Emerald Engagement Rings: Meaning, Durability, and Types
“All the green of nature is concentrated within the emerald”
– St. Hildegard of Bingen
Emerald History
Emerald has an undeniable power that energizes the soul like the first days of spring after a long winter. Often referred to as Seeker of Love, Revealer of Truth, or The Stone of Successful Love, emerald has a long and ancient history, revered in many cultures around the world for over six thousand years. The Incas worshipped emeralds, and the Chaldeans believed it to contain a goddess. Symbolic of eternal life to the ancient Egyptians, and worn by Aristotle as a protective talisman, we at Abby Sparks Jewelry honor the noble and majestic emerald — a timeless alternative to diamonds for your engagement ring.
According to Indian lore, the word emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as Marakata, meaning “the green of growing things.” Natural, transparent emerald is one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies), and is the green variety of the mineral Beryl. It occurs in hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green, though it is most highly prized in its pure verdant green tone. Emeralds are mined chiefly in Brazil, Zambia, and Colombia, though they are found all over the world (Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, Australia, and the USA also have rich deposits).
Types of Emeralds
Depending on your budget and your color preference, the options abound when it comes to emeralds. The Colombian Emerald is regarded as the highest quality emerald and is known for its deep green hues, while the Brazilian emerald is a lighter shade of green. The especially rare Cat’s Eye emerald bears the characteristic wide slit of a feline pupil. Trapiche Emeralds, or star emeralds are a rare type of emerald mined exclusively in the Muzo area of Colombia and contain black impurities that resemble a six rayed star.
Emerald Engagement Ring Meaning
Historically, emeralds are said to increase intelligence and strengthen memory. They provided protection from enchantments and curses —legends claim the emerald would warn the wearer of impending danger by changing color or hue. Some say it transforms you into an eloquent speaker, and allows you to foretell your future! Ancient healers used emeralds to combat aging, revitalize organs, treat ailments of the lungs, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder, and infectious diseases. Emerald is considered the best stone to treat any and all conditions of the eyes, and when taken as an elixir is said to treat gout, soothe gas, and reverse cardiac weakness.
The love legends of the emerald are rich and plentiful, so if you seek an engagement ring with symbolic or spiritual meaning, emerald might be the perfect choice for you. Emeralds open and nourish the heart chakra, eliciting boundless patience, and embodying unity, tenderness, and unconditional love. Emerald bolsters friendship and encourages balance between romantic partners, and is especially known for ensuring loyalty, security, and “domestic bliss.”
Emerald Engagement Ring Durability
Emeralds clock in at 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs Scale, the universally accepted ranking that measures gemstone hardness. Typically this is a good hardness for jewelry design, but emeralds almost always contain inclusions (any material trapped inside the stone during its formation) or fractures that can weaken the stone if not properly cared for. Like all engagement rings, emerald rings are not suitable for 24/7 wear, but they do have a hardness fitted for longevity. If you work with a skilled jewelry designer like Abby Sparks Jewelry, we will ensure you start with a high quality stone that’s set in an engagement ring design that protects the emerald from everyday hazards and the ravages of time. If you’re an emerald lover, be sure to check out all of our emerald engagement rings, non-traditional engagement rings, alternative engagement rings, and gemstone engagement rings.
Ready to design your own custom emerald engagement ring? Schedule an appointment today!
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