Emeralds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world and are known as the birthstone for May. With a rich green colour and a long history dating back to ancient times, emeralds have captured the imagination of people for centuries. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of emeralds and explore some stunning emerald jewellery from Dracakis Jewellers.
The history of emeralds dates back to at least 2000 BCE, where they were mined and traded in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed that emeralds represented fertility and rebirth and were a symbol of eternal youth. The ancient Greeks and Romans also revered emeralds, with Pliny the Elder describing them as "nothing greens greener." The rich green colour of emeralds has made them a popular choice for royalty and celebrities throughout history, including Cleopatra and Elizabeth Taylor.
The oldest emeralds are estimated to date back 2.7 billion years, forming deep within the veins of the earths crust. The conditions here, in these hydrothermal veins, when cool, are perfect for the emerald crystals to form. The mix of specific elements the crystals are composed of during this period, will ultimately determine the gems colour - which is why emeralds mined in different parts of the world can have distinctive tones.
Emeralds are a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes aquamarine and morganite. The green colour of emeralds comes from traces of chromium and vanadium in the crystal structure. The deeper and more intense the green colour, the more valuable the emerald. Emeralds are typically found in countries such as Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
One of the most notable features of emeralds is their inclusion patterns. Inclusions are natural imperfections within the crystal, and they can give the stone a unique character and personality. In fact, some high-end jewellers even prefer emeralds with inclusions, as they can enhance the stone's beauty and add to its overall value.
As with most coloured gemstones, there are many special meanings & properties that people believe - here are a couple of our favourites,
Emerald is thought to be a stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love.
Emerald is believed to give the wearer good fortune, foresight, health and youth. Promoting friendship, faithfulness and wisdom.
Emeralds are a timeless and beloved gemstone that has captured the hearts of people for centuries. Whether you are looking for a classic and elegant piece of jewellery or something more modern and unique, Dracakis Jewellers has a stunning selection of emerald jewellery that is sure to impress. So why not treat yourself or a loved one to a piece of emerald jewellery that they will cherish for years to come.
If you'd like to learn more about these magnificent gems, you can book a consultation with the team at your local Dracakis boutique here - or, browse our collection of Emerald Jewellery here.