Emeralds are a gemstone from the Beryl family of stones. They have a stunning green color.It gets its characteristic emerald green color from traces of chromium in the crystal matrix. Emeralds of excellent quality which exceed a carat frequently are valued above diamonds.
Inclusions caused by calcite deposits are typical in emeralds and color saturation and hue are a bigger factor in determining the value of an Emerald.
Emerald is a precious gem that promotes creativity and perception. It also acts as a natural tranquilizer when you are worried or your mind is troubled. Emeralds symbolize serenity, success in love, wealth, happiness and peace of mind. Improves the memory, helps insomnia, strengthens the immune system, helps with eye sight, restores youth, aids neurological diseases, heals ear problems, eases child birth.
Emeralds have been treasured for thousands of years. The infatuation with Emeralds dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. It is said that Cleopatra was always adorned in Emeralds and that this was her most treasured jewelry. The earliest emeralds date from the Ptolemaic era (320-30 B.C.), but there have been discoveries of mining tools going back to Ramses II (1300 B.C.) or even before. In the Middle Ages, deposits were also uncovered near Salzburg, Austria. By the 16th Century, however, Colombia became the most celebrated diamond producer, with the stones being traded throughout South America. To the Romans, emerald was dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Beauty, and symbolized the reproductive forces of nature. To the early Christians, represented resurrection.
The majority of our Emeralds are Colombian, many from the renowned Muzo Mine, Chivor and Coscuez mines. We occasionally obtain Emeralds from Zambia and Brazil. Zambian emeralds are yellow-green, grey-green, spinach green.
