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Legends surrounding emeralds
The rarity and enchanting color of emeralds make them a precious stone that has fascinated humans for thousands of years, and have been at the center of many tales and legends across cultures around the world.
In Greek mythology, these gems were associated with the god Asclepius and were considered a talisman against evil, protective, and encouraging healing. For the Aztecs, emeralds were considered sacred and used in religious rituals to represent rebirth and regeneration. In India, they were associated with beauty, fertility, and wealth, and considered beneficial stones for women. In medieval European legends, emeralds were considered magical stones that could protect against poisons, diseases, and evil spirits, often set in jewelry worn by kings and queens. In North America, they were revered by Native American cultures for their healing and protective powers, and were used in purification rituals and to strengthen family and community ties. In the Arthurian legend, the emerald is used to shape the cup that collects the blood of Christ, which only pure-hearted knights can see: the Grail.
In summary, emeralds are a mysterious and captivating stone that stimulates the imagination, and it's difficult to take your eyes off of it when it adorns a neck, wrist, hand or frames the face...
Emerald characteristics
Composition and attributes
Belonging to the beryl family (like aquamarine and morganite), the emerald is one of the four gemstones referred to as precious stones along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Its beautiful green color comes from natural chemical elements, particularly chromium and vanadium, which are part of its composition. Its shade can vary from light green to very dark green. The rarest and most beautiful emeralds are those with a deep color.
On the Mohs scale (invented in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs to measure the hardness of minerals, which is still used as a reference today), its hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8, and its density ranges between 2.7 and 2.9, making it a more fragile gemstone than other precious stones. It should be handled with care, as it may break if bumped. Its lack of hardness also means that it cannot always be mounted on jewelry in the same way as a diamond or a sapphire, which are much more resistant, as it could be too exposed to bumps and break or be damaged by the complex manipulations required for certain types of settings such as the mass setting, for example.
Emerald cut
The emerald cut is a rectangular stone cut that particularly highlights the stone's color. The width of the table (the large surface) and the depth given to the gemstone attract light to the heart of the gem, an effect that intensifies the emerald's green hues. Colorful stones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, respond particularly well to this cut, and diamonds are not left behind, as it allows the whiteness and purity of flawless gems to be brought out to the fullest.
The Gardens of Emeralds
All emeralds, even the most exceptional ones, are gems that have inclusions, just like almost all natural stones (whether they are precious, fine, or ornamental). These inclusions, impurities that form at the moment of the stone's creation under very precise geological conditions, at extreme temperatures and pressures, are called "frost" or "gardens of emerald". They attest that the stone is natural and also make it possible to define its provenance. Milky in appearance, like delicate vaporous clouds, these gardens are sometimes highly sought after when they have specific characteristics, such as a specific shape or color. On the most beautiful stones, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, only through a magnifying glass. To know the value of a precious stone, you must therefore have it evaluated by a professional who will be able to assess its beauty using specific equipment, based on specific criteria such as the intensity of its color, its size (i.e., the shape given to it by the cutter), its weight (in carats), and its purity.
The Symbolism of Emerald
The birthstone for the month of May and the astrological sign of Gemini, the emerald is a symbol of rebirth, fertility, love, and wisdom. Linked to the figure of Venus in ancient times, the goddess of love, birth, and femininity, it is also the stone associated with the 40th wedding anniversary.
Emerald in Lithotherapy
Lithotherapy is a non-conventional science, related to holistic and alternative medicine, which emphasizes the virtues, powers, and influence of minerals on the body, both mentally and physically (with "lithos" meaning stone and "therapy" meaning care). Be careful because this method is not an official medicine, and no scientific evidence has ever proven its effectiveness. Therefore, if you experience pain or health problems, you must consult a licensed professional.
The beliefs of lithotherapy are based on the vibration and circulation of energies, which resonate with our chakras (which can be defined as small points of junction of energy centers in our body), organs, and emotions. Each natural stone is thus endowed with certain specific abilities and properties.
Linked to the heart chakra (located in the chest) and the crown chakra (at the top of the head), the fourth and seventh chakras, also respectively known as Anahata and Sahasrara, emerald is a powerful stone. It is believed to stimulate memory, promote understanding of others, calm emotions, and also facilitate family relationships and restore energy. Physically, it is attributed with the ability to strengthen the liver and help fight viral diseases. Like a shield that repels illness and negative energies, emerald is a precious stone that is loved to be worn daily for protection.
The Power of the Color Green
Beyond the stone itself, its color holds a variety of meanings. Associated with balance, nature, life and growth, rebirth, prosperity, health, luck, and fortune. It also has a reputation in the realm of emotions for embodying serenity but also the powerful feeling of hope. Green is thus a very positive color, with calming, invigorating, and refreshing functions that embody optimism.
Wearing a piece of jewelry set with an emerald therefore goes beyond mere aesthetics, and even if you don't believe in the power of stones, you can let yourself be carried away by all the symbolisms attributed to green!
Emerald Jewelry
The Emerald Ring
Sublime, emerald rings are timeless pieces of jewelry. They should be worn with caution, as we mentioned above that these stones are sensitive to impacts. Of course, they can withstand daily wear and tear and the activities that fill your days, but you must remove your ring for any activity that could damage it (sports, gardening, etc.). Mounted on yellow gold, for example, the stone is particularly well highlighted, the sunny color of the setting bringing out the depth of the green and surrounding the jewelry with a radiant aura!
An emerald engagement ring? Why not! If your sweetheart loves color, emerald is a gemstone that is perfect for a marriage proposal that is out of the ordinary and stands out from the traditional diamond solitaire. If you are undecided among all the existing models, you can consult our blog article on the subject, which will guide you in choosing the engagement ring of her dreams...
The emerald necklace
Nestled in the hollow of your neck or falling lower into your décolletage, the emerald necklace adds a beautiful touch of color to your outfits. On a lovely gold chain, the stone will be enhanced and reveal the depth of its color with the rhythm of your movements. The color of luck and hope, green is a hue rich in meaning. To be worn for its beauty but also for the meaning you give it, a necklace adorned with an emerald can serve as a pretty everyday talisman that gives you strength and confidence… Fall for the sublime Eléonore necklace in white gold, emerald, and diamonds, a jewel from the Suzanne collection.
Emerald earrings
Earrings are a timeless piece of jewelry, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Emerald earrings, in particular, are an excellent choice for those who are looking for something special. Emeralds are one of the most precious stones in the world, and make an excellent gift to mark your love for the person you are giving them to… Generally offered in stud earrings, jewelry brands sometimes show audacity and creativity to offer models that stand out with dangling earrings, hoops, mono earrings, or asymmetrical earrings set with emeralds. If you are precisely looking for one of these original models, fall for the Chivor earrings signed by Aurélie Bidermann, featuring small emeralds imprisoned between two sapphire glasses, which roll freely with the rhythm of your movements…
The Emerald Bracelet
The emerald bracelets offered for sale at Lepage are high-quality jewelry pieces made from carefully selected precious stones for their color, transparency, and brilliance, mounted on precious metals such as gold or platinum to ensure quality and durability. Versatile, emerald bracelets can be worn for any occasion, whether formal or casual, and can be paired with other jewelry to create a unique attitude and allow you to assert your personality! The Coquette bracelet lets three small green emeralds bloom in the heart of a crown of diamonds, creating a refreshing bracelet that adorns your wrist with precious and sparkling flowers...
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