| The emerald is one of the most beautiful, popular | | | | sensitive stones. They should not be cleaned with |
| and highly prized gemstones in the world. These | | | | ultrasonic bath like other gemstones. In fact, it is |
| fascinating radiant green stones are used in top of | | | | strongly advised that a wearer first removes the |
| the line jewelries. Some of the finest emeralds | | | | stone before putting his or her hand in water that |
| can even cost more than diamonds. | | | | has cleansing agent. |
| For many mystics and energy healers, emerald | | | | Because emeralds are rare and expensive stones, |
| stones are believed to help heal relationships and | | | | there are companies developing synthetic |
| good for the heart and one's health. The beautiful | | | | emeralds for many to afford. Carroll Catham first |
| green color is said to bring about harmony, love | | | | successfully developed a method to produce |
| and joy of life. It is also the birthstone for the | | | | synthetic emeralds. Other producers of synthetic |
| month of May. | | | | emeralds include Pierre Gilson Sr. which has been |
| Emeralds have been used both as gemstone and | | | | marketing since 1964 and IG Farben, Nacken and |
| mystical stone since the ancient times. Early | | | | Tairus who are pioneers in hydrothermal synthetic |
| emerald mines existed in Egypt in 2000 BC. In | | | | emeralds. |
| fact, the most famous of the ancient emerald | | | | Despite strict restrictions from the Federal Trade |
| mine is that of The Mines of Cleopatra, The | | | | Commission which insists that gems should exhibit |
| Queen of Egypt. The word "Emerald" means | | | | natural properties, synthetic emeralds continue to |
| "green" in Sanskrit. It also means "smaragdos" in | | | | gain popularity due to its affordability. |
| Greek and "esmeralde" in Old French. | | | | To determine whether an emerald is natural or |
| Emerald is as beautiful as it is delicate. Emeralds | | | | synthetic, luminescence in ultraviolet light is used. |
| are highly included which means that they have | | | | Today's top quality emeralds come mostly come |
| other materials trapped in the stone. This makes | | | | from Colombia where emeralds have the best |
| the stones have little resistance to breakage. This | | | | transparency and fire. The Trapiche, a very rare |
| also poses a great challenge even to skilled gem | | | | kind of emerald which shows a star pattern, is |
| cutters because many fissures in the stone make | | | | found in the country. The rarest emeralds in the |
| setting, cutting and cleaning rather difficult. | | | | world can be found in Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. |
| Many emeralds are cut for jewelries into | | | | Other countries with fine emeralds include Brazil, |
| rectangular and square shapes with beveled | | | | Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and |
| corners to bring out the beauty to the full. There | | | | Zambia. |
| are other cuts as well but if the raw emerald | | | | The most famous emeralds in the world are the |
| contains delicate inclusions, it is commonly cut into | | | | Gachala Emerald, Nidvin Emerald, Chalk Emerald, |
| round shape. | | | | Duke of Devonshire Emerald from Colombia and |
| Many of today's emeralds are enhanced with | | | | the Mackay Emerald, Greenshorkire Emerald and |
| colorless oils or resins to give them more luster. | | | | the Edward the Confessor Emerald in the Imperial |
| This can be a delicate process as emeralds are | | | | State Crown of Great Britain. |