Tag: emeralds
Looking for a fabulous birthday and/or Mother’s Day gift for next month? Arguably the world’s most popular green gemstone, emerald is May’s birthstone. The deeper the color, the more valuable the stone, although we think all emeralds are truly beautiful in their own unique way. For a truly special gift, let David Craig Jewelers custom design you an emerald pendant necklace, earrings, bracelets or more.
Ten Interesting Facts About Emeralds
- The green color of emeralds symbolizes spring and renewal. The first known emeralds were probably mined in Egypt. Mummies were said to be buried with them to symbolize re-birth. The famed Cleopatra was thought to have been especially fond of emeralds.
- On the Mohs scale that measures gemstone hardness, emeralds register between 7.5 and 8, making them fairly strong but more easily chipped or scratched than diamonds.
- Believe it or not, top quality emeralds can be worth even more than diamonds. It’s extremely rare to find an emerald without imperfections (inclusions).
- Emeralds are primarily sourced from places like Columbia (the top source), Brazil and Zambia. The elegantly carved “Mogul Mughal Emerald,” one of the largest emeralds known, weighs 217.80 carats. That’s some emerald!
- The “emerald cut” you hear about usually in relationship to diamond engagement rings was actually originally created for emeralds. It’s a rectangular shape with chiseled cuts developed to allow these more brittle gems to less likely to chip. The flat main surface is known as the “table” of the stone.
- Like diamonds, emeralds are evaluated base on the “4Cs” – clarity, color, cut and carat weight. They vary in shades from soft, light green to deep, dark green.
- Clean your emeralds gently with warm water. The many inclusions of the gemstone make them more susceptible to cracking from use and temperature change. If your gemstone needs some loving care, just bring it in and David Craig Jewelers can reinforce and enhance the stone as needed.
- Film star Elizabeth Taylor’s famous rectangular emerald pendant, given to her by Richard Burton, and surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds, sold for nearly $7million in 2011, setting a world record at the time.
- This lovely May birthstone is also considered the modern and traditional 55th anniversary gift. Wow the one you love with an emerald and make this huge accomplishment even grander.
- Long regarded as a spectacular jewel, these “Jewels of Kings” were worn as talismans to bring riches, promote eloquence and allow the wearer to predict the future. Emeralds were also thought to represent healing and fertility.
Check out more information on emeralds from the American Gem Society and stop on in for a gemstone chat with our experts at David Craig Jewelers!
It might be cold outside, but our hearts are warm when we think about the delight we get from some of our fan favorite gemstones.
Tourmaline: The name is thought to come from the Sri Lankan phrase for mixed gemstones “Touramali,” which makes sense since this precious gemstone’s name comes in a dazzling variety of colors.
Peridot: This yellowish-green gemstone may have been Cleopatra’s favorite.
Moonstone: While not found in this warm southern state, it’s nonetheless the official state gem of Florida (think NASA/MOON/astronauts).
Garnet: Most widely known in its dark red variety, this gemstone resembles the juicy red seeds of a pomegranate. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin “granatum” which means, no surprise here, pomegranate seed.
Sapphire: They’re gorgeous but nearly as hard as diamonds which makes them great everyday wear.
Emerald: (Shown here). According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald pendant sold for $6,578,500 in 2011.
Tanzanite: Mountain climbing afficionados take note: Only found in Tanzania, these gemstones are extremely rare and, therefore, valuable. They’re only found in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Alexandrite: Feeling royal? The GIA tells us that this color-changing gemstone is named after Czar Alexander II.
Amethyst: If you like the color purple you’ll really love these members of the quartz family that are often a bit less expensive than some other gemstones as they’re easier to find in nature.
Citrine: Feng shui enthusiasts claim that this yellow-to-reddish orange gemstone brings good fortune and wealth.
We carry the above gemstones and many others as set in beautiful necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. And don’t forget our super selection of loose gemstones available for any custom-designed article of your choice. Call us at 215-968-8900 with questions or stop in and chat.