What Are Emeralds? The Meaning and History Behind the Stone
For centuries, emeralds have stood the test of time as a beloved jewel thanks to their captivating green color and historical significance. The gemstone holds deep symbolic meaning across various civilizations and cultures.
In this blog, we explore the history behind emeralds, the meaning of emeralds, popular myths, and fun facts.
Curious about Forsythe Jewelers’ emerald selection? Schedule a consultation with our experts to find the best jewelry pieces for any occasion!
What Are Emerald Gemstones?
An iconic gemstone, emeralds are a variety of beryl that include traces of chromium, vanadium, and iron. Jewelry enthusiasts prize the gem for its distinctive, vivid green hue, but emeralds come in various intensities and tones depending on their sourcing, cut, and molecular makeup.
Emeralds fall between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Most emeralds have inclusions, which are small minerals or impurities trapped within the gem during formation, as well as fissures. As a result, emeralds are hard but somewhat brittle, requiring careful handling and diligent care to avoid damage. Jewelers often treat emeralds with oil to enhance the gemstones’ stability and clarity.
Emerald Meaning Across Cultures
For centuries, emeralds have embodied many concepts throughout the world. In the West, emeralds are the traditional birthstone for May, evoking images of spring, rebirth, and renewal. The gemstone is also associated with wisdom and great fortune, with some believing the jewel could repel cholera and malaria.
In Astrology, emeralds are associated with several astrological signs, the most prominent being Taurus (followed by Leo, Gemini, and Aries). Those wearing emeralds are said to be loyal, peaceful, and open to new beginnings.
Emeralds play a role in other cultures, too:
Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians associated emeralds with fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra was known for her love of emeralds, often wearing them as a symbol of her wealth and power. Upon a notable figure’s death, mourners would place an emerald amulet on the mummified remains to ensure eternal youth and beauty for the departed’s afterlife.
Ancient Greece and Rome: The Greeks and Romans linked emeralds to Venus (Aphrodite), the Goddess of Love and Fertility. It’s no surprise that emeralds came to represent loyalty and true love.
India: The sacred Hindu text Vedas highlights emeralds as a powerful stone that can purify the soul. The gem is often associated with the planet Mercury, said to oversee intellect, wit, and communication. Looking at Mughal art, Indian craftsmen often created jewelry featuring emeralds.
Ancient Mesopotamia: In the Chaldean account of Genesis, Ishtar, the Goddess of Love and War, was adorned with emerald bracelets. Chaldeans attribute divine properties to the gemstone.
Hermetic Lore: Islamic and European alchemists reference the Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smargdina), a tablet made of green stone and inscribed with the esoteric knowledge. Myths link the tablet to Hermes Trismegistus, a mix of the Greek Messenger God, Hermes, and the Egyptian God of Wisdom, Thoth. Alchemists also believed emeralds treated poison and protected wearers from epilepsy and leprosy.
The History of Emeralds
Emeralds boast a long history, with the earliest reported emerald mines found in the Eastern Desert in Ancient Egypt around 1500 BC. Egypt’s mines became the main source of emeralds in the European and Mediterranean regions. At the time, emeralds were popular amongst royalty and often used in ceremonies. They were mined well into the 1800s until the deposits dried up.
Emeralds also played a significant role in the New World (present-day Colombia). The Incas and Aztecs traded emeralds with Spanish explorers in the 16th century, which contributed to the spread of emeralds to Europe and Asia (in addition to existing emerald mines in India and Austria).
Currently, Colombia leads in emerald production, accounting for 50–95% of the world’s emeralds, followed distantly by Zambia, which accounts for about 20% of the world’s emerald production.
7 Fun Facts About Emeralds
Aristotle was fascinated with emeralds, believing that they enhanced one’s eloquence and provided physical protection.
Emerald jewelry is a traditional gift for 20th, 35th, and 55th wedding anniversaries.
The 752-pound Bahia Emerald lies at the center of several misfortunes as 14 individuals and the nation of Brazil fight to claim the gemstone mass as their own. Three people have filed for bankruptcy in the process, one person mentions being held hostage, and a house burned down.
Cleopatra was particularly fond of emeralds, claiming one of the earliest emerald mines for herself and owning several others. She gifted visiting dignitaries with emerald statuettes of herself. Having said that, historians and gemologists debate whether or not Cleopatra’s emeralds were actually peridots.
Emerald inclusions are called the jardin or “garden” in French because they lend the stone a distinct mossy pattern and a silky or velvety feel. The jardin is a desirable trait and can increase the stone’s value.
Some folklore mention placing an emerald beneath the tongue would bestow the gift of clairvoyance. Others claim the trick would force the wearer to speak the truth.
Named after the gemstone, the emerald cut is a rectangular cut with clipped corners to highlight a gemstone’s color. This style both protects brittle gemstones like emeralds and allows for an expert cutter to bring out their ideal color.
Find Emerald Jewelry at Forsythe Jewelers
Emeralds are steeped in history, meaning, and cultural significance- and for good reason! They’re chic and stylish, adding a flattering touch of color to match any style. If you’re curious about emeralds, visit Forsythe Jewelers in Pittsford, NY to view our emerald jewelry collection and experience the allure yourself!
