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History & Mythology of Emerald
Vibrant green emeralds have been treasured by almost all cultures across the world. The Greek word for emerald “smaragdus” literally means green. Cleopatra of Egypt so loved emeralds, she declared ownership of all the emeralds in all the world. Ancient Sumerians wore them on their little fingers to help their eyesight. Ancient Romans believed emeralds were the gemstone of Venus, the goddess of love and hope. With so many historic emerald engagement ring meanings, this gemstone is a leading choice for colorful rings. Today, an emerald engagement ring honors the history of this green gemstone while bringing additional meanings of rebirth and good fortune.
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Mineral: Beryl
Origins: Columbia, Zambia, Madagascar, Canada, Russia
Symbols: Peace, Balance
Properties: Openness, Relaxation, Acceptance
Durability: 7.5
ENHANCEMENTS
Infused to improve clarity and/or color
CARE
Special Gemstone Care: Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature
changes, chemicals, perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray.
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Green Tourmaline
What Does an Emerald Engagement Ring Symbolize?
Emerald's verdant green color brings to mind symbols of growth, new beginnings and rebirth. An emerald's lushness is formed by patterns of inclusions, called jardin, or its "garden". In addition to being the May birthstone, emeralds make enchanting engagement rings.
With the symbolism of good luck and the hope of springtime, emerald engagement rings bring added meaning. A green emerald engagement ring symbolizes the desire for a long, happy marriage. They also embody some of today’s trendiest styles for gemstone engagement rings with luxurious green shades anyone will love.
What to Look for in an Emerald Engagement Ring
Emeralds are precious gemstones rivaling the rarity and value of diamonds. While the 4Cs of diamonds can help when you’re shopping for diamond rings, the quality assessments of emeralds are a little different. Jewelry-quality gemstones are evaluated for their color, cut and shape.
We’re sharing our expert tips for assessing these gemstone qualities and how to choose the best emerald green engagement ring. The right emerald engagement ring will leap out at you when you see it, but keep these features in mind when looking for your ideal ring.
Color
The most important factor when choosing an emerald is the gemstone’s color Emeralds are found in medium to deep green shades with deep bluish-green being the most sought after. Many people find that they prefer pale hues, as they’re more reflective and have a greater brilliance.
Cut
The cut of a gemstone shows off all of the emerald’s best features and affects how much sparkle it will have. Emerald cuts and step cuts, like Asscher, are favored for this gemstone because they accentuate its natural beauty.
Shape
The shape of your gemstone is its outline when you look down at it. Round and octagon shapes are popular because they allow the emerald to reflect the most light. Pear and oval shapes are favorites for showcasing an emerald’s size. And of course, emeralds always look spectacular in a rectangle shape with their namesake emerald cut, which maximizes the surface area of the gemstone.
Metals
Emeralds are a spectacular gemstone and look lovely with any metal. A lush emerald against yellow gold makes for a striking pair, but these gorgeous green gemstones look just as impressive on a platinum or silver band. A helpful tip is to choose a band that’s opposite the color wheel from the emerald to enhance its greenness. For example, if the emerald is a bluer hue, choose a yellow band, or if it’s a yellower hue, choose a white band.
Enhancements
Many emeralds receive enhancements to improve their clarity. These enhancements, sometimes called treatments, are common for many types of emerald jewelry including engagement rings. Learn more about gemstone treatments to discover their popularity and benefits.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
Emeralds rate a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness which determines how susceptible a gemstone is to cracks, chips and scratching. Emeralds require more care than a diamond or sapphire, but with proper wear they make beautiful center stones for engagement rings that will last generations. Learn more about choosing emeralds vs. diamonds for an engagement ring.
Shop Popular Emerald Engagement Rings
Emerald Engagement Ring Settings
The setting for a ring is what holds the center emerald gemstone in place. Popular choices for emerald engagement rings are solitaire and elegant pavè settings. These understated settings bring attention and light to the way the ring sparkles. Emerald and diamond engagement rings are also growing in popularity, combining the rich green shades of emerald with the icy sparkle of diamonds.
Gemstone Accents for Emerald Rings
Added diamonds and gems such as birthstones can bring added emerald engagement ring meanings. Diamonds are a classic choice for accent stones on emerald engagement ring and look stunning in a pavè setting on a vintage-inspired ring. Try royal blue sapphire or bright citrine accent gemstones for a less conventional look.
Style
Emeralds are dazzling in any style. Lovers of vintage glamour will be smitten by art deco and Edwardian styles with their ornate filigrees and timeless appeal. Those who prefer modern designs are sure to love the clean lines and gentle curves of a contemporary engagement ring.
Emerald Engagement Ring Buying Tips
Your love is forever, and your emerald engagement ring should be, too. Buying an engagement ring is a big step and there are some points to bear in mind while you look for an exquisite ring.
1
Know Your Budget - Set your engagement ring budget before shopping so you can find a stunning emerald ring at the right price point.
2
Know Your Ring Size - Measure your ring size to get the best fit. Use our easy ring sizing guide for tips on measuring at home to ensure you find the proper fit for an emerald engagement ring.
3
Understand the Care Your Emerald Needs - With proper gemstone care and cleaning, you can avoid chips and scratches so your emerald engagement ring will twinkle for generations.
4
Consider Personalizing Your Ring - If you have your own emerald engagement ring inspiration, consider personalizations such as a mixed-metal band, a personal engraving, or a diamond halo around the center stone to create the perfect ring.
5
Choose a Reputable Retailer - Look for a trustworthy retailer like us, offering only the highest quality gemstones with exceptional imagery and detailed descriptions to ensure you’re getting an emerald engagement ring that’s crafted to last.
