Emerald is one of the five most precious gemstones in the world. Its unique green colour makes it known as "the king of green gemstones." For thousands of years, emeralds have been loved for their beauty and historical importance. Known for its captivating beauty, emerald has a timeless appeal that transcends cultures and centuries. Its connection to legends and its unique properties make it a gem like no other.
The Meaning of Emerald
Wisdom, Confidence, and Clarity
Emerald is deeply connected with the energy of wisdom, confidence, and clarity. Discover pieces from our Emerald Collection that embody these qualities. Its vibrant green hue resonates with the heart and mind, helping wearers to calm their thoughts and approach challenges with a sense of balance and understanding. It is believed that emerald enhances intuition, allowing people to make better decisions and stay firm in their choices.
In spiritual practices, emerald is often associated with opening the heart chakra, fostering emotional healing and clear communication. This connection strengthens inner resolve, empowering individuals to face uncertainty with confidence and grace. Wearing emerald is thought to harmonise emotional and intellectual energies, guiding wearers toward clarity in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Life and Youth
The bright green of emerald symbolises renewal, life, and youth. It is believed to hold the energy of growth and vitality, inspiring positivity and fresh perspectives. Connected to nature’s vibrancy, emerald rejuvenates the spirit, encouraging wearers to embrace new beginnings and cherish life’s opportunities. The emerald’s lush green is often compared to the fresh leaves of spring, making it a reminder of the cycle of life and nature’s eternal energy. Beyond its beauty, emerald serves as a talisman for nurturing inner vitality and radiating it outward.
Five Remarkable Qualities of Emerald
Distinctive Colour
Emerald is renowned for its green hue, which sets it apart from other green gemstones such as jade, jasper, green sapphire, chrysoprase, green tourmaline, and serpentine. Its colour is clear, pure, and vibrant, making it unique. Unlike other gemstones, staring at an emerald feels refreshing and does not strain the eyes. Its calming green seems to invite you into its depths while touching your inner emotions.
This rare quality has earned emerald the title "king of green gemstones." Its green radiates a unique glow, appearing almost alive when it catches the light, making it impossible to ignore. The vibrant green of emerald symbolises renewal and vitality, often associated with the beauty of spring. The most prized emeralds have a rich, saturated green with a slight bluish tint, giving them an unparalleled brilliance.
Long History
Emerald has been cherished for over 6,000 years. Ancient civilisations, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians, adored emerald for its beauty and symbolism. Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, was one of its most passionate admirers and owned extensive emerald mines. This rich history makes emerald not just a gemstone but a bridge across civilisations and eras.
Hard but Fragile
Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it quite durable, but it is also brittle. Its internal structure often contains natural inclusions or small cracks, known as "jardin" (French for garden), which make it more susceptible to fractures. To protect emerald jewellery, avoid wearing it during vigorous activities or situations where it might come into contact with hard surfaces. For extra protection, consider using protective jewellery cases or storing emerald pieces in soft fabric pouches.
Heat Sensitivity
While emeralds have a high melting point, they become more fragile when exposed to heat. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or high temperatures can cause tiny cracks or increase existing ones. It is best to avoid leaving emeralds in direct sunlight or near sources of heat. When wearing emerald jewellery outdoors on hot days, take extra care to keep it shaded.
Resistance to Corrosion
Emeralds are chemically stable and resist many acids, bases, and salts. However, most emeralds on the market are treated with oil to fill cracks and improve clarity. These oils are not as durable as the gemstone itself and can degrade when exposed to water, chemicals, or cleaning agents. If your emerald appears dull or loses its clarity over time, it may need professional re-oiling to restore its brilliance. To preserve treated emeralds, avoid contact with water, sweat, and cleaning products. Clean emerald jewellery with warm water and a soft cloth, drying it immediately to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, as they may cause the oil to leak out and reduce the gem’s lustre.
Emerald in History and Myths
Venus and the Holy Grail
Emeralds have long been surrounded by fascinating myths. One legend claims that the Holy Grail used during the Last Supper was crafted from a single emerald, symbolising divine wisdom and eternal life. This legend ties emerald to the divine, suggesting its green glow holds the secrets of life and eternity. In ancient Greek mythology, emeralds were sacred to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. These gemstones were seen as tokens of admiration, representing the eternal qualities of love and fertility.
Cleopatra and Her Love for Emeralds
Cleopatra, the iconic queen of Egypt, was famously captivated by emeralds. She is said to have owned emerald mines, ensuring a steady supply of these gemstones for her personal collection. Cleopatra often adorned herself with emerald jewellery to symbolise her wealth, power, and unmatched beauty. For Cleopatra, emeralds were not just adornments; they were declarations of her identity as a ruler of extraordinary beauty and intelligence.
The Roman Connection
The Romans believed emeralds could soothe tired eyes and improve vision. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, wrote about emeralds in his famous work Natural History, describing how their vibrant green colour could refresh the eyes after long periods of strain. The belief in emerald’s healing properties persisted through centuries, reflecting the human desire to connect beauty with well-being.
Medieval Mysticism
During the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to hold mystical powers. They were thought to protect against evil spells and bring good fortune to the wearer. Knights heading to battle sometimes carried emeralds for protection, while healers used them to treat ailments and boost vitality. Emeralds were also used in medieval divination rituals, believed to reveal hidden truths or guide the wearer in times of uncertainty.
Why Choose Emerald Jewellery?
Emeralds are not just about beauty; they embody qualities that resonate deeply with the wearer. Known for their association with inner strength, confidence, and emotional balance, emeralds are said to bring a sense of harmony to one’s life. Wearing emerald jewellery can serve as a reminder to trust your intuition, stay grounded, and embrace personal growth. Browse our Emerald Collection to find the perfect piece.
For those seeking a more sustainable choice, lab-grown emeralds offer an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to mined gemstones. They possess the same vibrant green colour and symbolic power, making them an ideal option for the modern, conscious consumer.
Emeralds also hold a special connection to May as its birthstone. Discover more about what birthstones reveal about your personality in The Power of Birthstones: What Your Birth Month Gemstone Says About You. To learn how to select the best emerald jewellery for your style or occasion, check out our guide: How to Choose the Perfect EmeraldRing for Every Occasion.
