Emeralds have been cherished for their beauty and rarity for over a thousand years. The earliest known emerald mines are found in Egypt, where the gems were first worn by the royals and buried with them as a symbol of eternal life. It was the Incas and Aztecs of South America who treasured the emeralds and also believed that they had healing powers.
Emerald Stone: Meaning and History.
Emerald Stone belongs to the beryl family of minerals and comprises beryllium, aluminum, and silicon. The color is caused by chromium/vanadium within the stone. The gemstone name ‘emerald’ comes from the Greek word ‘smaragdos’, which means ‘green gemstone.’ Their beauty and rarity have been prized for thousands of years and used in jewelry for other decorative objects since ancient times.
Emerald Gemstones were associated with the planet Venus – the goddess of love and beauty. The Roman Emperor Nero was said to be watching gladiatorial contests through emerald lenses to protect his eyes from the sun.
In the Middle Ages, emeralds were thought to have healing properties and treated diseases related to the eye and epilepsy. They also believed in having the power to reveal the truth and protect from enchantments and spells. They are still highly valued and often used in high-end designs. Colombia remains the world’s largest producer, followed by Brazil and Zambian Emerald. The finest ones are prized for their rich, vivid green color, clarity, and size.
Benefits of Emerald Crystals:
- Emerald crystals are linked with the heart chakra, thus, promoting love and harmony in relationships.
- Emeralds are thought to have protective qualities and to ward off negative energy and evil spirits.
- Emeralds are associated with abundance and wealth and attract financial success and prosperity.
Emerald Stone Price
Emeralds price ranges from a few 100 dollars per carat to 10s of thousands of dollars per carat for top-quality stones. The emerald price per carat can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. However, larger stones can sell for upwards of $50,000 per carat or more.
Emerald Quality Factors
- Color: The most important factor in determining the value of an emerald is its color. The ideal color for an emerald is a deep, rich green with a slightly bluish tint. Stones with a yellowish or brownish tint are less valuable.
- Clarity: The clarity of an emerald is also important. Most emeralds have inclusions, or natural imperfections, which can affect their clarity. The fewer inclusions an emerald has, the more valuable it is.
- Cut: The cut of an emerald is important for maximizing its color and minimizing its inclusions. A well-cut emerald will have good symmetry and proportion, with a smooth surface and well-defined facets.
- Carat: The carat weight is also a factor in determining its value, where larger stones are generally more valuable than smaller stones of the same quality.
- Origin: The origin also affects its value, as emeralds from Colombia or Zambia are highly sought after and may command a higher price than emeralds from other locations.
Emerald Care and Cleaning
Emeralds are relatively durable gemstones but still require proper care and cleaning to maintain their beauty and value. Here are some tips for caring for and cleaning emeralds:
Emeralds can be damaged by exposure to bleach, ammonia, and other cleaning agents; thus, chemicals should be avoided.
Emeralds are sensitive to high temperatures, so avoiding exposure to extreme heat sources such as direct sunlight, hot water, or high-temperature jewelry cleaners is important.
Store your emerald separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching.
Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush and warm, soapy water.
Emerald Facts
- Emeralds have healing properties and were used to treat ailments such as epilepsy and fever. Its hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale makes them relatively durable. They are the traditional gift for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
- Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, with aquamarine and morganite.
- Emeralds are treated with oils or resins to improve their clarity.
- The largest known emerald in the world is the Bahia Emerald, with over 840 pounds and is valued at over $400 million.
- Emeralds were famous among the ancient Egyptians and symbolized fertility and rebirth.
