Emerald

Emerald is the stone clothed in the most glamorous green, it is a name that has evolved to represent the hue of the most brilliant green. A precious gem from the beryl family of minerals. emeralds are noted for their hues than their shine, and for this reason, the value of emerald is often comparable to that of diamonds. Emeralds are used extensively in precious jewellery where they add drama to pieces of diamond jewellery by taking center stage. The white and green contrast offered by diamonds and emeralds makes a timeless combination.
Scientifically, emerald is a beryllium derivative, with traces of chromium and vanadium imparting its rich green colour. The name Emerald originates from the Latin word ‘esmaralda/esmaraldus’, and has roots in the ancient Greek word ‘smaragdos', meaning ‘green gem’.The green colour is so alluring that it elevates this gem to the privileged club of precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies and diamonds.Cleopatra, one of the most notable Pharaohs of Egypt, who was fantasized universally for her beauty, was known for her undying love for emeralds. In fact, she was so obsessed with emeralds that the mines in Egypt during her time came to be known as ’Cleopatra's mines’. It is said that Elizabeth Taylor, the stellar actress lauded for her ravishing feminine beauty and her classic style of dressing, had immense passion for jewellery as well, especially emeralds.

The 4C’s
Colour
Among the 4 C’s that determine the price of any gemstone, colour, being the fourth parameter rules supreme.The three determining characters here are hue, saturation and the tone of the stone.The best emeralds have good saturation and are graded as bright or vivid.Emerald hues can range from yellow-green to blue-green.Only gems in the beryl family possessing a medium to dark tone are named emeralds. The lighter ones are called green beryls.In tone, the range is from colourless at 0% to opaque black at 100%. Emeralds fall in the 75% range.

Clarity
Emeralds are stones that have a lot of flaws and fissures called ‘jardin’, meaning garden, as they make the stone look mossy. In other stones, this would be considered as a grave fault and this alone can deplete their value, but not for emeralds. For emeralds, such flaws are indicators of them being natural. Thus, the clarity of emerald is graded by the eye and not by a Loupe test as in diamonds. If no visible inclusions are seen in a standard 10x magnification, it is considered as a flawless emerald. Flawless emeralds are extremely rare, thus the stone is usually treated with oils to fill in the inclusions and enhance its luster. The finest of emeralds have a flat-topped hexagonal-shaped crystal structure that is flatteringly similar to the faceted variety.

Cut
The resplendent beauty of any stone is brought out only when it is cut to perfect shape to reflect light better. Interestingly, emerald has its own specific cut, called the ‘emerald cut’. This brings out the beauty and maximizes the colour of the gem and protects the delicate stone from mechanical and internal stress. The cuts in emerald amplify the colour and richness of the stone.The usual shape of an emerald is either a rectangular or a square cut, with reduced corners. Such emeralds are mostly seen on larger pieces of jewellery that use bigger stones. Conventional pear shaded, princess cut and marquise cut emeralds are popular as well. Unusual cuts in emerald also include the triangular trillion cut and baguette cut. Low grade emeralds are shaped en cabochon i.e., in the shape of beads that are strung together to make long necklaces.

Carat
The resplendent beauty of any stone is brought out only when it is cut to perfect shape to reflect light better. Interestingly, emerald has its own specific cut, called the ‘emerald cut’. This brings out the beauty and maximizes the colour of the gem and protects the delicate stone from mechanical and internal stress. The cuts in emerald amplify the colour and richness of the stone.The usual shape of an emerald is either a rectangular or a square cut, with reduced corners. Such emeralds are mostly seen on larger pieces of jewellery that use bigger stones. Conventional pear shaded, princess cut and marquise cut emeralds are popular as well. Unusual cuts in emerald also include the triangular trillion cut and baguette cut. Low grade emeralds are shaped en cabochon i.e., in the shape of beads that are strung together to make long necklaces.

Source
Colombia is the famed mining area of emeralds, along with Brazil and Zambia. . The emeralds from Brazil are yellowish-green, of the finest quality, with unparalleled clarity. Zambian emeralds are also sought after for their mesmerizing bluish tinted greens. The rarest of the rare emerald variety, the treasured ‘Cat’s eye emerald’, has a special six ray star, and is mined from Brazil.

Identifying real emeralds?
Emeralds are at their best in daylight.They are known to have fissures and inclusions in plenty, and these are almost always filled with resins and oils. Emeralds reveal their flaws under artificial light, so witnessing such inclusions is a good indicator of a real emerald. Remember that artificial emeralds are synthesised in labs and can decently mimic the qualities of a natural emerald.

Benefits in astrology
Emerald, also known as Zamrud or Panna, besides being a valuable stone in jewellery, has innumerable benefits for the body and soul. It finds mentions in Buddhism and Sanskrit for its powers. It is the birthstone of those born in May, but others can wear this stone as well. The green gem is associated with the ‘Anahata’ or the heart chakra. It is believed to be effective regarding the treatment of ailments affecting the said chakra.
In the medieval times, emerald was believed to be an antidote for poisoning.Our ancestors believed emeralds had the power to keep relationships sacred. They were believed to protect their wearers from toxic and tumultuous situations.

Culture
One of the largest emeralds in the world is the ‘Mogul Emerald’, with a height of 10cm, weighing approximately 217.80 carats. The stone has prayers inscribed on one side and floral engravings on the other.The oldest emerald, found from South Africa, is believed to be 2.97 billion years old.Massive emerald crystals weighing from 220 carats to even 1796 carats are kept safe at the Bank of Bogotá.A breathtakingly beautiful emerald discovered from Zambia, known as ‘Inkalamu’, meaning ‘the lion emerald’, weighs an astonishing 5,655 carats.
Iranian National Jewellery Treasury possesses some of the finest emeralds in the world, including the ‘diadem of Empress Farah’. The Madhurai Meenakshi Amman Temple in Tamil Nadu has the statue of the deity, Goddess Meenakshi, carved in emerald.

Choice
Emeralds are the luxurious stones that lure you in necklaces and bangles, all by themselves. They are also seen in the company of other precious stones like diamonds and rubies. The luscious green and the subtle sparkle is what makes emerald stand out from the rest. Emeralds are particularly brittle, so a lot of care is put into cutting, setting and polishing the stone. Generally, heat and pressure are not healthy for an emerald’s life, and this is a factor that may increase the processing charge of emeralds. Emeralds appear in the most coveted designer items, and are a precious asset for the jewellery industry.
It is best to divide emerald jewellery into two popular varieties:

Traditional richness
Necklaces with emeralds encrusted among premium diamonds are a craze. Emerald neck chokers with Kundan works are stunning additions to the bridal trousseau. Diamond studded brooches with round emeralds strung on chains with multilayered pearls are in fashion too, and we have extravagant necklaces that fall in this category as well.The Mughal jewellery tradition uses emeralds and pearls in excess to create the most precious and breathtaking jewellery.Stunning Polki earrings with uncut diamonds, alternating along crisp emerald chunks with golden beads and ruby trims make bright and colourful accessories.

High street fashion
Emerald necklaces in unconventional designs are the new favourites among fashion conscious women. Designer pieces with emeralds in a variety of cuts, arranged on layers of gold, is a finery to adore. The star combination of emeralds and diamonds is usually seen in rings. Huge rectangular-cut emeralds surrounded by smaller diamonds make exuberant jewellery, and are often pieces to treasure.Drop earrings in platinum with pear cut emeralds on chains, with tiny diamonds in between, give the illusion of an emerald rain.
Emeralds have a special place in the making of bangles too. Emerald and pearl bangles are hot favourites, and are as feminine as they are eye catching. The brilliant green shows off best when worn alongside pastel pinks, royal gold, beige, off whites and pure stark white.