The Timeless Beauty of Emeralds, The Ultimate Gem for Special Occasions
Emeralds have been a popular choice for jewellery for centuries due to their unique beauty and captivating green colour. They are one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Emeralds are widely used in a variety of jewellery items such as rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces. Emeralds are often paired with diamonds, especially in traditional gold settings. However, for a modern take, white gold is also commonly used. Lloyd's Family Jewellery only uses 100% natural gemstones in all their jewellery, including emeralds, ensuring that the stones are authentic and of high quality. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of emeralds in jewellery, how to look after and clean emeralds, the origins, lore and history of emeralds, and why Lloyds Family Jewellery is the perfect place to find beautiful emerald jewellery.
Emeralds are a popular choice for special occasion jewellery, especially for engagement and wedding rings. Natural emerald rings, with their vibrant green colour, symbolize love, hope, and new beginnings, making them a perfect choice for couples looking for a meaningful and unique engagement ring. Emeralds are also a popular choice for anniversary rings, as they are the birthstone for May. They have been treasured as a birthstone for centuries and are believed to bring good luck, health, and happiness to those born in this month. The vibrant green colour of emeralds is often associated with the lush foliage of springtime, making it a perfect gemstone to represent the month of May, which marks the beginning of the season.
In addition to being a birthstone, emeralds are also the traditional gemstone for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. This makes emerald jewellery a popular choice for couples celebrating these milestones in their marriage.
Emeralds have been prized for their unique beauty and rarity for centuries. They have a rich history and are associated with many cultures and beliefs. In ancient times, emeralds were believed to have healing powers and were used to treat various ailments. They were also thought to have protective properties and were worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits.
Today, emeralds are still highly valued and are often used for special occasions. Emerald engagement rings, in particular, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are often set in gold traditionally or white gold to enhance their vivid green colour and are complemented by diamond accents.
Emeralds are also popular for wedding rings and anniversary rings. They are said to represent unity, love, and commitment, making them a meaningful choice for couples celebrating a milestone in their relationship.
Pros and Cons of Emeralds in Jewellery
Pros:
Unique Beauty: Emeralds are known for their unique green colour, which is due to the presence of chromium and vanadium in their chemical composition. This beautiful green colour makes emeralds a popular choice for jewellery items.
Rarity: Emeralds are rarer than other gemstones such as diamonds, which makes them more valuable.
Durability: Emeralds are a relatively hard gemstone with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This means that they are durable and can withstand everyday wear.
Cons:
Inclusions: Most emeralds have inclusions, which are natural imperfections that occur during the formation of the gemstone. However for many who appreciate emerald for what it is, this is part of the charm and unique characteristic of the gemstone, and can place it firmly in the pro list. Natural inclusions aren’t replicated in fake/synthetic stones, which means inclusions actually help in ascertaining that the gemstones is natural.
Fragility: Although a tough material Emeralds are relatively fragile and can crack or chip if they are subjected to rough treatment or sharp blows, this is mainly due to their abundance of inclusions. But remember, even diamonds can crack or chip so we always need to take care when wearing our precious stones.
Treatment: It is common for emeralds to be treated with oil or resin to improve their clarity and colour. These treatments can affect the long-term durability of the gemstone as the oil can dry over time and return the stone to its natural state which may be more dull than it was when purchased. Lloyds don’t use these treatments so you can be sure your emerald looks the same in 50 years as it does when you first purchase it.
The Allure of Emeralds: Origins, Lore and History
The oldest known emerald mines are located in Egypt and date back to at least 1500 BCE. The ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds were a symbol of rebirth and fertility, and they often buried their rulers with emerald jewellery. Emeralds were also highly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that the gemstone had healing properties and could improve eyesight.
Throughout history, emeralds have been associated with various legends and myths. In Indian mythology, the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan gave his wife Mumtaz Mahal a necklace made of 28 emeralds as a symbol of his love for her. The necklace became known as the "Necklace of the Queen," and it is said that Mumtaz Mahal wore it on her wedding day. In the Christian tradition, emeralds were believed to represent the resurrection of Christ and were often used in religious jewellery.
Some of the most famous emeralds in history include the Mogul Emerald, which is a 217.80 carat rectangular emerald that was once owned by the Mogul emperors of India. The Chalk Emerald is another notable emerald, weighing 38.40 carats and boasting a vivid green colour. It is said that the Chalk Emerald was once owned by the Maharaja of Baroda and was later purchased by a private collector.
How to Look After and Clean Emeralds
To keep your emerald jewellery looking its best, it is important to take proper care of it. Here are some tips on how to look after and clean your emeralds:
Store your emerald jewellery in a box, soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratches and damage. We provide a jewellery gift box with all our emerald jewellery. Avoid exposing your emerald jewellery to harsh chemicals such as household cleaners. Extreme temperatures should be avoided to be safe, such as using tanning beds. Clean your emerald jewellery with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. Have your emerald jewellery checked by a professional jeweller regularly to ensure that the settings are secure and the gemstone is not damaged will help to ensure stones are not lost. For a more comprehensive cleaning and care guide see out blog ''Tips to keep your Diamond Ring Sparking''.
Why Choose Lloyds Family Jewellery for Emerald Jewellery?
If you’re looking for high-quality emerald jewellery, consider Lloyds Family Jewellery. We’ve been providing customers with fine jewellery since 1969 and we’re committed to using only 100% natural gemstones in all our jewellery. We offer a wide selection of emerald rings, pendants, and necklaces, all of which are crafted with attention to detail and quality.
One of the reasons to choose Lloyds is our excellent reputation, we have received many 5-star reviews on Google and other review sites such as Trusted Shop, Review Centre and Site Jabber from satisfied customers who praise our customer service, jewellery, and attention to detail. We offer free delivery, luxury gift packing as standard and a 30-day returns policy for peace of mind.
Top Ten Emerald Pieces
If you are looking for the perfect emerald jewellery, consider one of the following emerald items from Lloyds Family Jewellery, here are our top picks in no particular order:
This beautiful ring features a single 0.60ct natural emerald in a classic emerald cut, surrounded by a total of 30 round cut diamonds in a solid 9k gold mount.
This beautiful ring features round cut natural emeralds set between natural round cut diamonds in a petite claw set band (19 stones total).
This beautiful set of stud earrings features emerald cut natural emeralds, complemented by round cut diamonds, crafted from solid 9k gold. Also featuring post and butterfly fittings for pierced ears.
This stunning half eternity ring features claw set round cut emerald and round brilliant cut diamonds reaching around 50% of the ring. This beautiful high quality piece is crafted from solid UK hallmarked 18k gold with high grade G colour SI1 clarity diamonds and natural none-enhanced emerald.
This beautiful Emerald pendant features a single 6x4mm pear cut drop in a solid 9k gold bezel setting, also featuring small complementing diamonds and an adjustable 16'' to 18'' white gold curb chain.
This stunning ring features princess cut natural emerald gems set between baguette cut diamonds in an elegant channel setting, beautifully complemented by round cut diamonds set into the edge.
This beautiful ring features a single oval cut Emerald in a claw setting surrounded by a halo of diamonds, with diamonds flowing onto the band. The halo and shoulder settings are detailed with a subtle milgrain detail, the ring is cast in solid 9k white gold.
This stunning set of diamond drop earrings feature centre emeralds in both square and classic emerald cuts, complemented by round cut diamonds set around the centre stones, crafted from solid 9k white gold.
This beautiful pendant is set with a single 5mm pear cut natural emerald complemented by a round cut diamond surround, claw set in a solid 9k white gold settings. This pendant is supplied without the chain enabling you to purchase your preferred length and style.
Emeralds are a beautiful and timeless gemstone that make stunning jewellery pieces. When purchasing emerald jewellery, it is important to consider the reputation of the jeweller. Lloyd's Family Jewellery stands out as a trusted and experienced jeweller with a great selection of emerald jewellery. From rings to earrings to pendants, there is a piece of emerald jewellery for everyone. View our collections on our website today and contact us through here for any questions: www.lloydsfamilyjewellery.co.uk