The history of the Emerald gemstone

Emeralds: A symbol of power and eloquence

Historically recognised as the jewel of kings, the emerald gemstone styles an exquisite green hue, appreciated by an array of different cultures, religions and believers across the world.

The first known emerald mines were located in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC into the 1700s. Some researchers estimate that the oldest emeralds are 2.97 billion years old. Cleopatra is one of the most famous historical figures to cherish emerald gemstones, claiming ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. On the other side of the world, the Muzo Indians of Colombia had hidden and secretive emerald mines which took nearly twenty years to be discovered by Spanish conquistadors.

Today, emerald is a symbol of loyalty, new beginnings, peace, and security, making it the perfect accessory or embellishment, but also a meaningful piece of jewellery that is treasured for its depth in terms of meaning and symbolism.

Emerald Jewellery

Symbolisms and meaning: What do Emeralds symbolise?

Like many of the world’s gemstones, people have a range of different beliefs, stories and myths when it comes to the power and influence of an emerald. Most commonly, people believe emeralds could grant riches, power, and eloquence if worn as talismans, making it a popular choice for kings, soldiers and rulers. These gems have also been linked to strengthened memory and sharpened wits.

In past eras, Arab, Hindu, and Spanish physicians used emeralds to face poison and infection as well as protection against possession by demons.

In modern minds, emeralds colour reflects new spring growth, making it the perfect gem choice for the birthstone of May as well as the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

How are emeralds formed?

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, getting its distinct colour from impurities of chromium, vanadium, or both. Beryllium, aluminium, silicon and oxygen combine to create the mineral Beryl. The right temperature and pressure conditions can be the start of forming emeralds whilst the presence of chromium is what generates the stunning green colour. When the right elements are found underground, green emeralds can start to form when these cool down. Emeralds can also form in large crystal granite and metamorphic rock.

To improve the appearance of emeralds, most pieces are treated with heat and oil to enhance the colour, hue and finish, making them ready to sell as emerald green jewellery, interiors, clothing embellishments and ornaments.

Where do emeralds come from?

Emeralds are typically found in Colombia, Madagascar, Canada, Zambia and Brazil among other countries and can be found in a variety of rock types including shale and limestone.

Colombia is the largest producer of emeralds in the world followed by Zambia.

What colour are emeralds? Discover the green emerald

The most desirable emerald colours are blueish green to pure green, with vivid colour saturation and tones that are not too dark. The most prized emeralds are highly transparent. Their colour is evenly distributed, with no eye-visible colour zoning.

Emerald appearance is occasionally associated with its mine location. Colombian emeralds are found to have a warmer and more intense pure green colour compared to Zambian emeralds which are found to have a cooler, more blueish-green colour.

How rare are emeralds?

Natural emeralds are rare and equally valuable because they are formed in a unique way. They are created one molecule at a time when the right minerals, such as beryllium, aluminium, and silicon, come together under the correct pressure and temperature.

Emerald Green Jewellery handcrafted by David Morris

Designed and handcrafted in a selection of different styles, themes and aesthetics, David Morris is home to a range of luxury emeralds crafted into a divine collection of emerald green jewels. Our high jewellery collections have been designed with flawless green emeralds including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Our selection of jewellery represents the power and influence of emeralds, resembling strength, resilience and tradition.