3 Carat Natural Ruby Emerald Sapphire Pearl Clip Earrings 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Pearl clip earrings. 10mm Pearl South Sea pearls, Silver overtone 1ct Natural Ruby 1ct Diamonds (G/Vs2) 1ct Emeralds. 18 karat yellow gold 26 grams Overall earrings measure ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Raw Green Emerald Bold Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 4
Located in New York, NY
Bold and chunky raw green emerald cocktail ring. Crafted in lustrous 14k yellow gold. One of a kind standout contemporary statement piece, perfect addition for your jewelry collectio...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】PSL Certified Emerald Bloom South Sea Pearl Convertible Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A composition of brilliance, where structure and radiance meet at their peak. At the heart of the piece rests a luminous 16.6mm South Sea pearl, perfectly round with a smooth, refine...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
14K Gold Colombian Emerald on Diamond Pave Engagement Ring Heart-Shaped Gemstone
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K Gold Colombian Emerald on Diamond Pave Engagement Ring ♥ This ring features a gorgeous heart-shaped Columbian emerald, set in a sea of diamond pave. Classic design with a uniq...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$799Sale Price|38% Off
Pair of natural Diamond emerald sterling silver hinge bracelet oxidized silver
Located in Delhi, DL
A pair of beautiful diamond emerald bangle consists of: Diamond- 5.20cts Diamond type: pave diamond Diamond color: White with tint of grey Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silve...
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
$14,409Sale Price|55% Off
Emerald Ring Gold Crystal Unisex Art Nouveau Style
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptionally fine piece made of 14K gold with the natural colombian Emerald crystal from the Ivy collection is the one of a kind ring that you should not miss. The detailed str...
Beryl, Crystal, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Vine Symphony】Imperial Vine South Sea Pearl, Emerald & Diamond Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a regal statement from the JĀDORA collection — these South Sea pearl earrings are delicately sculpted to evoke the graceful curve of a blooming vine. Each earring feature...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
$1,032Sale Price|33% Off
Pair of natural Diamond emerald sterling silver hinge bracelet Yellow Gold plate
Located in Delhi, DL
A pair of beautiful diamond emerald bangle consists of: Diamond- 10.40cts Diamond type: uncut polki diamond Diamond color: White with tint of yellow Diamond Certificate- IGI Certifi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
13.57ct 14K Hand Carved Natural Colombian Emerald Rough Horse Pendant Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
This exquisite hand-carved Colombian emerald rough horse sculpture showcases the raw beauty of emerald, accentuated by delicate touches of calcite, black shale, and gleaming pyrites ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Neoclassical 14kt Yellow Gold Silver Emerald Cocktail Ring, Circa 1800
Located in Marcianise, IT
Fascinating and rich in historical significance, this extraordinary Neoclassical period ring is a perfect example of the elegance and symbolism characteristic of this artistic era. C...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
【Crown Radiance】Imperial Garden Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of vibrant elegance, this pendant showcases an Aurora-grade 16-17mm South Sea pearl, surrounded by a lush halo of 2.55 carats of marquise-cut emeralds and 0.60 carats o...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Emerald Vine South Sea Pearl Pendant Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Aurora 13-14mm South Sea Pearl Necklace embodies sophistication and versatility. The luminous, flawless, and slightly oval-shaped South Sea pearl exudes a mesmerizing ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Emerald Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamonds Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with these stunning South Sea pearl earrings, masterfully designed to exude elegance and sophistication. Each earring features a lustrous South Sea pearl, renowned f...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Emerald Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Graceful yet striking, these earrings are crowned with vivid green emeralds in a radiant floral-inspired setting, each surrounded by a halo of brilliant diamonds. Below, AAAA-grade S...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Imperial Garden Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of spring with these enchanting earrings featuring luminous Aurora South Sea pearls as the centerpiece. Surrounding the pearls are delicately crafted floral peta...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Jādora】Imperial Blossom South Sea Pearl, Jadeite & Emerald Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by imperial gardens in bloom, this exquisite ring from our Jādora collection features a luminous 12–13mm golden South Sea pearl, perfectly round and nearly flawless, set ami...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18k Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Pearl Bird Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Two pearl birds perch in a golden tree, whispering elegance with every glint of gemstone. This enchanting 65 x 45 mm pin is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and adorned with 11.79 ct...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Dewdrop Leaf Aurora South Sea Pearl & Emerald Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pendant showcases a 14-15mm South Sea pearl with a mesmerizing aurora-like luster, radiating sophistication and grace. Encased in a delicate feather-inspired design, t...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
5.22 Carat Boulder Opal Diamond Emerald Sapphire 18K Gold Pendant Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking convertible pendant brooch showcases a vivid 5.22 carat natural Australian boulder opal displaying an exceptional play-of-color with luminous flashes of electric blue, ...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
6.97 carats zambian emerald pentagon cut stone for fine jewelry natural gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
6.97 carats Zambian emerald pentagon cut stone for fine jewelry natural gemstone Gemstone : Emerald Weight: 6.97 carats Size: 10x12 mm Pieces: 1 Shape: pentagon
Emerald
2.70 Carat Natural Emerald 2.10ct Diamonds Cluster Halo Ring 14kt Fine Select*
Located in New York, NY
Halo Cocktail Green 2.70ct. Natural Emerald Ring Transparent / clean clarity Vivid Green 9.4 X 6.3mm 2.10ct. Diamonds. Round & full cuts G-color Vs-2 clarity. 14kt. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
$9,919Sale Price|55% Off
Natural Raw Emerald Crystal Necklace Pine Double-Sided cone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Double-sided Pine necklace with natural raw Emerald (green beryl) crystal in patinated silver emerald origin - Ural mountains emerald crystal measurements - 16 х 25 х 38 mm / 0.63 x...
Beryl, Emerald, Green Beryl, Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver
78.3 Grams Huge 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Crystal Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Showcased is a rare, rough emerald crystal pendant. 57 total carat weight of genuine, rough, Colombian emerald crystal is perfectly capped by smooth yellow gold and cabochon emerald ...
Crystal, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Royal Garden Golden South Sea Pearl, Diamond & Emerald Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Crown Radiance Collection — Where brilliance takes form, and elegance takes the throne. This pendant captures the opulence of a royal garden in full bloom. At its center lie...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Royal Garden Golden South Sea Pearl, Diamond & Emerald Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Crown Radiance Collection — Where brilliance takes form, and elegance takes the throne. These regal earrings evoke the grandeur of a royal garden in bloom. At their heart, t...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Revival Aurora South Sea Pearl & Emerald Convertible Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the romance of vintage heirlooms, these exquisite 2-in-1 earrings blend timeless elegance with modern versatility. At the center of each piece, a vibrant emerald is frame...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Blooming Duo Emerald Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring is a true masterpiece, featuring a radiant, high-luster pearl as its centerpiece. The design is accentuated by two delicate flower motifs, ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Emerald & South Sea Pearl Statement Ring Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary piece redefines versatility and elegance, crafted to serve as a stunning ring, a graceful pendant, or an independent statement ring band. At its heart lies a radia...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Majestic Bloom Emerald South Sea Pearl Diamond Brooch Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of elegance and brilliance, this luxurious pendant features a top-tier 14-15mm Aurora South Sea pearl, exuding an extraordinary luster. Set in 18K white gold, the desig...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Garden Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Diamond Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Experience unparalleled elegance with these radiant South Sea Pearl Earrings. Each earring showcases a luminous South Sea pearl, beautifully complemented by 1.05 carats of vivid gree...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Convertible Emerald Bloom South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
These versatile Aurora South Sea pearl earrings are a stunning blend of elegance and practicality. Featuring radiant pearls that can be detached, the earrings transform into exquisit...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Coral Paper Knife Diamonds Emeralds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Emerald Needle Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat Gold by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
This delicate 18-karat gold necklace features a natural needle-shaped Colombian emerald pendant on a 16-inch solid gold chain. The emerald is set with a cap and ring crafted in 18-k...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Vine Symphony】Convertible Crown Garden South Sea Pearl & Emerald Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
These elegant Aurora South Sea earrings feature detachable pearls, offering versatile styling options. The upper part of the earrings is adorned with 2.0 carats of vivid emeralds, 1....
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Botanic Muse Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A radiant tribute to nature’s poetry, this unique cocktail ring features a luminous 12–13mm round South Sea pearl at its center, surrounded by a garden of diamonds and emeralds. The ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Celestial Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features a radiant South Sea pearl as its centerpiece, exuding timeless elegance and natural luster. Surrounded by a meticulously crafted geometric octagon design...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$5,168Sale Price|55% Off
Emerald Crystals Gold Pendant Natural Raw Green Stone Healing jewelry gift lotr
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural raw emerald crystals emerald origin - Ural crystals measurements - 0.59 х 0.91 х 1.26 in / 15 х 23 х 32 mm emerald weight - 51.85 carats pendant ...
Crystal, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamonds ruby emerald solid gold with black rhodium 7.25-inch bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Stone type: Diamond Diamond type- Natural earth mined Metal: Solid gold Metal color-Full black Length- 7.25" inches Width- 27mm Clasp- Double security lock
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, Rhodium
Natural Emerald & Diamond Bracelet in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite BRECELET set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds in vibrant green emerald, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Necklace in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds in vibrant green emerald, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$15,140Sale Price|55% Off
Emerald Ring Gold Crystal Green 6.15 Carats Certified Engagement Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptionally fine piece made of yellow gold with the natural colombian Emerald crystal from the Ivy collection is the one of a kind ring that you should not miss. The detailed ...
Emerald, Beryl, Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Palm Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Delight in the charm of nature with these Aurora South Sea Pearl Earrings, featuring a whimsical olive tree-inspired design. Each earring showcases a luminous South Sea pearl, gracef...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
$6,600Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage 25.07Ct Emerald Dangle Earring Diamonds Coral And 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Emerald Dangle Earrings, adorned with diamonds and coral, set in 18 Karat White Gold. These earrings are a true testament to elegance and sophistica...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.30 Carat Natural Gem-Line Spinel Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Bracelet 14Kt*
Located in New York, NY
Gem Line. 10.30ct. Natural Orange/Blue/Yellow/Green Sapphires, Emeralds, Ruby, & Diamonds bracelet. Full round cuts, great sparkle. Clean Clarity & Transparent. 4 Roun...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,168Sale Price|55% Off
Emerald Crystals Gold Pendant Natural Raw Green Stone Healing jewelry gift wife
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural raw emerald crystals emerald origin - Ural crystals measurements - 0.59 х 0.91 х 1.26 in / 15 х 23 х 32 mm emerald weight - 51.85 carats pendant ...
Crystal, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Vine Symphony】Floral Emerald Bloom Aurora 14–15mm South Sea Pearl Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with this magnificent Aurora South Sea Pearl Pendant, featuring a breathtaking 14-15mm pearl of exceptional luster. The centerpiece is surrounded by an intricate flo...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamonds and Emerald Chandelier Earring Handcrafted in 18K Gold with Fine Enamel
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A pair of grand and beautiful earrings with uncut rose cut diamonds and Emerald Beads handcrafted in 18K Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Natural Emerald & Diamond Polki Necklace set in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds (polki), vibrant green, emerald beads, and pearls, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Polki Necklace set in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds (polki), vibrant green, emerald beads, and pearls, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Polki Necklace set in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds (polki), vibrant green, emerald beads, and pearls, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Polki Necklace set in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds (polki), vibrant green, emerald beads, and pearls, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Crescent moon brooch in 18k white gold, emerald imitation
Located in PARIS, FR
Crescent moon brooch in 18 karat white gold. The brooch is in the shape of a crescent moon, entirely adorned with pearls and imitation green stones. Vintage brooch, circa 1940. Owl ...
Other, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Emerald Orbit Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring in Brushed 18K Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features a lustrous Aurora South Sea pearl, elegantly set in 18K white and yellow gold. The textured gold band adds a refined touch, complemented by dazzling diam...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Bracelet in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite BRECELET set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds in vibrant green emerald, all set in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
【Jādora】Red Jadeite, Emerald, Aurora Akoya Pearl & Diamond Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A striking pair of earrings uniting the artistry of carved Type A red jadeite with the luminous beauty of Aurora Akoya pearls. Each earring features an intricately carved jadeite med...
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum
Emerald Green Fine Jadeite Jade Pendant Freeform Carving Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
This rich, variegated green green jade pendant has been carved free-form style to resemble a mountain or "philosopher's stone." One side is a richer green, the other has an area of w...
Jade, 14k Gold
David Webb One of A Kind Coral Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb One of A Kind Coral Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch Cabochon and uncarved coral, cabochon emeralds of approximately 3.5 carats, round-cut diamonds of approximately...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.