Emerald is a precious stone with a rich and distinctive green colour, one of the four most luxurious gemstones in the world. Emeralds have been around since ancient times. Not only have rulers adorned themselves with emeralds, but emeralds have also been believed to have a positive effect on the body and mind and to have extraordinary healing properties. The name emerald comes from the French word 'Esmeraude' and the Middle English word 'Emeraude', meaning 'green gemstone'.
Emerald is a variety of mineral beryl. And although beryl is a colourless mineral in itself, when it interacts with certain trace elements, such as chromium or vanadium, it takes on a green colour and is considered an emerald. It is this unique colour that makes these precious stones so valued and coveted around the world. In addition, emeralds have markings that indicate inclusions and surface fractions or 'imperfections', but this is what gives them their glamour and uniqueness because you simply won't find two emeralds that look identical so that you will have a one-of-a-kind specimen. It is the inclusions, together with the intense green colour of the emerald, that makes an emerald unique and special. Emeralds are also among the four most highly valued gemstones in the world. The other three are ruby, sapphire and diamond.
Since ancient times, the emerald has been considered a symbol of truth and love. The colour green symbolises vitality and new beginnings. In ancient Greece and Rome, the emerald was supposed to be the jewel of Venus, the goddess of love and hope. They are seen as gems of unconditional love and are popular to give to those you love dearly. Emeralds or jewellery with emeralds in it is particularly popular for engagements, weddings and anniversaries. Emeralds also have a positive effect on the body, with healing properties such as improving the heart, healing the kidneys, and the pancreas, and helping to maintain a strong immune system. It also has a positive effect on the mind, bringing inner harmony, balance, clarity, concentration, the joy of life and calming energy.
