Baroque Iberian (Spain) Emerald and Diamond Pendant/Brooch 18Th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
BAROQUE IBERIAN (SPAIN) EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT/BROOCH 18Th Century.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
18th Century Spanish Emerald and Diamond Cross Pendant in Gold and Silver
Located in Lisboa, PT
A rare and striking 18th-century Spanish cross pendant, this exceptional piece of devotional jewelry is a true testament to the grandeur of the Baroque era.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Spanish Colonial Coin Pendant w/Emerald (Chain for display only)
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish Colonial coin pendant with oval emerald accent and trimmed with 22 karat gold.
Emerald, 22k Gold
Antique 18th Century Gold and Emerald Iberian Pendant, Cordoba, Spain
Located in Rotterdam, NL
By the 17th century, Colombian emeralds were especially prized, becoming a hallmark of the finest Spanish jewels.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,789 / set
W 0.91 in D 0.22 in L 3.08 in
Antique Iberian (Spain) Colombian Emerald & Diamond Earrings late 18th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
During the eighteenth century, Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,020
H 3.35 in W 5.52 in D 1.19 in
Antique Silver Fish Sculpture with Emerald Green Glass Eyes, Spain, c. 1930
Located in London, GB
A superb antique silver sculpture of a fish with original emerald green glass eyes, made in Spain c. 1930.
Silver
Antique Iberian Emerald Earrings
Located in Riverdale, NY
Late 18th Century articulated Iberian emerald earrings of large scale. Vari colored and cut foiled emeralds are set high in the gold mounts in the traditional forms of this Spanish...
Emerald, 15k Gold
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Chandelier Earrings
Located in Firenze, IT
A rare pair of antique Iberian – Portuguese chandelier earrings in yellow gold and silver, studded with Colombian emeralds. Spanish or Portuguese in origin. A well preserved exampl...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
C1690 Iberian 7 Stone Table Cut Emerald Bow Form Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
The emerald mines in Colombia, Brazil and Peru were very rich by the 17th century, the best of Spanish jewelry was associated with the use of Colombian emeralds.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Chandelier Earrings
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Antique Iberian Emerald Earrings, ca. 18th Century A rare pair of antique Iberian - Portuguese earrings in yellow gold and silver, studded with Colombian emeralds. The chandelier ea...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
17th Century Cross Table-Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Iberian Peninsula 17th Century Silver Cross Table Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald and Burma Ruby Pendant H 7.28 cm x W 5.27 cm / H 2.86 in. x W 2.1 14.75 grams Ribbon included 18th ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
$13,720
W 2.05 in L 2.76 in
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
During the 18th Century, and part of the 19th Century Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$25,150
W 0.63 in L 2.5 in
Masriera 18KT Gold Enamel Earrings with 2.48Ct. Emeralds and .88Ct. of Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tetradrachm of Mithridates II Silver Coin Pendant and Emerald Necklace 22 Karat
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ancient silver Tetradrachm of Mithridates II coin pendant necklace paired with stunning emerald beads. The impressive coin was created around 109-95 BC and still has its incredible d...
Emerald, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Art-Deco 4.48 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Original Art-Deco 4.48 carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in Platinum Platinum (tested) ring made in the early 1920s. It has been set with a proportioned emerald-cut aquamari...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
During the 18th Century, and part of the 19th Century Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
18k Gold, Silver
Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
During the 18th Century, and part of the 19th Century Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
2.80 Carat Vintage Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Prior to the discovery of emeralds in Colombia by the Spanish, emeralds were largely found in the Egyptian mines, made famous by Cleopatra.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
H 4.06 in W 1.38 in D 0.4 in
Unique Silver and Gold Earrings with Emeralds and Diamonds, Spain, 1780
By Gioielleria Pennisi
Located in London, GB
Unique antique silver and gold “girandoles” earrings with emeralds and diamonds by Gioielleria Pennisi. Item convertible into a smaller earring with one pendant, Spain, late 18th cen...
Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Early 20th Century Emeralds Diamonds Brooch
Located in Madrid, ES
Early 20th century brooch in silver-topped gold, Art Nouveau style, decorated with old european and single cut diamonds, totalling 3.00 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
SPANISH COLONIAL 1790 Iberian Antique Ring In 18Kt Gold With Emerald & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Colonial antique ring with Colombian emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
1850s Spanish Romantic Elizabethan II 140ct Colombian Emeralds Necklace
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Important 1850s Spanish Romantic Elizabethan II 140ct Colombian Emeralds Necklace Mounted in silver the precious material of those times and old cut diamonds Original Jewelry cases...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver
Sold
W 1.82 in L 3.35 in
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Earrings Brooch/Pendant Demi Parure Spanish
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 18th century Iberian emerald demi-parure composed by earrings and brooch/pendant in yellow gold, with Spanish hallmarks and accompanied by fitted leather case.
Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.75 in L 1.75 in
Antique Georgian 18th Century Iberian Earrings Emerald Pearl 22k Gold Spanish
Located in Torrance, CA
Exquisite antique Georgian Iberian emerald & pearl earrings (circa 1750s to 1780s) crafted in 22k yellow gold. Table cut emeralds measure from 3mm x 3mm (center) to 3mm x 2mm and 1...
Emerald, Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18th Century Emerald Diamond Brooch, Portugal or Spain C.1780.
Located in Toronto, ON
18th Century Emerald and Diamond Brooch, Portugal or Spain C.1780.
Antique Spanish Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k/Silver, Spain. This Renaissance Revival twenties ring from Spain features intricately hand-carved and engraved details. Fabricated in 18k yellow gold with silver set...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1860s Spanish Elizabethan Renaissance Necklace, Earrings, Ring Jewelry Set
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Important 1860s Spanish Elizabethan Renaissance Necklace, Earrings and Ring Jewelry Set Mounted in silver with tear cabouchon colombian emeralds and diamonds Long earrings and ring w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, 18k Gold
Antique Iberian Emerald Gold Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
Sparkling 18th century Iberian emerald earrings set in 15K gold with a floral, foliate and bow design. The earrings measure 1 1/2" long and 1" at their widest.
Emerald, 15k Gold
18th Century, Iberian 22 Karat Gold and Emerald Pendant
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A handmade, 18th century Iberian pendant with emeralds, set in 22 karat yellow gold. The piece contains two large octagonal cut and 36 carre cut, heavily included emeralds. It is ver...
Emerald, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Bow-Tie Link Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Beautiful Bow-Tie Art Deco Link Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Classic Very Chic and stylish 24 diamonds of 0.02ct total 0.48ct 8 Cabouchon Emeralds Weight 43.6 gr Measures 18cm or 7....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Masriera y Carreras Art Nouveau Plique a Jour Enamel 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
The piece is set with small diamonds, emerald and sapphire and surrounded by window enamelling in various colours.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sold
H 2.76 in W 1.1 in D 1.02 in
Spanish Colonial 1800 Saint Joseph Filigree Reliquary .900 Silver Gold & Emerald
By Spanish Manufactory
Located in Miami, FL
A Spanish colonial reliquary with St. Joseph. A very rare early Spanish colonial large pendant in the shape of a reliquary, created in the Americas back in the late 18th century.
Gold, Silver
Sold
W 0.83 in D 0.39 in L 2.95 in
Spanish Colonial 1785 Dangle Earrings 17kt Gold Silver with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Spain has a long tradition of working with emeralds, and Spanish jewelers are renowned for their unique designs that feature precious gemstones.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 18K Gold Emerald Spanish Cross Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A wonderful ornate vintage 18 karat yellow gold emerald cross pendant. The pendant is beautifully made, encrusted with six individual emerald cut Colombian emerald gemstones.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17th-Early 18th Century Spanish Colonial Gold Enameled Adornment with Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
The disk shape médaillon is 16 karat yellow gold and embellished with natural emeralds from the New World colonies. With red and green enamel it is composed of 7 square cut emeralds ...
Emerald, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian Iberian 18K Gold Pendeloque Emerald Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
The earrings contain 74 natural antique emeralds. All are table cut, with the exception of the two emeralds in the bottom drops that are truncated table cuts.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early 20th Century Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring This geometrically designed, Art Deco antique jewel features a gorgeous, elegantly elongated, crystalline green Colomb...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold
H 0.19 in W 1.5 in D 2.25 in
18K Gold & Emerald Spainish Style Cross 3.50 Carats Natural Untreated Emeralds
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
18K Gold & Emerald Spainish Style Cross With 3.50 Carats (Total Weight) Natural Untreated Emeralds, in a Style similar to a 18th century cross. The Emeralds are mixed sizes and ...
Gold
Antique 1840 Iberian Rose Cut Diamond Ring (Spain Origin)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
During the eighteenth century, Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Antique Iberian (Georgian) Emerald and Diamond Navette Shaped Ring 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Iberian Jewellery: During the 18th Century, and part of the 19th Century Spain controlled the gold and emerald mines of Colombia and Peru.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Late 18th Century Pair Of Emerald And Diamond Pendent Earrings Probably Iberian
Located in Firenze, IT
Each of cascading form, set with vari-cut emeralds and rose-cut diamonds in closed-back silver and gold settings, length 7.5cm Follow on instagram @bernardoantichita
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
An Antique Spanish Emerald and Gold Cross
Located in London, GB
An antique Spanish Emerald and Gold Cross in good condition and set with eleven Emeralds of pleasant even colour and with the original Emerald set suspension bale.
Emerald, 18k Gold
18th Century Spanish Emeralds Gold Pendant
Located in Madrid, ES
Spanish 18th century pendant in gold, set with emeralds.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18th Century Spanish Emerald Gold Lazo Drop Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Circa 1780, these earrings are Spanish in origin. Hand made in 18k gold and emeralds, most probably sourced in colonial mines in Columbia and Peru.
Emerald, 18k Gold
18th Century Spanish Gold and Emerald Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
18th century spanish gold and emerald earrings. Made in the mid 1700's these earrings are a fine example of Iberian jewelry from a time when Spain was one of the worlds powers.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Little Emerald House Pendant
Located in London, GB
There are two further smaller Emerald plaques of pleasant colour and above is a curling Gold outlined gable.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Iberian Emerald Gold Earrings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Style attributable to Spain and Portugal. Emeralds most likely from the mines of Colombia, regarded as the finest are set in 15k yellow gold.
Emerald
Early 19th Century Emerald Lazo Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Circa 1800, Spanish in Origin. 1.5" in length.
Emerald, 18k Gold
18th Century Iberian Gold and Emerald Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
18th century Iberian gold and emerald earrings. Hand made in 18k gold and emeralds, sourced in colonial mines in Columbia and Peru.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Iberian Emerald Gold Long Dangle Earrings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 14k gold earrings set with emeralds. The earrings measure 70mm including the wire x 20mm. The weight of the set is 16 grams.
Emerald, 14k Gold
Amazing 18th Century Iberian Colombian Emerald Gold Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing 18th Century Iberian Colombian Emerald 24k Gold Brooch.
Emerald, 24k Gold
Antique Iberian Emerald Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Rare Antique Iberian long 14K yellow gold earrings featuring emeralds. Earrings measure 78mm long x 14mm at widest point. Weight - 12.7gr
Emerald, 14k Gold
Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Exquisite emerald earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold. Round cut emeralds set high in the gold mounts in the traditional forms of this Spanish region.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian 18kt Gold Lapis Lazuli Skull Ring with Diamonds
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian ring, likely dating back to the 1970s, in 18kt yellow gold, depicting a natural lapis lazuli skull cameo of exceptional quality and detail, with three gold snakes encircling ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Archeological Revival Enamel and Natural Pearl Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Striking and beautifully different are thoughts that come to mind when you see this pendant. The gold is warm, 15kt and rich. It enhances the white of the pearls and accents of white...
15k Gold, Enamel
Betty Carol 1950s Sculptural Dress
By Betty Carol, Mamselle
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Betty Carol in light weight black wool and silk taffeta. It has a V neckline front and back with fabulous princess seaming creating a fitted silhouette through...
Thierry Mugler Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Exotic Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25 is presented here in Rouge Exotique lizard, a softened red tone that balances vibrancy with restraint. The color offers presence while remaining versatile, makin...
Vintage Seed Pearl and Diamond Enameled Flower Brooch in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming vintage flower pin is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with delicate enameled petals in warm shades of yellow and peach. At the center blooms a brilliant diamond, surrou...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1930S Black Silk Chantilly Lace Gown With Tiered Ruffle Hem & Puff Sleeves
Located in New York, NY
1930S Black Silk Chantilly Lace Gown With Tiered Ruffle Hem & Puff Sleeves
Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6
Diamond Crescent and Flower Brooch, Victorian, ca. 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Victorian diamond crescent and flower brooch in silver and gold, ca. 1880s. The crescent has a beautiful design with a flower attached in the centre, creating an aesthetic and sy...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Emerald and Opal, Yellow Gold, Three Locket Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, original antique Victorian 0.24 carat emerald and opal 15 karat yellow gold three locket necklace; part of our diverse antique pendant collection...
Emerald, Opal, 15k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780
Located in Altrincham, GB
A spectacular Georgian tiara, gorgeously crafted and fitted in a royal blue velvet box. Its composed of countless natural and seed pearls, I can't imagine you could count them all- a...
Pearl, Base Metal
1950S Black Nylon/Lace Bullet Bra
Located in New York, NY
1950S Black Nylon/Lace Bullet Bra
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses in Christian Dior's atelier in Pa...
$490
Size: Medium - Large
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
By Rozae Nichols
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Sweater with Belt 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous rust orange striped wool sweater from Jean Paul Gaultier. It has long sleeves, a standup collar with functional silver buttons closure along it's side and one shoulder and...
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.