Emerald is the green variety of beryl, and a symbol of rebirth believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald is derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek.
In its finest quality, Emerald is the rarest of the colored precious stones…even more than Ruby and Sapphire. Chemically, it is a beryllium-aluminum silicate whose color is due to small quantities of chromium compounds. The emerald was highly esteemed in antiquity; the stones were used for ornaments in early Egypt where some of the first emeralds were mined. The finest emeralds are found in South America in Colombia, where they have been mined for over 400 years. The gem was a favorite in pre-Columbian Mexico and Peru, where it was cut in intricate designs. The treasure taken back to Spain by early explorers included emeralds. Good emeralds are the most highly valued of gem stones. India, Zimbabwe, and Australia are minor sources of the natural stones.
NYC Wholesale Diamonds carries a full line of Emerald and Diamond Fine Jewelry. Our President, Keith J Saxe, has custom designed Diamond and Emerald Engagement Rings for over 28 years.