Seeing Green: Facts About Emeralds
As one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, you can find emeralds glittering among some of the finest pieces of jewelry around the world, including in our showroom. It’s no surprise why these verdant gems have long been favored by jewelers and fashion icons, but there are some interesting facts about emeralds that you might not know.
Let’s dive in:
– Egyptian Roots: The first known emeralds were mined in Egypt around 1500 BC, and Egypt’s Cleopatra was enamored with the verdant hues of emeralds; she incorporated the stones into lavish jewelry and even laid her claim on an emerald mine near the Red Sea. (Bonus fact: In 1817, the ‘lost’ mines of Cleopatra were rediscovered, but had long been emptied of any valuable stones.)
– All the Drama: Emeralds can grow to an impressive size, and one of the largest known emeralds is also steeped in drama. The Bahia Emerald is an 840 lb. stone that was discovered in Bahia, Brazil in 2001, and it reportedly contains over 180,000 carats of emeralds. Since it was mined, it was smuggled out of Brazil, survived flooding in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and even spent a few months in police custody as multiple parties argued over ownership!
– More Than Just Jewelry: In addition to making stunning jewelry, emeralds can be used in certain industrial applications (like lasers and electronics) thanks to their unique optical and electrical properties.
– Close Cousins: Emeralds are a type of beryl, which is also the mineral that gives the ocean-hued Aquamarine its blue color.
– Handle with Care: Emeralds are rated between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but they are particularly susceptible to chipping and cracking. Take extra caution to treat your emeralds gently and store them in a cool, dry place so they can stay beautiful and whole for many years!
Does your jewelry box need a pop of color? We’ve got you. Check out our current offerings of emerald jewelry on our website, or schedule an appointment to see our gems in person!