last.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
These beautiful green gems have been coveted and revered by all cultures for centuries. From the Aztecs, Inca and Maya, to European nobility, African royalty and Asian aristocracy, all cultures hold emeralds in a high regard. Emeralds are one of four gemstones globally recognised as being highly valuable, the other three being diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
Most ancient treasures in history - Emeralds
The oldest emeralds can be dated as almost 3 billion years old, however they were first mined in Egypt around 1500BC. It is unsurprising then that Emeralds were Cleopatra's favourite gemstone. Not only are these stones exquisite, but they symbolised fertility and rebirth in most of the world. In South America Emeralds were even worshipped as gods of fertility by Incan and Aztec people.
Emeralds were also thought by many to possess special properties. Placing an emerald under one's tongue was thought to allow a person to see into the future and holding an emerald could help decipher truth from lies, according to ancient folklore. Wearing emeralds was also thought to enhance intuition and guard against memory loss. Some ancient tales also tell of emeralds being effective ingredients in truth serums and love potions. Today it is still widely believed that wearing emeralds grants good health, wisdom, prosperity, creative skills and blissful relationships.
Make it Green - How emeralds get their colour
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl that has been coloured by chromium or vanadium being present during the formation of the crystal. “Emeralds” are only ever green although their colour can range from a yellow-green to a deep jade tone.
Stones that are paler in colour are referred to as green beryl rather than emerald. Bluish-Green to Green stones are the most desirable emerald colours, with vivid saturation and medium to medium-dark tone. In coloured gemstones, the colour of the stone is it’s most important feature, and althougth there are special gemstone grading systems used to establish the quality and value of stones of note, emeralds are not typically graded unless a gem is exceptional in size, colour and rarity.
Soft and elegant
Emeralds have long been a symbol of hope, renewal and growth, but they are also reasonably soft, as far as gemstones for long wear go. As such most natural emeralds are treated to help prevent cracking and chipping. Almost 99% of all natural emeralds feature inclusions in them. These are formed by gases, other minerals, crystals and liquids that are present during the crystallisation process. Referred to as ‘jardin’ (French for garden) these inclusions are often seen as desirable and create patterns in the stone ensuring that no two stones are exactly the same. This actually increases the value of the gem unlike in diamonds where clarity is paramount to the value of the stone.
How to Care for your emerald
With emeralds care is particularly important as they are more delicate than other stones. Treat your emerald jewellery like you treat your most expensive high heeled shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. If possible, only wear it occasionally We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your emerald Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean emeralds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Alternatively, you can bring your emerald jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive it to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
The world’s finest emeralds come from South America, primarily Colombia, which contributes more than 50% of the world’s emerald production. This is an exceptional achievement, especially since emeralds occur naturally globally. Natural emeralds tend to be more commonly used for jewellery purposes,
Hardness - Emeralds are rated a 7.5 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Can you wear emeralds as an engagement ring centre stone?
Yes - Although less popular than diamonds, emeralds are often used as centre stones on engagement rings. However, they do scratch more easily than a sapphire, ruby or diamond so need a little more care. When looked after well, an emerald engagement ring will offer you many years of wear. The more you care for and look after your emerald, the longer it will last.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
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