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Emerald jewellery is known for its green hue, high value, and huge cultural significance. In this article, we discover emerald jewellery’s historical roots, symbolic meanings, and the appeal making it a sought-after gemstone for both personal pleasure and as a heartfelt gift.
The History Of Emeralds
The history of emerald jewellery is steeped in status and cultural significance, dating back to ancient civilisations with the first emerald mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC. Revered for its lush green hue, emeralds were cherished by the Egyptians, who believed the gem symbolised fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra, renowned for her exquisite taste, adorned herself with emeralds, further establishing their status as a gemstone fit for royalty. The allure of emerald jewellery continued to captivate prominent figures, including royalty and influential leaders throughout time. One of the largest emeralds ever mined weighing 1,383,93 carats and was given to the 6th Duke of Devonshire (William Cavendish) by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil back in 1831 and is now in ‘The Vault’ at the National History Museum in London.
Symbolism Of Emeralds
Beyond their aesthetics, emeralds are believed to have various metaphysical properties. Associated with promoting harmony, growth, renewal, and wisdom, emerald jewellery is thought to bring balance to the wearer's life. Known as the "Stone of Successful Love," emeralds are also believed to enhance love and unity within relationships. Emerald jewellery has been embraced for centuries by various cultures, making it a meaningful and timeless choice for gifts that convey deep sentiments with some cultures believing in the stone's ability to soothe the eyes and improve vision.
How Are Emeralds Formed?
Emerald jewellery undergoes a fascinating geological formation process. Emeralds belong to the beryl family of minerals, and their distinct green colour is attributed to trace amounts of chromium, vanadium or iron during their formation. Typically, emeralds develop in metamorphic rocks under high-pressure conditions to form the gemstone. Emeralds are commonly found in regions such as Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil, and often grow in fissures or veins within rocks.
Special Occasions To Gift Emerald Jewellery
Birthdays
Emerald, with its mesmerising green allure, takes the spotlight as the birthstone for May, aligning well with the spring months vitality and renewal. Associated with the lush greenery of the season, emerald jewellery symbolises growth, love, and prosperity. As birthstone jewellery, emeralds are believed to bring harmony and balance to those born in May, enhancing their well-being and fostering positive energies. This radiant gem makes for a meaningful and personalised gift for birthdays or other special occasions in May. To make your gift extra special, whether for a birthday, engagement, anniversary or birth, adding a personalised engraving can add a personal touch to the jewellery that will be cherished forever.
Read our complete birthstone guide to learn more about birthstones and their meanings.
Engagements
Emerald engagement rings have become a timeless and elegant choice for couples seeking a unique and vibrant symbol of their love offering a distinctive alternative to traditional diamond rings. The appeal of emeralds lies in their captivating colour, which symbolises rebirth and renewal and is a perfect representation of an engagement between two people. Additionally, emeralds are believed to bring prosperity and harmony to relationships. Emeralds have been very popular as engagement rings for many celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, and Jackie Kennedy.
Find out more about diamond engagement rings and coloured engagement rings in our engagement ring buying guide.
Anniversaries
Emerald jewellery marks the remarkable milestone of the 55th wedding anniversary. As a symbol of enduring love and commitment, emerald jewellery makes for a perfect gift to mark over five decades of shared memories. The vivid green colour in emerald jewellery is said to mirror the evolving nature of a long-lasting marriage which symbolises not only the beauty of the gemstone but also the strength and resilience of the union it represents.
Emerald Jewellery Is In Fashion
Emerald jewellery has surged to the forefront of fashion trends, capturing the attention of style enthusiasts and trendsetters. This vibrant gemstone complements various fashion styles, making it a perfect choice for both casual and formal occasions. Emerald jewellery’s versatility allows it to look good on everybody, but it is known to commonly suit people with warm skin tones, red hair, and green eyes. However, this gemstone does not need to meet these requirements and can make a beautiful addition to your outfits especially in the warmer months with its connections to nature though its deep green colour.
Emerald jewellery is a red-carpet favourite among celebrities, adding sophistication and glamour to high-profile events. Hollywood icons like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry have been spotted showcasing their exquisite taste with emerald earrings and necklaces, elevating their red carpet looks with the gem's vibrant green brilliance. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II frequently adorned herself with emerald jewellery, emphasising the gem's regal allure.
Queen Elizabeth II wearing gemstone jewellery
How To Care For Your Emerald Jewellery
To maintain your emerald jewellery, proper cleaning is crucial for preserving its vibrancy and lustre. To maintain emeralds, it is crucial to clean them gently with a soft brush and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals that can affect the gem's brilliance. Due to emerald's relatively soft nature compared to other gemstones, avoiding exposure to excessive heat and sudden temperature changes is advisable to prevent potential damage as well as storing emerald pieces separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches and abrasions. We also recommend periodic professional cleaning and inspection as this can address any potential issues and ensure the longevity of your emerald jewellery.
High Quality & Ethically Sourced Emerald Jewellery
At Deacons Jewellers, all of our jewellery is made with high-quality materials and undergoes rigorous testing to meet our strict standards, providing our customers with a piece of mind when purchasing our products. All of our gemstones are also sourced from sustainability-verified gemstone companies that comply with the industry regulations to mine these beautiful gemstones while saving the environment from further damage.
Emerald Jewellery At Deacons Jewellers
Emerald jewellery continues to be a timeless choice, blending elegance with meaningful symbolism. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant green colour or appreciate the cultural significance, emerald jewellery is a perfect choice when it comes to getting a new piece of jewellery. Explore our curated collection to discover the perfect emerald piece that resonates with your style and celebrates the rich history and beauty of this captivating gemstone.
Visit our Swindon showroom to explore the collection in person or enquire to find out more.
