May 18, 2023

ABOUT EMERALDS

By camille vizzavona
ABOUT EMERALDS

Emeralds have a long and illustrious history that dates back over 4,000 years. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans revered emeralds for their lush green color, associating them with nature, fertility, and rebirth. Cleopatra, known for her love of emeralds, often adorned herself with these gemstones, considering them a symbol of power and luxury.

Emeralds were considered sacred by the Incas and Aztecs, who believed they held healing powers and bestowed protection upon their wearers. These civilizations also associated emeralds with the gods and used them in religious ceremonies, attributing mystical qualities to these precious gemstones.

Unlike other gemstones that prioritize clarity, emeralds are valued for their unique inclusions, known as jardin (French for "garden"). These internal formations resemble a garden of tiny plants and lend each emerald its distinctive character. These inclusions are considered a testament to the gem's authenticity and natural origin.

Colombia is renowned for producing some of the finest emeralds in the world. The Muzo and Chivor mines in Colombia have been sources of these precious gemstones for centuries. Colombian emeralds are highly sought after for their exceptional color saturation, often displaying a deep and vivid green with hints of blue.

Cleopatra, the renowned Egyptian queen, was known for her profound love of emeralds. She adorned herself with emerald jewelry to showcase her wealth and power. It is said that she gifted emeralds carved with her likeness to influential dignitaries, leaving an indelible mark on history.