The Eternal Green of Royalty and Reverence
Emerald is more than just a gemstone—it’s a legend. For over 4,000 years, it has been the very embodiment of luxury, renewal, and power. From Cleopatra’s royal hoard to the crown jewels of Europe, Emerald has captivated the hearts of rulers, mystics, and collectors throughout human history.
Its vivid green color symbolizes life, rebirth, and eternal beauty. As one of the "Big Three" precious gemstones—alongside Ruby and Sapphire—Emerald holds a special place in the world of fine jewelry and gemstone lore.
💚 Scientific Profile
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. Its signature color comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and forms in long, prismatic crystals that often feature internal inclusions—what gemologists call the “jardin,” or garden, of the stone.
Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it fairly durable, though its internal fractures and inclusions can make it more delicate to set and wear. Its refractive index ranges from 1.565 to 1.602, and its specific gravity averages 2.67 to 2.78.
Because of their tendency toward inclusions and fissures, most Emeralds are treated with oil, typically cedarwood oil, to improve clarity. This is a widely accepted and traditional enhancement, although untreated stones with high clarity are extremely rare and command exceptional prices.
🌿 Color and Variety
Emerald is all about color. The finest stones display a deep, intense, and evenly distributed green with a touch of blue—rich, vibrant, and unmistakably regal. The closer the color gets to pure forest or bluish-green, the higher its value.
Colombian Emeralds are considered the gold standard. Known for their velvety texture and luminous, slightly bluish-green tone, they have been prized for centuries and remain the most sought-after Emeralds on the market.
Zambian Emeralds are typically darker, more saturated, and have a stronger bluish tone than their Colombian counterparts. They also tend to have higher transparency and fewer inclusions, making them ideal for collectors and modern designers alike.
Brazilian Emeralds come in a range of tones from bright grass green to deeper hues, and often offer excellent size and value. Some of the cleanest and largest gem-quality crystals come from Brazil.
Emeralds are almost never completely free of inclusions. These internal features are considered part of the gem’s character. A clean Emerald with rich color is more rare than a flawless diamond of similar size.
Trapiche Emeralds, a fascinating and extremely rare variety, display a six-rayed radial pattern caused by inclusions forming in a star-like shape. Found almost exclusively in Colombia, these unique gems are collector's treasures.
📜 History and Symbolism
Emerald has one of the richest histories of any gemstone. The ancient Egyptians mined and revered Emeralds as early as 1500 BCE. Cleopatra was famously obsessed with them, and her personal mines in Upper Egypt produced stones that adorned both pharaohs and temples.
In the Hindu tradition, Emeralds were believed to bring good fortune, enhance well-being, and improve communication. Ancient Romans and Greeks associated the stone with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
During the Spanish conquest of the New World, Emeralds from Colombia were introduced to Europe, where they quickly became favorites of royalty and aristocracy. Spanish galleons carried these green treasures back across the Atlantic—often as spoils of conquest and gifts of diplomacy.
Emerald is the birthstone for May and the traditional gemstone for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. It represents rebirth, wisdom, and everlasting love. In spiritual circles, it’s said to enhance intuition, calm the mind, and open the heart chakra.
💎 Emerald in Jewelry
Emerald has long been a centerpiece of luxury design. Its rich green hue complements every skin tone and adds elegance to any setting. Despite its natural inclusions, Emerald can be fashioned into all the major cuts—though the emerald cut itself was designed specifically to protect this gem’s structure and highlight its color and clarity.
Due to its relative fragility, Emeralds are typically mounted in protective settings—such as bezels or deep prongs—especially in rings. However, when well cared for, an Emerald can last for generations and even centuries.
Emeralds pair beautifully with both white and yellow metals, as well as accent stones like diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. Whether showcased in antique heirlooms or bold modern designs, Emerald always commands attention and respect.
Large, clean Emeralds over 2 carats are especially rare and often serve as the focal point of museum-quality jewelry and high-end investment pieces.
✨ Discover the Majesty of Emerald at Chicago Gems & Jewelry
At Chicago Gems & Jewelry, we offer an elite collection of hand-selected Emeralds—from classic Colombian gems to exceptional Zambian and Brazilian stones. Each gem is reviewed and approved by our GIA graduate gemologist for quality, authenticity, and beauty.
Whether you’re seeking a vivid green Emerald for a one-of-a-kind ring, a delicate pendant with antique charm, or an investment-grade collector’s stone, we have the expertise and selection to match your vision.
Family owned and operated since 2008, our Crystal Lake showroom has helped countless clients find the perfect Emerald—blending trust, knowledge, and a true passion for fine gemstones.
Chicago Gems & Jewelry – Where Knowledge Meets Beauty, and Every Stone Tells a Story.
