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Emerald Necklaces

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Gemstone: Emerald
IGI Certified 21.20ct Colombia Emerald 1.60ct Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Drape yourself in lavish decadence with our 18K yellow gold necklace, featuring a striking pendant. The focal point is a breath-taking 21.20-carats natural Colombian emerald, adorned...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold 7x5mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14k rose gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K White Gold 7x5mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14k white gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Yellow Gold Size-7x5mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set in 14k yellow gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant showcases the perfect blend of style and elegance. It features a lush green emerald adorned with three sparkling round ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold 7x5mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14k rose gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold 6x4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14k rose gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K White Gold (4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold 4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K Rose Gold (6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted in 14k rose gold, this round emerald pendant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K Rose Gold (5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Natural Pear-Shaped Emerald V-Bale Pendant in 14K Rose Gold Size-8x6mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vivid green pear cut emerald dangles from a sparkling white diamond on this elegant drop pendant. The lustrous V bale adds beauty to this 14k rose gold emerald and diamond pendant....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Pear-Shaped Emerald V-Bale Pendant in Platinum (Size-7x5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vivid green pear cut emerald dangles from a sparkling white diamond on this elegant drop pendant. The lustrous V bale adds beauty to this platinum emerald and diamond pendant. It e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum Size-6x4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in Platinum, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate scroll ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Yellow Gold Size-6x4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set in 14k yellow gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant showcases the perfect blend of style and elegance. It features a lush green emerald adorned with three sparkling round ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum Size-6x4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in Platinum, this classic solitaire emerald pendant personifies elegance. The rich green oval emerald is topped by a sparkling diamond for added allure. The intricate scroll ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Yellow Gold Size-5x4mm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set in 14k yellow gold, this classic solitaire emerald pendant showcases the perfect blend of style and elegance. It features a lush green emerald adorned with three sparkling round ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K White Gold (4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted in 14k white gold, this round emerald pendant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Natural Bezel-Set Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K White Gold (6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire emerald pendant's beautiful design makes the center stone appear like it's floating on the chain. The lush green emerald is secured in a bezel setting. Crafted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.35ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

ANGARA Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Yellow Gold (Size-4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Yellow Gold (Size-5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Yellow Gold (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

ANGARA Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Round 0.75ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

ANGARA Natural Round 0.24ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Round 0.75ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Natural Round 0.75ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Round 0.45ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

ANGARA Natural Round 0.75ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Rose Gold (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k rose gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all at...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Round 0.75ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Natural Round 0.60ct Emerald Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This four-prong set emerald pendant displays the perfect blend of style and beauty. A radiant diamond on top of the lush green gemstone enhances its charm. This classic solitaire eme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.35ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (Size-4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in Platinum, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all attenti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

ANGARA Natural 0.95ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in White Gold (Size-4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k white gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Rose Gold (Size-5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k rose gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all at...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in Platinum, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all attenti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in White Gold (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k white gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (Size-4mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in Platinum, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all attenti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in White Gold (Size-5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k white gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

ANGARA Natural 0.60ct Emerald Teardrop Pendant with Diamond in White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic solitaire pendant features a pear-shaped emerald, secured in a prong setting. A brilliant round diamond sits atop the lush green gemstone adding to the design's beauty. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Rose Gold (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k rose gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all at...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Rose Gold (Size-5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k rose gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all at...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Rose Gold

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in Platinum (Size-5mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in Platinum, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all attenti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Natural Classic Round Emerald Solitaire Pendant in White Gold (Size-6mm)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linked to a lustrous bale is a lush green emerald solitaire secured in a four prong setting. Crafted in 14k white gold, the elegant design of this classic emerald pendant draws all a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Art Deco Emerald Necklaces and Other Vintage Emerald Necklaces for Sale on 1stDibs

Do you have your heart set on a vintage emerald necklace? That’s not surprising — Art Deco emerald necklaces, emerald chokers and other necklaces set with the vibrant stone are sophisticated and glamorous, and that verdant color, and the cachet of wielding a gem beloved and worn by so many queens and princesses (hello, Cleopatra!), could seduce anyone.

Dorothy may have worn ruby slippers, but it was the Emerald City that she was trying to get to. Upon her arrival, she was advised to wear green-tinted eyeglasses to protect her eyes from all the “brightness and glory” in L. Frank Baum’s book The Wizard of Oz. Jewelry lovers born in May can wear their beautiful birthstone, distinguished by its rich green color, on their way to see the Wizard or any other magical place.

While emeralds graced the engagement rings of style icons Wallis Simpson and Jackie Kennedy — and emeralds and yellow diamonds are adding boldness to today’s engagement rings — perhaps no one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). 

During the December 2011 auction of Taylor’s jewels that was held at Christie’s, there was a suite of emerald jewels that had been by Bvlgari and gifted to the actress by Richard Burton to commemorate their engagement (no celebrity, or civilian for that matter, can rival Taylor in her fervor for Bvlgari). The suite consisted of an emerald and diamond ring, an emerald and flower diamond brooch, an emerald and diamond necklace, an emerald and diamond pendant brooch, a pair of emerald and diamond ear pendants and an emerald and diamond bracelet. 

Softer stones — those that score 7 or lower on the Mohs Hardness Scale — are traditionally cut into cabochons since scratches tend to be less noticeable on a cab’s convex surface than on the flat planes of a faceted cut. Emeralds, which register around 7.5 or 8, are commonly cut as cabochons, although the highest-quality examples are often faceted. Thanks to its depth, a cabochon cut can intensify the hue of a colored stone like an emerald, sapphire or ruby. Actress Marlene Dietrich favored cabochon emerald jewelry created by such houses as Paul Flato and Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin. She wore the pieces in press photos, as well as in films like Desire.

New York–based jewelry designer Nina Runsdorf, whose mother and grandmother both had emerald engagement rings, suggests that the stone’s color might appeal to those with an affinity for nature. “My parents left the city when I was 14 and raised us on a farm in upstate New York, so my mother’s love of nature was very strong,” she says. “I think emeralds reminded her of the wild grass and trees.”

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 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 legendary jewelry house.

Find a range of antique and vintage emerald necklaces on 1stDibs.

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