Jewelry Articles

Emerald and Wedding Ring

The beautiful vivid green gemstone known as emerald was once held in high regard for its "magical powers". Emeralds have just as old of a history as rubies and sapphires. It has very different symbolic meanings and legends.

Legend states that emerald has "magical powers" that gave the wearer more intelligence and the ability to be quick-witted. It was also believed to cure major illnesses such as malaria and cholera. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was known for her passion for emeralds and used them in her royal adornment. Emerald also has been thought to symbolize everything from psychic powers, immortality to good fortune, and purity. One of Rome's natural philsopher described emerald as "no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude". This statement applies to today's time where the color green is known to relieve stress and eye strain.

The word emerald comes from the ancient Greek word "smaragdus" which means green and derived from the Latin word "esmaralda/esmaraldus". Emerald is the most popular gemstone from the beryl family. The hardness of emerald is at 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs scale. It is a little softer than sapphire and ruby, but still a great colored gemstone to use for everyday wear like in women's or men's wedding rings and anniversary rings. Emerald Wedding Rings

Emeralds were first mined in Egypt during ancient times. Now, the most popular deposits of emeralds are in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Other emerald deposit sites are Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Australia, the United States of America, and more.

Since emeralds are softer than sapphire and ruby, it is best to gently clean the wedding ring, anniversary ring, or any piece of emerald jewelry with warm soapy water. When using ultrasonic cleaners or steam clean, do not keep in the ultrasonic for a long period of time and steam the emerald wedding rings or anniversary rings at a far distance.

Using emeralds in wedding rings and anniversary rings are great because it has symbolic meaning of purity and good fortune. It is also used to celebrate the 20th wedding anniversary and 35th wedding anniversary; both great times to include emeralds in wedding rings and anniversary rings for men and women. View More