As one of the most traditional precious gemstones, along with diamonds, sapphires and rubies, emeralds are the birthstone of May and have amassed a wealth of significance and meaning over the years.
So, let’s find out how emeralds reached their enviable stature in the jewellery world.
How do emeralds form?
The beauty and significance of an emerald can be traced back to the way in which it was formed thousands of years ago. The stone is created from beryl, a mineral that is most commonly found in metamorphic rocks, volcanic deposits and within the cracks that appear in large areas of granite rock. When beryl in these areas is subject to certain temperatures and levels of pressure, emeralds can begin to form. However, during this process, chromium must also be present, as this is what gives an emerald its vivid green colour.
As a result of this very unique process that requires very specific conditions, each emerald takes on an individual form, in both size and appearance. Therefore, unlike diamonds, inclusions in an emerald are expected, and have little impact on the value or quality of the stone. In many cases, they add character and charm to the gem by representing the long and interesting story of their formation.
Emeralds: The symbol of power, purity & peace
Throughout history, emeralds have taken on various meanings, with different cultures forming their own interpretations of the stone and what it represents to them. For example, in Ancient Greece and Rome, it is believed that the emerald was the stone of Venus, the powerful goddess of love. Incas are also believed to have worshipped the precious stone, while in Ancient Islam, verses from the Quran were often engraved into emerald, a stone which represented unity for the religion.
Another common belief was of the stone’s healing properties, with many prominent figures throughout history, including Aristotle, prescribing emeralds to heal problems related to the eyes. In some cases, the stone was powdered down and turned into a lotion to use on the area, whereas in others, emerald infused water is said to have done the trick.
Today, although scientific advancements have disproven some of these beliefs, the spiritual and holistic meanings behind an emerald are as prominent as ever. Notably, emeralds are widely accepted as the birthstone of May, representing rebirth, purity and hope, which couldn’t be more fitting for the spring month.
As a result emeralds are a popular choice for a fine jewellery feature. Whether it’s religious significance, a symbol of love, or a purifying source of energy, emeralds are much more than just a beautiful stone to look at when it comes to jewellery.
Types of emerald jewellery
Having been around for centuries, jewellers have really fine tuned their skills and knowledge when it comes to crafting beautiful designs with the precious stone. Over the decades, these skills have been passed on through generations, resulting in the coveted high quality and luxury emerald jewellery collections we see today.
These include beautiful necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings, featuring emeralds set in every type of precious metal, which is yet another benefit of the stone. Emeralds coordinate beautifully with yellow gold, white gold and platinum, resulting in designs for every style and occasion.
Emerald necklaces
Necklaces are one of the most popular type of emerald jewellery. Designs are available in a variety of styles, including dainty pendants, through to statement necklaces that make for the ideal evening wear accessory.
This emerald and diamond pendant on white gold chain, for example, presents a versatile option suitable for a range of occasions. Its simplicity makes it ideal for daytime wear yet the brilliance of the diamond cluster adds a touch of glam, making it just as perfect for formal or dressier occasions too.
Emerald earrings
Emerald earrings are available in a range of designs from small, simple studs to dazzling drop earrings. As they sit so closely to the face, the vivid green colour can help bring out features, such as the eyes, as well as complement both bold and subtle makeup looks. In order to really show off the dazzling design of a pair of emerald earrings, up-do’s are the best type of hair style to choose.
Emerald bracelets
Bracelets featuring beautiful emerald stones can add a subtle touch of style and sophistication to both formal and daytime outfits. They can be worn alone for subtlety, or stacked with other luxurious designs to create a stunning statement.
Emerald rings
As once the gemstone of Venus, the goddess of love, emeralds are an incredibly meaningful choice when it comes to engagement rings. The hardness of the stone when compared to others is ideal for everyday wear too, which is exactly what you want from an engagement ring that is intended to be worn for the rest of your life.
As well as engagement rings, dress rings and eternity rings featuring emeralds are also popular choices. These make for a statement piece of jewellery that can be worn alongside other emerald items, to create a cohesive and put together style.
While all emerald jewellery pieces make for a perfect gift for a loved one, an emerald ring is a particularly charming choice, especially for wedding anniversaries, children’s births or a birthday that falls during the month of May.
As you can see, emeralds are an incredibly versatile stone that can be used in all types of jewellery, their formation, meaning, history and physical properties all add to their luxurious allure and prestigious position within the jewellery market.
If you’re looking for a beautiful emerald piece for yourself or a loved one, be sure to browse our full collection online today.
