Emerald is in the House!
May 4th, 2013 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG
Fine Emeralds from Colombia and Zambia
The Emerald is truly coming into its own as this year’s spring season bursts forth. On the rise for several seasons, emerald green is fashion’s Color of the Year for 2013. Pantone traces the color’s current popularity back to Angelina Jolie, who wore striking emerald earrings and a gorgeous emerald ring to the 2009 Oscars. Besides Angelina, today’s emerald-loving stars and trendsetters include Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek and Beyonce’.
Lively. Radiant. Lush… A gem of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony, the green stone has become one of the most sought after possessions of 2013.
Gem of love, fertility, and rebirth, emeralds have captivated the world for thousands of years. They were documented in ancient Egyptian records as early as 3500 B.C. In fact, Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, fell in love with the jewel and popularized it during her reign. Her emerald mine on the Red Sea is one of the earliest known gem sources in the history of humans.
The name is derived from the early Greek term smaragdos meaning green gem. The Romans dedicated the gem to Venus and considered the emerald to soothe the spirit, bring well being and bestow good luck.
The discovery of the New World in 1492 opened the way to the most famous source of emeralds, the fabled Muzo region of Colombia. Spanish conquistadores, quick to realize their value, imported many large emeralds to Europe where they quickly became sought after favorites of royalty. The top 20% were reserved for the Spanish court. Strict sumptuary laws forbade everyone but nobility from wearing the green beauty.
Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, were famous aficionados of this verdant green gem. A modern Who’s Who of emerald includes Marlene Dietrich, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The good news is that you don’t have to rich or famous to own a beautiful emerald. While large fine stones can be very expensive, you can own a gem of good quality for an affordable price. Emeralds are being mined in Colombia, Zambia, Russia, Pakistan and other sources, so good natural stones are available.
Green Rocks! See the Rare Gem Specialists at Mardon Jewelers to learn about and see fine examples of the ultimate green gem, the Emerald.
Tags: Alexander the Great, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce', Catherine the Great, Charlemagne, Charlize Theron, Cleopatra, Colombia, Color of the Year 2013, Elizabeth Taylor, emerald, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Muzo, Queen Elizabeth II, Salma Hayek, Sharon Stone, smaragdos
