Emeralds are the most valuable of all colored gemstones

Emeralds are the most valuable of all colored gemstones. Emeralds are available in shades of dark green ranging from lush dark green to vibrant vivid green to bluish green. The most celebrated color of an emerald is lush green.

The name emerald is derived from the Greek word – “smarados” via the French word “esmeralde”, all of which essentially mean green. Emerald has been known to man since ancient times. Many ancient scriptures of religion and mythology have a special reference of these gemstones for instance, the ancient scriptures of the Hindu Religion, the Vedas, regarded emerald as the healing stone, the religious texts of Islam talk of heaven’s garden as carpeted with emeralds, according to the Catholic Church, green is the most intrinsic of liturgical colors etc. Emerald has also been very popular with royalty. The treasure chests of the kings and queens of ancient times had emerald gems, emerald jewelry and more. Cleopatra had a great liking for these gems and by the time her mines in Egypt were re-discovered, they had already waned. The Mogul emperors and empresses had a special affiliation with these gemstones as even today their heritage of palaces and jewelry has an extensive use of these lovely gems.
The vivid green color of emerald symbolizes life, verdure and spring time. This lively color has also been associated with endurance and constancy in love. In the ancient Roman times, the color green was associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and the zodiac sign Taurus. Emerald is anniversary gift for the 20th and the 35th wedding anniversary.

Where are emeralds found?
Emerald was traditionally mined in Egypt, Austria and present-day Afghanistan. Recently Colombia has become one of the major sources of fine emeralds. The emeralds from Colombia are valued for their shiny, vivid green color which is unadulterated by any blue tint. The famous Colombian mines Muzo and Chivor have been a popular source of emeralds since the pre-Columbian times, almost 5 centuries ago, when the Spanish explorers first arrived on the American continent. The rare Trapiche emeralds that have six rays emanating from the centre are also from Colombia.

Emerald is also found in countries including Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Russia. The African nations Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil in particular have a good reputation for fine emeralds.
Know your Emerald
Emerald is the deep green variety of the mineral beryl, an aluminum berylium silicate, Al2Be3(Si6O18). Beryl is 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.

Emeralds naturally occur with inclusions. But for the sake of this lovely gem’s beauty, inclusions are accepted.

Treatment
Emeralds are almost always treated with natural oil to bring forth the beauty and appeal. This is a routine treatment and is an accepted norm in the industry.

Emerald care
Avoid cleaning emerald with hot soapy water, steam or ultrasonic cleaner.

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