In the realm of gemstones, the emerald has been bestowed to goddesses, pharaohs, philosophers, kings and those lucky enough to be born in May. Throughout the ages and across various cultures, emeralds have symbolised truth, powerful growth and eternal love — bringing out the natural wanderer, compassionate explorer and patient scientist in its wearers.
Emeralds have been steeped in myth and legend for centuries. From the Chaldeans who believed it held the goddess Ishtar, to the Ancient Egyptians who saw it as a symbol of rebirth and fertility, and the Incas who believed it promised eternal life. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed emeralds belonged to the goddess of love, Venus and it is thought that emeralds even adorned the Holy Grail.
Emeralds take their name from the Sanskrit word ‘Marakata’ which means the green of growing things — evocative of our little loves as they too grow and evolve. A stone equally weighted in intuition and compassion, it fosters harmony and is suited to homes and workplaces. Linked to the heart chakra, the colour green is said to be the calmest shade for our bodies and minds. A jewel that calls to the heart and clears out any heavy, darkness that clogs our emotional systems.
The first ever recorded emeralds date back to Ancient Egypt but today Colombia is the largest producer of emeralds followed by Zambia. Emeralds can also be found in Madagascar, Canada and Brazil among other countries across the world.
