Emerald Solitaire Necklaces

Its name derived from the Greek “smaragdos,” or “green gem,” the richly colored emerald is actually a variation of the gemstone beryl. It attains its green color through the presence of the elements chromium or vanadium and can be found in a range of green shades, from warm yellow to cooler bluish tones.

First identified among the ancient Egyptian culture in the 4th century B.C., emeralds grew quickly in popularity for their beauty and for their supposed powers. Early cultures believed that emeralds could provide protection from both disease and danger for the wearer, with some societies even thinking that emeralds instilled the ability to see into the future.

The allure of emeralds continues today, and while some of their mystical abilities might have been disproven, their beauty remains unchallenged.

Quick Facts

• The emerald gemstone inspired the cut of the same name that was codified in the 1940s. Typically featuring just under 60 facets, the emerald cut maximizes the brilliance of a stone’s color
• One of the largest recorded emeralds was mined deep in the Brazilian rainforest of Bahia in 2001. Weighing a total of 840 uncut pounds, experts suggest its worth is close to $400 million
• Emeralds are the official stone of the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries