What is the origin of the name "emerald"?
The word emerald comes from the Greek name "smaragdos", meaning "heart of stone", itself probably derived from a semantic word of the same language: "marmairō" meaning "to shine".
In the Middle Ages, and until the beginning of the 20th century for certain denominations, many green stones, if not all, were qualified as emerald, which can lead to confusion in certain interpretations of the writings of the time.
What is the color of emerald?
Emerald has only one color: green. However, its hue is so characteristic and incomparable that all colors that approach it are called “emerald green”.
Its luster is often glassy because of the various inclusions found in most gems. However, far from being defects which would devalue the value of the stone, as is the case for the diamond, these inclusions guarantee its authenticity and its natural origin since synthetic emeralds do not have any. On the other hand, inclusions that are too large or too numerous, that is to say easily visible to the naked eye and which have a significant influence on the color and appearance of the stone, would devalue the gem.
These inclusions, which can be liquid, solid or gaseous, are called “frosts” and all the frosts of an emerald are often called “garden” by traders.
What is the emerald's place in history? What is its symbolism?
The oldest and best known origin of emeralds is that of ancient Egypt around the 2nd millennium BC. The gem was then used as a currency of exchange and moreover adorned the jewels of the greats of the empire.
The green color of emerald has long been equated with spring and rain, so it has often been associated with renewal, fertility and eternal youth in traditions around the world.
Today, the emerald symbolizes youth, hope, success, knowledge and inalterability as well as births in May and 40 years of marriage.
What are the main emerald deposits?
The first emerald deposits, now exhausted, were near the Red Sea in Egypt.
Today, emeralds are mostly mined in Colombia.
However, they can also come from Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan or even Russia.
How to maintain a jewel set with an emerald?
Emerald is a fragile stone, so it may crack or even break with ultrasonic cleaning or steam cleaning. Conventional cleaning with soap and water is recommended. It is also necessary to regularly oil the emerald to maintain its appearance.
