The enchanting emerald - the favourite for style icons

The alluring green of the emerald has enticed humans for thousands of years and the fascination with these gemstones continues today. Emeralds have been used in jewellery for over 2000 years and they have been favoured by many powerful women throughout history. For example, Cleopatra of Egypt, Jackie Onassis Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II frequently used emeralds in their jewellery.

The emerald is the green variety of the beryl mineral. Its most popular, and rare, colour is the deep grass green found in the pieces currently in our Art & Antiques auction. The first emerald mines were active in Egypt already in 330 BC and they stayed active until the 18th century. In the 16th century emerald mining started in Colombia and today the most sought after emeralds come from the Colombian mines.

The name “emerald” comes from the Vulgar Latin “esmeraldus”, a variant of the classical latin “smaragdus” which originated in the ancient Greek “smaragdos” meaning “green gem”. As early as the first century AD the Roman historian Pliny the Elder wrote about the emerald; “nothing greens greener”. He also wrote that looking at emeralds is a good for the eyes; “no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green colour comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Since then science has taught us that there is some truth to this statement - green is the most neutral and least straining colour for the eyes as it is in the middle of the colour spectrum. Even more calming and invigorating is the quality and beauty of these pieces of jewellery – the allure of the emerald lives on!

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