As one of Westmeath's best antique jewellery stores, we often get questions about emerald jewellery. While not as popular as diamond jewellery, emeralds have an unmistakable allure. Their vibrant colour makes these gemstones beautiful on all types of jewellery. For centuries, this charming colour has made emeralds a precious stone in human civilisations. When browsing emerald jewellery, we have found that clients have quite a few questions about these bewitching stones. We've compiled the most common questions below to make this information easier to find.
Why are emeralds green?
Emeralds are green because of chromium and/or vanadium impurities within the mineral known as beryl. Beryl is a colourless mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate, but the company of these trace elements gives emeralds their distinct green colour.
When chromium or vanadium atoms substitute for some of the aluminium atoms in the beryl's crystal structure, they absorb specific wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. This absorption causes the gemstone to appear green to our eyes. The exact shade of green can vary depending on the concentration and type of impurities present.
It's worth noting that other gemstones, like rubies and sapphires, also belong to the same mineral family as emeralds (corundum) but have different colours due to separate impurities. Rubies get their red colour from chromium, while sapphires get their blue colour from iron and titanium impurities.
What do emeralds symbolise?
Emeralds have been prized and revered throughout history and various cultures, symbolising various meanings and attributes. Some common symbolic associations of emeralds include:
Love and Relationships: Emeralds are often associated with love and relationships. They are considered to be the gemstone of love and are believed to promote unity, loyalty, and strong emotional bonds between partners.
Renewal and Growth: The vibrant green colour of emeralds is often linked to nature, growth, and renewal. They symbolise vitality, fertility, and the continuous cycle of life.
Wisdom and Intuition: Emeralds have been associated with wisdom and foresight. They are believed to enhance intuition, intellectual abilities, and spiritual insights.
Healing and Balance: In some belief systems, emeralds are thought to have healing properties. They are believed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual balance, bringing harmony to the wearer.
Prosperity and Abundance: Emeralds have historically been associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. They are seen as a symbol of good fortune and success.
Protection: In ancient times, emeralds were believed to offer protection against evil spirits and negative energies. They were used as talismans to ward off harm and ensure safety.
Communication and Expression: Emeralds are said to enhance effective communication and self-expression. They are believed to inspire creativity and aid in conveying thoughts and feelings.
It's essential to note that these symbolic meanings can vary across cultures and belief systems. Additionally, the symbolic significance of gemstones is often influenced by individual beliefs and personal experiences. While emeralds carry these traditional associations, their beauty and allure continue to captivate people regardless of symbolic meaning.
What are syntehtic emeralds?
Synthetic emeralds are laboratory-grown emeralds with the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural emeralds but are created artificially. They are also known as lab-created emeralds, man-made emeralds, or cultured emeralds.
The process of creating synthetic emeralds involves two main methods:
Flux Method: In this process, a mixture of chemicals and fluxes is used to create emerald crystals. The flux acts as a medium to facilitate the growth of emerald crystals in a high-temperature environment.
Hydrothermal Method: This method involves growing emerald crystals in a pressurised water-based solution at relatively lower temperatures than the flux method. The emerald crystals slowly form over time.
Both methods aim to replicate the natural conditions under which emeralds are formed deep within the Earth's crust. By controlling the growth environment, the lab can produce emeralds with the same chemical and physical properties as natural emeralds.
Synthetic emeralds are often optically identical to natural emeralds, making it difficult to distinguish them without specialised equipment. However, gemological laboratories have advanced tools and techniques to differentiate natural emeralds from their synthetic counterparts.
Are emeralds used in engagement rings?
Yes, emeralds are used in engagement rings, though they are not as common as other gemstones like diamonds. While diamonds remain the most popular choice for engagement rings, many people are drawn to emeralds' unique and vibrant green colour, making them an appealing alternative for those seeking something different and eye-catching.
Emerald engagement rings are stunning and have a distinctive and elegant look. The rich green colour of emeralds can symbolise love, renewal, and growth, making them a meaningful choice for couples who appreciate their symbolic significance.
If you have more questions on emeralds, please call our Westmeath Jewellery store today. Alternatively, you can browse our evolving selection of emerald jewellery online.
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