Emerald: May Birth Stone

This article is by Roger Dery Gem Design

For generations, Emerald has been one of the three most highly esteemed gems in the world, alongside Ruby and Sapphire. The name itself comes from the ancient Greek word for green, “smargdus.” In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder said, “nothing greens greener” than Emerald. The saturated green color of the finest Emeralds surpasses any other green found in nature.

Emerald requires a combination of unusual conditions to form. The conditions that make Emerald possible, and Chromium, Iron, and Vanadium, the elements that cause Emerald’s green color, cause fissures, fractures, and inclusions inside, which is why it is very rare to find an Emerald that has both fine color and fine clarity.

The most prized color of Emerald comes from its famous historical source: Colombia. Colombian emeralds are slightly bluish green and usually strongly saturated. When 16th century Spanish explorers discovered the New World, they found the Emerald mines of Colombia at the same time. When they brought Emeralds back to Europe, where precious metals were prized far more than any gem, they found a hearty welcome and desire for Emeralds rose majestically.

 Zambian 2.30ct Emerald Cut Emerald (top left), Colombian 1.75ct Oval Emerald (top right), Colombian 1.22ct Emerald Cut Emerald (bottom left)