Skip to main content

Emerald Necklaces

4
594
to
68
353
209
1
38
260
295
7
4
7
5
3
37
36
29
38
16
1
38
29
24
23
14
415
175
4
527
294
191
164
96
4,081
6,645
1,271
1,047
990
124
88
78
50
37
to
82
68
48
45
45
16
7
7
5
5
2
1
1
Gemstone: Emerald
Recognized Seller Listings
Handcraft Colombian Emeralds 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Choker Necklace
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

.35 Carat Diamond Synthetic Emerald Gold Tassel Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1930’s style Art Deco pendant necklace. The center piece of this necklace is the engraved, pierced and filigree 14k white gold pendant which is set with 9 round European cut diamonds and accented by 2 green synthetic French cut emeralds. 7 tassels dangle below the pendant adding to the elegance of the piece. The 18 inch cable chain gathers about an inch above the pendant. This necklace features a unique synthesis of a synthetic emerald gemstone and a shimmering diamonds, creating a beautiful contrast, indictive of the era. 9 round diamonds approx. total weight .35cts 2 French cut synthetic emeralds...
Category

Early 20th Century Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Antique Diamond Emerald Platinum Fleur De Lis Brooch and Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This Antique Deco Diamond and Emerald Brooch/Pendant was inspired in an Art Deco design featuring a Fleur De Lis top and is crafted in Luxurious Platinum. This stately piece is abl...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

French 1950's 18 Karat Gold Platinum Emerald Diamond Ruby Bird Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized bird perched on a swing in the center of a textured gold disk Bird is dimensional and double-sided with a fluted gold body and fanning tail Featuring prong s...
Category

1950s Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

5.80 Carat Emerald Necklace Earrings Set
Located in Richmond, BC
Elegant emerald necklace earrings set. High brilliance, emerald cut, grass green tone 5.80 carats natural emeralds accented with round briilant cut diamonds. Handcrafted set assembl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

15mm Round Emerald Beaded Necklace with Yellow Gold Accents, 18 Inches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressive strand of emerald beads showcases a stunning combination of elegant green and bright yellow gold that is flattering to all complexions! The 15mm round emerald beads h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold

Edwardian, Platinum, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Giardinetto Pendant, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
A beautiful platinum and multi-gem set giardinetto pendant c.1910, the pendant designed as a long tapering openwork basket with rope twist handle finely crafted in platinum and set t...
Category

Early 20th Century English Emerald Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Natural Emerald Beaded Necklace with Moonstone, Onyx, and Yellow Gold Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original strand of natural emerald beads is truly one-of-a-kind! The emeralds in this necklace display lovely shades of soft medium green, varieg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Onyx, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yell...

Emerald Beaded Multi-Strand Necklace with Yellow Gold Accents, 200 Carats Total
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This double strand of emerald beads is stunning! The emerald beads possess both rich color and vibrancy, and are well-matched for color and transluc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Renaissance Inspired Necklace in 18k White and Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rich, deep green emeralds in fancy square and pear shapes are set in this elegant pendant. It was handcrafted in 18k yellow and white gold with diamond accents by our Master Jewelers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

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

No Heat Natural Sugarloaf Emerald White Diamond Gold Necklace, Rebecca Overmann
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Vintage Emerald Necklace handcrafted in matte-finished 14k yellow gold showcasing a spectacular bluish-green completely natural and unheated 1.37 carat vintage sugarloaf...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Multi-Gemstone Baroque Bead Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps "Baroque" bead necklace, featuring polished and faceted semi-precious gemstones including fire opal, peridot, emerald, amethyst, rose quartz, aquamarine, tourmaline, a...
Category

2010s American Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Cultured Pearl, ...

Cartier Panther Diamond Emerald Onyx White Gold 18K Charm Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Geneva, CH
Panthere de Cartier. Panther Head Diamond Emerald Onyx Pendant. Cartier Chain white gold 18K. Both Pendant and Chain are Signed Cartier, numbered and marked. Original Cartier certif...
Category

Early 2000s European Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Early 20th Century Necklace Natural Pearl Diamond Emerald
Located in Geneva, CH
Early 20th century necklace natural pearl, diamond, emerald and platinum. Circa 1920. Total weight: 45.82 grams Total length chain: approx. 67.50 centimeters. Dimensions pendent: ap...
Category

1910s European Belle Époque Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Victorian French Antique Emerald Ruby Pearl 18 Karat Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wire openwork cross form suspending from a navette-shaped surmount Centering a bezel set 3.0 mm near-round pearl - white with mild iridescence With additional 2.0 to 3....
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ebony Skull Diamonds Sapphires Emeralds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
This extraordinary skull-shaped pendant masterfully blends classic and modern elements to create a uniquely stunning piece of jewelry. Expertly crafted, the skull is carved from high...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K White Gold Diamond and Emerald Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
From Chopard's Happy Diamonds collection, here is a daring and playful yet elegant necklace that will bring personality to your style. It features a round pendant with a circular fra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Like Gemstones Tumbled Smooth by a Babbling Brook Through the Centuries, this Work of Art Gleams with Life and Light. Intertwined Throughout are 13 Cabochon Sapphires, 11 Cabochon Em...
Category

20th Century Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cartier Paris Carved Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Carved Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Drapery Necklace & Ear Clips. Of Mughal Inspiration the Flexible Motifs Centering on Carved Emeralds, Collet-Set with Rounds ...
Category

1950s Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Good Luck Koi Fish Motif Diamond and Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Good Luck Koi Fish Motif Necklace. The Koi has forever been a symbol of luck, prosperity and good fortune. Circa - 1980's French Assay Mar...
Category

1980s Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Coral Diamonds Emeralds Sapphires 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Spectacular pendant necklace made of 14K yellow gold, with an engraved coral face of a woman supporting a structure made up of gold ornaments and colored stones that surround another...
Category

1990s European Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Pearl, Emerald, Diamonds, Platinum Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

1970s Italian Retro Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum

Emerald Bezel Paperclip Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.74 ct. emerald emerald cut in a handmade 14k yellow gold bezel. Length is 21" but can be adjusted to shorter by placing the clasp on other links.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
14 karat yellow gold Pear shape emerald with round brilliant white diamond halo tennis link necklace. Crafted with precision and care, this necklace boasts a stunning arrangement of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

BVLGARI High Jewelry Serpenti Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite piece by BVLGARI, this exclusive style has stunned on the red carpet and is a must have for any collector. The coils of the serpent are set with 60.34 carats of D-F colo...
Category

2010s Italian Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

GIA Emerald Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This South Sea Pearl Necklace features 59 lustrous pearls with beautiful nacre and minimal pitting. The lustrous pearls increase in size from 12 to 16 millimeters. The center pearl i...
Category

Late 20th Century Colombian Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

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

Emerald Bezel Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.31 ct. emerald emerald cut in a 18k yellow gold mounting. The bezel and prong look is fun and trend forward. Length is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

French Late 18th Century Gold, Foiled Citrine, and Enamel Festoon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period gold and foiled citrine festoon necklace comprised of seven winged ornaments with white and green dotted enamel and two star pendants, culminating in a sty...
Category

1790s French Georgian Antique Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Emerald, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Emerald Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Enhancer Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Emerald, diamond, and pearl yellow gold enhancer pendant is a true showcase of elegance and sophistication. It has wonderful multi-use functions such as being a pearl shortener, pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

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

SCAVIA Sally New Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the enchanting SALLY NEW NECKLACE, a captivating blend of elegance and grace. Crafted with white gold, this necklace features a dazzling array of diamonds pave, accentuat...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

SCAVIA Raja VII Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the majestic RAJA VII NECKLACE, a symbol of opulence and grandeur. Crafted with white gold, this necklace features brilliant washers and a stunning carved coral large...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Rock Crystal, Rose Gold and Silver Closure
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Emerald Bezel Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.40 ct. emerald emerald cut handmade in 18k yellow gold. Length is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Emerald Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Emerald Drop Necklace A platinum necklace set with round-cut diamonds a pendant with an emerald drop. Approximate Diamond Weight: 8.5 carats Approximate Emerald Weight:...
Category

20th Century Unknown Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

AGL Certified 47.76 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking work of art, behold the glorious 47.76ct PS Colombian Emerald Pendant Diamond Necklace. This exquisite masterpiece exudes elegance and grace, capturing the essence of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Diamond and Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Emerald Necklace A yellow gold necklace adorned with round-cut diamonds and square cut emeralds. Approximate Measurement: 15" long Approximate Diamond Weight: 1.15 car...
Category

20th Century Unknown Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace A necklace adorned with round-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped emerald drop. Approximate Emerald Weight: 3 carats Approximate Measurements: Ch...
Category

20th Century Unknown Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Multi Gem Heart Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Heart Motif Necklace A gold necklace set with cabochon rubies, sapphires, emeralds and approximately 5.17 carats of diamonds Measures Approximately: 13" long Metal Type:...
Category

20th Century Unknown Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Emerald And Diamond Pear Shape Drop Necklace AGL Certified ,Pear Cut Emerald, Emerald Weight: 6.72 Cts 18K White Gold Necklace Length: 16"
Category

1940s American Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Schlumberger Tiffany & Co. Emerald 18 Karat Gold Twisted Rope Vintage Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as entwined large and small twisted rope motif link chain With a high polish gold finish and terminating with toggle clasp Featuring 4.0 mm round emerald cabochons - bezel s...
Category

1960s Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GRS Certified 7.85 Carat Heart Shape Emerald Pendant
Located in Rome, IT
Stunning GRS Certified 7.85 carat heart-shaped natural green emerald gemstone. Sourced from the depths of the earth, this gem embodies the essence of beauty and elegance. this face...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Rose 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a rose set to the centre with a green emerald. Stamped with the eagle’s head mark for 18 karat gold and French manufactu...
Category

20th Century French Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
1980s vintage 18k yellow gold necklace, featuring three gold strands, set with oval emerald, ruby and sapphire cabochons, as well as a total of approximately 2.40ctw G/VS diamonds. N...
Category

1980s Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

18k Gold 6.44ctw GIA Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Statement Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:--(1 Natural Genuine Emerald - Octagonal Step Cut - Prong Set - Rich Green Color w/ Natural Inclusions - F2 Clarity - 3.72ct approx. Based on the certification ** See Certif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

30 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Elevate your elegance with our exquisite 19-inch Graduated Tennis Necklace, meticulously crafted in platinum and adorned with captivating emerald-cut diamonds. Each diamond is exper...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Butterfly Diamonds Sapphires Emeralds Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exceptional butterfly-shaped pendant, beautifully crafted in a blend of 14-karat yellow gold and sterling silver, is a masterpiece of jewelry art that celebrates the intricate b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

11 Carat Diamond & 2.31 Carat Green Oval Emerald 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Exquisite 18K Gold Pendant Necklace with 2.31 Carat Green Emerald and Diamond Accents by Antinori Di Sanpietro Discover the pinnacle of luxury with this enchanting 18K gold pendant ...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Monumental Scale Lalaounis 18k Gold Double Rams Head Necklace 38 Inches Long
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This 18k yellow gold Lalaounis double rams head lariat necklace is a truly magnificent example of the esteemed Greek designers offerings. From clasp to tip, the necklace is comprise...
Category

Late 20th Century Greek Greek Revival Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Double Sided Flower Vase 18K Yellow Gold Carved Sapphire Ruby Emerald Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold double-sided pendant designed as a vase of flowers set to one side with a cultured pearl, a carved emerald, two ruby cabochons, two carved sapphires and...
Category

20th Century French Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gol...

Van Cleef & Arpels Pisces Zodiac Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 1970s, this Pisces pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels is composed of 18K gold, diamond, and emeralds. The ribbed bail suspends a circular pendant, within ropetwist frame, ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

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

Dramatic Large Gem Set Vintage Cross Pendant, c 1981.
Located in Aspen, CO
Cross Pendant set with fine diamonds and gemstones. Seemingly at random in a juxtaposition, thirty eight white diamonds, colored diamonds and colored stones are prong set in no par...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace A four-strand necklace with cultured pearls and 135 emerald beads separated with gold spacers. It features a center gold pendant adorned with mix...
Category

20th Century Unknown Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

1.30 Carat Emerald Diamond Platinum Diamond by The Yard Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Square emerald and diamond platinum diamond by the yard necklace. Chain is 44 inches and can be worn long or doubled. 10 square ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Péry et Fils Paris Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1990s, this diamond, ruby and emerald necklace is set in 18K gold. It is designed as octagonal links pave-set with approximately 12.00 carats of diamonds, each centeri...
Category

Late 20th Century French Emerald Necklaces

Materials

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

1990s Diamond GIA Ruby Emerald Serpent Bypass Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald statement choker necklace is made in 18k yellow gold. Set with approx. 620 round diamonds; an approximate weight of 12.35  ct and H-I color and VS1-VS...
Category

1990s American Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Turquoise, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

1960s Italian Retro Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Denmark 1970 Modernist Geometric Necklace In 18Kt Gold With 9.75 Ctw In Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
An Scandinavian geometric sculptural collar with pendant Fabulous piece of jewelry of ultra-modernist art, created in northern Europe, back in the1970. This collar necklace was made...
Category

1970s Danish Modernist Vintage Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Panther Diamond Emerald Onyx White Gold 18K Charm Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Geneva, CH
Panthere de Cartier. Panther Head Diamond Emerald Onyx Pendant. Cartier Chain white gold 18K. Both Pendant and Chain are Signed Cartier, numbered and marked. Original Cartier certificate. 18k White Gold Diamond Emerald Onyx Panthere de Cartier Panther Head Pendant...
Category

Early 2000s French Emerald Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, 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 Bulgari 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.

Recently Viewed

View All