2.68 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald AAA+ Vivid Green 10x10.5 Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.68-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 9.76mm x 10.50mm x 5.34mm Geographic Origin: Colombia...
Emerald
1.68 Carat Muzo Shield-Cut Colombian Emerald - AAA Natural Loose Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 1.68 Carat Shape: Shield Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Very Good Color: Deep Muzo Green Measurements: 8.89mm x 11.38mm x 3.47mm Geographic Origin: Col...
Emerald
4.92 Carat Heart-Cut Colombian Emerald AAA+ Vivid Green 11x13 Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 4.92-carats Shape: Heart Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 10.89mm x 12.70mm x 7.22mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Emerald
18K Gold Multi-Stone Colombian Emerald Pendant 3.50 Carats
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Elevate your collection with this exquisite multi-stone Colombian emerald AAA quality pendant, masterfully crafted in rich 18K gold.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian Emerald and VS Diamond Contemporary Engagement Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Centered with a Natural Deep Green Colombian Emerald 2.00 carat and 1/5 Carat Natural VS Diamonds. 1 Oval Colombian Emerald AAA Color VS Clarity 8.00x6.00 Weighting 2.00 Carats Pron...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Leon Mege Art Deco Natural Colombian Emerald Earrings
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
Earrings are approximately 20 mm in diameter 2 fine Colombian emeralds AAA color 4.33 carats total weight, GUILD certificate 70933474 48 natural ideal cut diamonds F/VVS, 4.30 carats...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bespoke 75 Carats Colombian Emeralds and Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Specifications: 35 carats of perfectly matched Colombian Emeralds, AAA+ quality, renowned for their deep, vibrant green hues. 40 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, each meticulously s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.27tcw 14K Three Stone Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting: Three-Stone Metal Purity: 14K White Gold Metal Weight: 4.5 Grams Secondary Stone: Diamond Shape: Emerald Cut Diamonds Weight: 0.77-Carats Clarity: I1-I2 Color: G Luster: Ex...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Certified 2.30 Carat Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Square Cut Vivid Green
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Certified 2.30 Carat Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Square Cut Vivid Green Colombian Emerald 2.30 Carats Measurements: 8.42 x 8.14 x 4.98 mm Clean Clarity Full transparency Classic C...
Emerald
Emerald Cut AAA Colombian Emerald with Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
AAA+ Emeralds super fine Colombian excellent transparency 1.00 cts D 0.20 cts E-F color VS.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
AAA+ Natural FINE Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace White Gold Primary Stones: Natural Colombian Emerald Shape or Cut: Asscher Octagonal Cut Average Color/Clarity: AAA Medi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
5 Stone Platinum Natural AAA+ Color Colombian Emerald Band Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Stunning five-stone emerald band ring emerald cut natural Colombian emerald Composition: Platinum or 18K Gold Primary Stone: AAA+ Colombian Natural Emerald Shape or Cut: Emerald Cut ...
Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
21.00 Carat AAA Colombian Emerald Tennis Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A beautiful tennis necklace, featuring vibrant green AAA COLOMBIAN emeralds weighing approx. 20 carats.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.50 Carat Diamond AAA Colombian Emerald Cluster Earrings 18K White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Primary Stone: 100% Natural Colombian Emerald Shape or Cut: Pear Cut Emerald Weight: Over 1.55 Carats Average Color/Clarity Emerald: AAA+ Intense Medium Bluish Green/VS Accent Stones...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.35 Carat Natural AAA+ Colombian Emerald Stud Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Primary Stones: 100% Natural Colombian Emeralds Color/Clarity: AAA+ EXTRA FINE Medium Green Color/ Clarity, VS Total Gemstones Weight: 1.35 carats Shape or Cut: Emerald Cut Earrings...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.61tcw AAA Exquisite Colombian Emerald & Diamond Nautical Sailboat Handcrafted
Located in Jupiter, FL
The Colombian emerald features high-quality characteristics and substantial statement size.
Emerald, 14k Gold
3.72ct AAA+ Perfect Green Freckled Colombian Emerald 11x9mm Emerald Cut May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.72-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Ideal Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 10.69mm x 9.27mm x 5.43mm Geographic Origin: ...
Emerald
2.85tcw AAA+ Colombian Emerald Stud Earrings Gold Natural Emerald Women's Studs
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a sleek pair of Colombian emerald and gold studded earrings. Fine-quality emeralds are the star piece for these gorgeous studs. Large 2.85tcw, earth-mined Muzo emeralds ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian 6.54ct AAA+ Emerald & Diamond Statement Ring, 18K Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
An exceptional Colombian emerald & diamond statement/anniversary ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.08tcw Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Accent AAA Quality, Rich Green
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your proposal with our breathtaking Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring, boasting a magnificent 1.93-carat AAA-quality Colombian emerald with remarkable characteristics and a...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Emeralds Maravellous 2.09 Carat Fine Colombian Emerald Stud Earrings 18K
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Natural AAA Colombian emeralds emerald cut gemstone stud earrings prong set.
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.16tcw AAA Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Who said love at first sight, wasn't a thing? This enthralling AAA+ TOP OF THE LINE ethically sourced Colombian emerald and oval diamond three-stone speaks for itself.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emeralds Maravellous Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 14 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Estate Natural AAA+ Colombian Emerald and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold AAA+ Natural Colombian Emerald, Pear Cut, Color/Clarity: AAA+ Medium Green/ Cla...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.85tcw 14x8 AAA Certified Matching Colombian Emeralds - Pear Cut Teardrop
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 5.85-tcw Shape: Pear Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Muzo Green Measurements: 14.02mm x 7.99mm x 4.99mm // 13.94mm x 7.79mm x...
Emerald
8.0tcw AAA+ Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cluster Dangle Earrings 18K Statement
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Omega Posts Weight: 19.0 grams Metal Purity: 18K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Cut Approximate Weight: 3.24tcw Total Stones: Two Clarity: Transparent Co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Colombian Muzo Emerald Huggies Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Colombian Emerald Huggies Earrings 18K Elegant buggies earrings crafted from solid 18K yellow gold, featuring natural Muzo AAA+ Colombian emeralds with vivid, medium-intense green co...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18.00tcw AAA+ Colombian Emerald Heart & Diamond Tennis Lariat Necklace 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is an incandescent, Muzo green Colombian emerald heart and diamond lariat/tennis necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
12.20tcw AAA+ Oval Cut Colombian Emerald & Diamond Statement Earrings 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
One-of-a-kind, bespoke, Colombian emerald & Diamond Omega stud earrings. These impressive earrings feature, fine quality, natural oval emeralds that are bezel set in 18K yellow gold....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
5.95tcw AAA Quality Colombian Emerald & Pave Diamond Accents Engagement Ring 18k
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a natural, emerald-cut AAA Colombian emerald and diamond shank ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2.00 Carats Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
18K White/Yellow Ring set with a center Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. The emerald is bright best green AAA clarity and color 7.6mm x 5.7mm approx. 1.10 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
3.88tcw AAA+ Oval Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Pendant 18K Gold Anniversary
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a stunning AAA top-quality oval cut Colombian emerald and diamond pendant made in fine 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.55 Carat AAA 9x6 Bluish Green Oval Colombian Emerald Loose Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.55-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent-Very Good Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 8.66mm x 6.33mm x 4.78mm Geographic Origin...
Emerald
2.44tcw 18K AAA Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald & Diamond Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
At its heart lies a captivating 1.86-carat AAA quality cushion cut Colombian emerald, boasting an electrifying, rich green color that radiates with life.
Emerald, 14k Gold
3.34ct AAA+ Vivid Bluish Colombian Emerald 9x9mm Asscher Cut Genuine May
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 3.34-carats Shape: Asscher Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Bluish Green Measurements: 9.0mm x 8.85mm x 7.27mm Geographic Origin: Colomb...
Emerald
1.40tcw 14K AAA Colombian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Sitting low, and diamonds going halfway down the shank, the ring is ideal for everyday wear. A perfect emerald and diamond ring worthy of an "I Do". Setting Style: Prong-Pave Settin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
7.34tcw Muzo Emerald & Diamond Omega Fan Earrings 18K AAA+ Colombian Statement
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Omega Posts Weight: 18.8 grams Metal Purity: 18K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Cut Approximate Weight: 2.78tcw Total Stones: Two Clarity: Transparent Co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.25ct AAA+ Muzo Green Emerald Cut Colombian Gem 7.5x6.5 Genuine Earth Mined
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Total Weight: 1.25-carat Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent/Very Good Color: Forest Muzo Green Measurements: 7.62mm x 6.49mm x 3.70mm Geographic...
Emerald
1.68tcw 14K AAA+ Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a natural AAA+ Asscher cut Colombian emerald and diamond accent engagement ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58tcw 18K AAA+ Colombian Emerald Pear & Diamond Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
Take a look at this stunning Colombian emerald and diamond necklace. The natural, AAA+ high-quality Colombian emerald carries a full 2.12-carats of dark, vivid green color.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.70tcw PLAT AAA+ Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Omega Earrings
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a sensational pair of emerald and diamond disc earrings. Asscher cut, green emeralds are prong set in luxurious Platinum. These natural gems have excellent luster and ou...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald Ruby and Diamond Ring 18K yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Features a natural minor oil emerald-cut Colombian emerald neatly prong set The fine emerald stands out with its brilliant AAA medium green color, while the stunning pear-cut natura...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.0tcw AAA+ Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a fine quality, Colombian emerald, and diamond halo engagement ring. The center gem is a high-quality emerald cut emerald filled with life and brilliance! Amon...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.31tcw AAA Top Quality Colombian Emerald Double Prong Stud Earrings Gold 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A remarkable, and extraordinary pair of fine-quality TOP-OF-THE-LINE AAA+ emerald earrings. This gorgeous set carries 6.31-carats, of two stunning emerald cut emeralds.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.95 Vivid Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A Stunning Natural Vivid Colombian Emerald Emerald Cut Drop Pendant, crafted in an 18 Karat Gold prong setting – The luminous exceptional AAA green natural color of this Colombian em...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.88 Carat GIA Certified 11x8 AAA+ MUZO Green Oval Colombian Emerald Gemstone
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.88-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Green Measurements: 10.93mm x 7.86mm x 6.60mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treat...
Emerald
1.50 Carat Round Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
1.50 CT Natural Round Colombian Emerald & Diamond Art Deco style Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold Composition: 18K White Gold Primary Stone: AAA+ Natural Colombian Emerald Shape or ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
12.34 Carats Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
One of a Kind cocktail natural Colombian emerald pendant, supper clean and brilliant natural Colombian emeralds with diamond accents, made of 18K Yellow Gold Details: feature six(...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Estimated Production Time: 3-4 weeks** Fine Square AAA Natural Colombian Emerald Medium Green/ Clarity VS Total Weight Approx 3.25 carats and Approx. 0.40cts Natural Diamond G-H-VS ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Wh...
Fine Colombian Emerald and Ruby Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Fine AAA Colombian Emerald and Ruby Statement Stud Earrings Set in 18K Yellow Gold.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.66 Carat Certified Muzo Green Colombian Emerald - Drop of Oil Effect AAA+ Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 1.66-carats Shape: Emerald Cut Clarity: Transparent Luster: Excellent Color: Vivid Muzo Green Measurements: 7.61mm x 6.58mm x 5.19mm Geographic Origin: Colombi...
Emerald
18K Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Colombian Emerald Earrings, 4ct
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Elevate your collection with these sophisticated pear-shaped emerald earrings, showcasing premium Colombian emeralds of AAA+ quality with an intense, captivating hue.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seven Stone Colombian Natural Emerald 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Estate seven stone Colombian emerald ring. The graduated half-hoop ring of oval cut Fine AAA Colombian emeralds has excellent color, and clarity, mounted in 18K yellow gold.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.92tcw 18K AAA Colombian Emerald Cushion Cut & Tapered Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a stunning AAA-quality Colombian emerald cushion and tapered baguette diamond ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Suite Colombian Emerald Diamond Necklace and Earrings 16.7 Carat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Retro Style Suite Colombian Nature AAA Emerald Cabochon Diamond Necklace and Earring Set 16.70 Carat.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.24 Carat AAA+ Colombian Emerald Asscher Cut, Double Prong Solitaire Ring 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured is a classic and top-of-the-line Colombian emerald with an extremely rare AAA+ quality solitaire engagement/right-hand ring.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian 2.00ct Pear Shape Emerald Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Primary Stone: AAA Natural Colombian Emerald Shape or Cut: Pear Cut Emerald Measurements: 9.40mm x 6.70mm Average Color: Medium Intense Green Accent Stones: None Metal: 18K Wh...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Bar Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Stunning AAA Colombian Emerald, VS- Clarity. Set in Gorgeous Multistone Pendant Chain Fashion Necklace.
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.