Emerald

What is the origin of the name "emerald"?

The word emerald comes from the Greek name "smaragdos", meaning "heart of stone", which itself probably comes from a semantic word from 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 called emerald, which can be confusing in some interpretations of the writings of the time.

Among precious stones, the emerald stands out for its unique color and symbolism, often confused with other green gems.

What color is an emerald?

Emeralds have only one color: green. However, their hue is so distinctive and incomparable that all colors that come close to it are called "emerald green."

Its luster is often vitreous due to the various inclusions found in most emerald gems. However, far from being flaws that would devalue the stone, as is the case for diamonds, these inclusions guarantee its authenticity and natural origin, as synthetic emeralds do not have them. On the other hand, inclusions that are too large or too numerous, meaning easily visible to the naked eye and significantly affecting the color and appearance of the stone, would devalue the gem.

These inclusions, which can be liquid, solid, or gaseous, are called "frosts," and the entirety of a given emerald's frosts are often referred to as a "garden" by traders.

What is the place of the emerald in history? What does it symbolize?

The oldest and best-known origin of emeralds dates back to ancient Egypt around the 2nd millennium BC. The gem was then used as currency and adorned the jewelry of the empire's nobility.

The green color of emeralds has long been associated with spring and rain, leading to its frequent association with renewal, fertility, and eternal youth in traditions worldwide.

Today, the emerald symbolizes youth, hope, success, knowledge, and immutability, as well as May births and 40th wedding anniversaries.

What are the main emerald deposits?

The first emerald deposits, now exhausted, were located near the Red Sea in Egypt.
Today, emeralds are mainly mined in Colombia.

However, they can also come from Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Russia.

How to care for jewelry set with an emerald?

Emeralds are fragile, so they risk cracking or even breaking with ultrasonic cleaning or steam cleaning. Classic cleaning with soap and water is recommended. It is also necessary to regularly oil the emerald to maintain its appearance.

OUR EMERALD PIECES