Taking a look through the wide range of antique jewellery here on Heritage Jewellery, it becomes pretty clear just how many different gemstones there are to choose from.
From aquamarine to garnet, topaz to ruby, its easy to get mixed up, especially if your gemstone knowledge isnt quite up to scratch.
To help you understand a little more about what you are buying, we have put together these ten fun facts about the beautiful emerald.
1. One of Four Precious Stones
Emeralds are recognised globally as one of the four precious gemstones. The other three are diamond, sapphire and ruby.
Read more on the differences of precious and semi-precious here.
2. Emerald Means
As it is in many cases, the origins of the word emerald lie in Latin. It stems from smaragdus which translates as green.
3. Multiple Emerald Isles
The beautiful gemstone has lent its name to a number of islands around the globe, both officially and unofficially.
In the USA, there is the Emerald Isle, a small island just off the coast of North Carolina.
Ireland is also often referred to as the Emerald Isle. Aside from its flowing green valleys, the first time emerald was used in reference to Ireland wasway back in the 18th century poem When Erin First Rose by Belfast-born poet William Drennan.
4. Its a Birthstone
Each gemstone is the birthstone of a particular month and emerald is the birthstone of May. It is also the traditional anniversary gift for those celebrating a 20th or 35th anniversary.
5. Particularly Hard Stone
As precious and semi-precious stones go, the emerald is one of the hardest. It ranks at a 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, and can only really be scratched by harder stones like diamond, which ranks in as the hardest at 10.
6. Global Origins
Unlike some gemstones which are found in only one or two places across the globe, the emerald is mined across a number of different continents.
The most regular producers of emerald include Russia, Columbia, Madagascar and Brazil.
7. The Mogul Mughal Emerald
One of the largest emerald stones ever found was the Mogul Mughal. Weighing in at 217.8 carats, this colossal stone was first discovered in Columbia.
It takes its name from Indias Mughal Empire, where it was taken to be sold. It is dated 1695-96. As of 2008, the sizable emerald has been in the possession of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.
8. Most Valuable
The most valuable emeralds have to be of a certain standard. Their characteristics include a vivid green hue which is totally free from hints or traces of yellow or brown.
Every gemstone is affiliated with some emotion or otherworldly superstition. The emerald is associated with magic and mystery. Green is the colour of nature, making emeralds also a promoter of calm and peace.
As standard practice, almost all natural emeralds are treated before the initial sale to improve their colour and to help eliminate imperfections. The industry-accepted process is to take a green-tinted oil, which helps fill in any cracks in the stone.
Emeralds are amongst some of the most interesting and beautiful gemstones on the market. If you love the green beauty of these fantastic stones, see what we have to offer here.