ENTHRALLING EMERALDS

Besides the diamonds, the gemstone that makes an exclusive statement is the Emerald. Emeralds are fascinating gemstones that possess, the most intense and most radiant green that can possibly be imagined.

Technically emeralds are a rare variety of the mineral beryl, which is green because of its chromium content and is valued as a gem.

The vivid green color of emerald epitomizes life and prosperity. According to ancient mythology, green has been considered as the color of Venus- the goddess of beauty and love. The magnificent green of the emerald is a color which conveys harmony and good luck. It is no wonder then that emerald, which promises positive qualities, was used to embellish thrones, swords, rosaries and of course jewels.

India was the largest customer of gems when the Spanish conquistadors introduced them to the world. It is believed that the Emperor Jahangir's collection of the stone amounted to one million carats of Emeralds. A part of the Emperors treasury is now at the Topkapi museum in Turkey and some are embellishments on the Iranian crown, due to the treasury being plundered by Nadir Shah of Persia.

Interesting Facts:

On the emerald map Jaipur is the unofficial emerald capital of the world, today.

The Incas and Aztecs of South America regarded the emerald as a holy gemstone.

The New York Museum of Natural History, houses a cup made of pure emerald which belonged to the Emperor Jehangir

The collection of the Bank of Bogotá includes five valuable emerald crystals with weights of between 220 and 1796 carats

In Istanbul's Topkapi Palace there are jewelry exhibits, each of which is lavishly adorned with emeralds and other gems.