Coloured Gemstone Jewellery Guide

Emeralds are precious gemstones that belong to the beryl mineral family, which also includes other popular gemstones such as aquamarine and morganite. Not to be confused by the Emerald Cut Diamond, Emeralds are set apart by their rich green colour, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium in their crystal structure. Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes them relatively hard and durable for everyday wear, perfect for engagement and wedding rings but more notably worn in fashion style rings, earrings and pendants. Emeralds are typically cut into various shapes such as oval, round, square, and emerald cut, that maximises the gemstone's colour and clarity. The value and quality of an emerald are determined by various factors such as its colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

Emeralds have been treasured for their beauty and perceived healing powers for centuries, and they have been surrounded by various gem lore and meanings throughout history. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Symbol of Love and Romance: In ancient Rome, emeralds were believed to be the gemstone of the goddess Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. As such, emeralds were often used in engagement rings and as gifts between lovers as a symbol of eternal love and devotion.
2. Sign of Wealth and Power: Emeralds have long been associated with royalty and the wealthy elite. In ancient Egypt, emerald jewellery was worn by pharaohs as a symbol of their power and influence, and the gemstone was believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to its owner.
3. Stone of Healing and Protection: Emeralds have also been used for their perceived healing powers and protective properties. They were believed to strengthen the eyesight, calm the mind, and promote inner peace. In medieval times, emeralds were believed to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck to their wearer.

Overall, emeralds have been revered for their stunning beauty and unique colour, and they continue to be a popular gemstone in jewellery and fashion today.

Emeralds are primarily mined in countries that are rich in natural resources such as Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Colombia is considered to be the world's largest producer of high-quality emeralds, and its Muzo and Chivor mines are renowned for producing some of the most beautiful emeralds in the world. Brazil is also a significant producer of emeralds, with mines in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Goias. Zambia's Kagem mine is another significant source of emeralds, and it has produced some of the world's largest and finest quality emeralds in recent years. Other countries such as Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Pakistan also have emerald deposits, but they are relatively small in scale compared to the aforementioned countries.