The Ultimate Guide to Emeralds: History, Meaning and Care

Emeralds are undoubtedly one of the most prized color gemstones known to mankind. These rich green beauties were deeply revered by kings and queens from near to distant lands. Even today, emeralds are celebrated for their extraordinary color palette, profound symbolism and unique garden of inclusions aka “jardin”. Are you also a big fan of this one of the Big3 gemstones? Stay tuned with us for some exciting facts and lores associated with natural emerald gemstone.

History of Emeralds

Emeralds have been around for billions of years. The royalty has favored these precious gemstones for their unmatched beauty and regal quality. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was greatly fascinated by the rich green emeralds and would often adorn herself with the gems. 

So was the craze for emeralds among the Incan rulers. The phenomenal Crown of the Andes serves as the most magnificent instance.  The splendid crown features 450 emeralds, the “Atahualpa Emerald” being the largest, probably named after Atahualpa, an Incan Emperor.

Emerald Lores

Ancient civilizations would consider that wearing an emerald stone can make them wise. Many also believed that the stone had the magical power to cure ailments such as malaria and cholera. There were also beliefs that emeralds could expose liars and one could even foresee things with the gem placed under their tongue. However, none of these theories hold any scientific relevance.

Meaning or Symbolism Behind Emeralds

The lush dark green emerald color resonates with the natural hues of Mother Nature. It is said to relieve eye strain and declutter the mind of stressful thoughts. Symbolically, emeralds represent fertility, regeneration and new beginnings. These gems are said to foster harmonious relationships and bring peace of mind to the wearers. 

If you are yet to discover the charm of the emerald color, take a close look at a Colombian emerald. The remarkable physical properties of these stones makes them one of the most desirable varieties of natural emeralds. These emeralds stand out with their high clarity and rich pure green hues with a tinge of blue. 

Guess what? A natural emerald is not just a pretty green gemstone. It is also the official birthstone for the fifth month of the calendar, May. It means that if you are a May-born, you can harness the spiritual powers of emeralds for free. Similarly, couples celebrating their 20th or 35th wedding anniversaries can make the occasion more meaningful by gifting emerald stone jewelry to their partners.

Caring for Emeralds

Emerald gems rate between 7.5 and 8 on the 10-point Mohs hardness scale. This decent score makes a natural emerald ideal for everyday jewelry. But you mustn’t rule out the fact that most of these gems are included or have internal fractures. This makes emeralds susceptible to chipping and cracking. Violent blows, exposure to extremely high temperatures and harsh chemicals can break or alter the appearance of your emeralds. 

Moreover, most emeralds are fracture-filled so you can’t use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner to clean them. Instead, the best option to keep your emerald stone jewelry as bright as new is to clean it at home with a mild soap solution. Gently scrub the stones with a soft lenin cloth to remove the oil and dirt particles. Lastly, pat dry before wearing or storing your jewelry.

Shop for Emeralds @GemsNY

Whether you fancy a loose emerald or jewelry creations studded with this magical gemstone, GemsNY has them all. Visit the brand’s official website today for the best prices and a lifetime warranty on emerald jewelry for men and women. Shop for your May birthstone today and share your experience on GemsNY reviews.