Lush, Exotic, and Untamed!

This is no ordinary, Garden-Variety, green gemstone.  Emerald pulses with life and vitality.  As May’s birthstone, it is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain.  Within it’s depths are often tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French call "jardin," or garden, because of their resemblance to foliage. The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead. 

 The Ancient Egyptians mined Emeralds in the eastern desert region 2,000 years before Cleopatra’s birth, braving extreme heat, scorpions and snakes to search for the beautiful crystals.  During Cleopatra’s reign, she claimed the Emerald mines as her own, as this was her favorite gem.  She often wore lavish Emerald jewelry, and it is said that she bestowed visiting dignitaries with large Emeralds carved with her likeness when they departed Egypt. 

 More valuable than diamonds, fine quality Emeralds of significant size are among the world's most bewitching jewels.  The incomparable dark green crystals grow slowly within metamorphic rocks and are restricted in size by the rock, which make them rare.  Although this gemstone is relatively hard and durable, it must be protected from blows because the inclusions found within make it susceptible to breaking. 
 As a member of the beryl family of minerals, cousin to Aquamarine and Morganite, Emerald is found in Afghanistan, Columbia, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, and Russia. 

 Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Emerald care

Because emeralds are seldom found without fissures and
surface cracks, it’s common for them to have been oiled, waxed or filled with
resin. Because of the likelihood of those treatments, special care is called
for when cleaning and handling emeralds.


Everyday cautions

Avoid situations where your emerald could knock against
things and be damaged. In addition, remove your emerald rings when doing dishes
or immersing your hands in water as soapy solutions and hot water can damage
the finish on the stone. Finally, avoid sudden temperature changes which could
cause color change and cracking in your emerald.


Cleaning your emerald jewelry

Use warm water with a very mild detergent and a soft brush

to clean your emerald jewelry. Between washing, clean emerald jewelry with a
soft, dry cloth. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner on emerald
jewelry, and avoid harsh chemicals. Every 2-5 years, have an experienced
jeweler re-oil your emerald to keep it looking its best.


Storing your emerald jewelry

Store emeralds in velvet lined boxes with individual
compartments or inside cotton bags in a jewelry box. Avoid storing them in the

same compartments of bags as diamonds and sapphires to prevent scratches to the emeralds. Also avoid extreme temperature changes and prolonged exposure to bright light which can change the color of your emeralds.

If you have questions about caring for your Emeralds please give Parkers' Karat Patch Jewelers a call. 828-645-7111, Asheville, NC 28804.