Good Enough for Jackie
It is hard to believe that there are emeralds that are worth more than diamonds. But it’s true. Emeralds can even be three times as valuable as that trusty diamond.
Divining Honestly and Fidelity
The name “emerald” has transformed over several years from the Greek word “smaragdus.” Many different cultures believed the emerald to be a powerful stone with healing powers. Legends also say the emerald brought good luck to those who wore the stone. It is said that the emerald was a symbol of fidelity, that the stone could reveal what was true or false, and that it could enable people to foretell future events if placed on the tongue or worn on the left side of the body. Some even believed wearing the stone could make one more eloquent when speaking and more intelligent and honest. (Thus, emeralds are the perfect gift for that significant other …). Hmmm, wasn’t Angie wearing emeralds at the Oscars?
To Your Health
There is a legend that Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, coveted this green gemstone, with many emerald mines found near the Red Sea in Upper Egypt. Ancient text is said to be inscribed on certain emeralds, and inside the Veda, the sacred text of Hinduism, the emerald is described as a “gem of good luck” and the “gem that improves one’s well being.”
Grace Us With Emeralds
Over history, emeralds have graced the throne of royalty. Henry II and the great Roman general Lucullus were given emeralds as gifts and Queen Elizabeth II and Alexander the Great were known to have their own collection of the gemstone. The New York Museum of History has on display a cup made of pure emerald that belonged to the Emperor Jehangir. And American royal, John F. Kennedy gave Jackie a wonderful Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond engagement ring.
The Deep Green Sea
The Incas and Aztecs both had large, high quality emeralds, but today the source of most high quality emeralds is Columbia. Emeralds are known to have surface imperfections and finding an emerald without inclusions is rare, but even a deep green emerald with fine inclusions is of high value. It is believed that many of the best emeralds can now be found at the bottom of the sea, after being taken by Spanish Conquistadores who were later shipwrecked. Just one more reason to take up scuba.
With a color so intensely breathtaking, and a history so rare, May is the month to be honest with yourself - Isn’t it time to covet your very own emerald?
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