Emerald

Birthstone Emerald History

Angara Gemstones

Blessed with the most enchanting color, the lush green emeralds are truly a creation of divinity. Believed to be one of the most beautiful gemstones by one and all, these gemstones have their marks all over the history.

Emeralds are probably one of the oldest gemstones known. Zimbabwe being one of the oldest sites where these gemstones were found; emeralds there were mined even 2600 million years ago. However, the emeralds from Pakistan were only 9 million years old. Emerald mining started in Egypt between 3000 B.C. to 1500 B.C. Egyptian Pharaohs particularly Queen Cleopatra was passionate about these gems. Her love for these gems can be illustrated by the fact that the Egyptian Emerald mine was later named as Cleopatra mine. These mines are located about 440 miles south-east of Cairo, they were initially exploited by Egyptians and then eventually by Romans and Turks.

Egyptians regarded this gem as sacred and often wore emeralds for its healing powers. Emeralds were the gem of Venus and were symbolic of rebirth. Perhaps it was for the same reason that in ancient times mummies were buried with emerald crystals.

Emerald also led to a profitable trade between Egypt and many other nations including far away countries like India. However, Egyptian monopoly in these gems lasted only till about Sixteenth Century B.C. It was around that time that the Spanish arrived in South America. In 1558, they discovered emerald mines in Muzo, near Colombia. The mines produced fine emeralds even in large sizes. The Spanish soon captured these mines and enslaved the local civilians. Later the gems from these Columbian mines were exported to countries of Europe and the Middle East.

Emeralds were greatly valued by the Moguls of India. Islamic texts describe the garden of heavens to be carpeted with emeralds. The Moguls used to get the stone inscribed with sacred text and wear it as a talisman. The famous Mogul Emerald that weighs 217.80 carats is one of the largest emeralds known.

Even the Greek philosopher, Aristotle was a big admirer of these gems. He said that emeralds brought success in business and victory in trials. He also said that this gemstone helped to treat diseases such as epilepsy.

Emeralds, even the finest ones, are usually found with inclusions. These inclusions speak for the turbulent origin of these gemstones. Color is the most predominant factor that determines the value of these gems; thus an emerald that offers vivid green color with few inclusions would be more valuable than a pale and clear emerald.

In some legends of King Arthur, the Holy Grail was crafted in emerald as the gem were considered symbolic of purity and chastity. Romans believed that light green was the color of young emeralds and that the stone grew darker as it matured.

According to a legend, Hernando Cortes, the conqueror of Mexico, tried to bring home huge emerald rocks from Aztecs. On his way back, one of the ships sank and many of the rare and historical emeralds were lost forever.

Emerald is birthstone for May and anniversary stone for 20 and 35 years of marriage. It is believed that the gemstone bestow love, wisdom, peace and fortune on their wearer.

Given their radiant green hue; emeralds are one of the most celebrated gemstones. These gems have million years of history, innumerous legends, myths and lore associated with them. These gemstones adorned the crowns and jewelry of many royalties and formed an indispensable part of royal treasuries. Fine varieties of these gems command much higher prices than diamonds. As Roman historian Pliny the Elder described emeralds as ‘Nothing greens greener’, these gems are truly rare and inimitable.