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Emeralds are among the oldest gemstones in the world. Orignially from
Zimbabwe they began to grow 2600 million years ago, whilst some
specimens were found in Pakistan that were 9 million years in age.
The gems rich colour does not usually develop until traces of another
element are added and in the case of the emerald
it is mainly traces of chromium and vanadium that are responsible for
that stunning tone of green. Its spiritual meaning of good luck and
well being was made sacred by old scriptures of the Indians many
centuries ago and they used these precious green
stones for these healing properties.
Gorgeous jewelry
can be produced from these beautiful stones and also come in many
different forms to suit everyone. In comparison to other stones, the
emerald is one of the rarest, although stones such as diamond
jewelry will generally be more expensive due to higher
demand e.g. diamonds in emerald
diamond engagement rings are the no1 advertised
gemstone. These beautiful stones represent the traditional birthstone
for May and the gemstone regarded as Taurus, Cancer and sometimes
Gemini from the zodiac sign chart also.
Emeralds are extremely difficult to cut and set into jewelry, due to
their brittleness and crevices which riddle the stone. A skilled gem
cutter would most probably find it one of the most difficult to work
but also the most rewarding. The rectangular shape that it results in
with slanted edges therefore enhances the emerald
rings beauty. If the raw material seems to be too difficult for
such a shape then it may also be cut into a rounded design such as
emerald beads that are most popular in India.
The stones in which are difficult to spot any surface breaking
fissures are extremely rare and therefore a majority of the gems are
treated or oiled in order to enhance its apparent clarity. Cedar oil
is the most common used in this process and is a generally accepted
and traditional routine within the gem trade. Ones which are not
acceptable in this trade are processes such as the use of
green-tinted oil.
But if you are deciding to buy something containing this beautiful gemstone,
be sure to first make sure of its quality. Synthetic emeralds are
often referred to as "created", as their gemological and
chemical composition is the same as their natural counterparts. There
are also very strict regulations as to what can and what cannot be
called "synthetic" stone.
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