The History, Meaning, & Lore of Emeralds

THE HISTORY,
MEANING,
& LORE OF EMERALDS

May’s birthstone, the Emerald is the ultimate choice as the vibrant green of the stone symbolizes new growth – perfect for spring.

The elegant Ayla Marquise-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring by Angie Marei features a rare and lush green precious Marquise-Cut Emerald mounted in a stunning 18-karat yellow gold with pavé diamonds and detailed with black enamel. 


One of only four “precious” gemstones (including Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire) Emerald color varies from yellow-green to blue-green, with the highest quality stones a bright, rich green color. Along with being May’s birthstone, the emerald is also the gemstone for the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

The word emerald came as a translation from Indian Sanskrit as Marakata, which means “the green of growing things.” In ancient Greece it was called Smaragdus, translating to “green stone. As time went on, the Old French or Vulgar Latin versions, Esmeraulde, Esmaralda, or Esmaraldus evolved into the current name, Emerald.

The Emerald has been revered in many cultures for well over 6000 years. We can trace it back to as early as 4000 BC where Emeralds were sold in the markets of Babylon. The Incas worshiped it, the Chaldeans believed a goddess lived within the stone, and most major religions have observed this gem as the holder of spiritual power. In ancient Egypt, the Emerald was a gift from Thor, the God of wisdom, and symbolized eternal life. Queen Cleopatra treasured it as her favorite stone, and even today the Emerald mines in Upper Egypt are called Cleopatra’s mines. You’ll find emeralds in many countries crowned jewels and royal collections.

When Spanish explorers entered the new world in the 16th century, they traded Emerald to the Incas for gold and precious metals. The trading of these gemstones enlightened royal dynasties worldwide to the majestic properties of the Emerald.

In present times, the lush green color (associated with the most beautiful landscapes) of the Emerald lends its name to geographic locations such as Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle and Seattle, WA which is termed the Emerald City.

Octavian Brilliant-Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring by Egyptian-Dominican jewelry designer Angie Marei featuring a magnificent brilliant round-cut vivid green emerald mounted on an 18-karat yellow gold and diamond setting carved with elegant details of an Ancient Egyptian lotus flower.

All the green of nature is concentrated within the Emerald.” 
-
St. Hildegard of Bingen

 

The Patricia Emerald is among the world’s most magnificent uncut emeralds. © AMNH/J. Beckett

The Patricia Emerald is among the world’s most magnificent uncut emeralds. © AMNH/J. Beckett

HISTORY, LORE,
& THE MEANING OF EMERALDS

It is said that the wearer of an Emerald will be endowed with the ability to look into the future when they place the stone under their tongue. It is also thought that this gemstone will protect you from evil and reveal all that is true. In ancient times the Emerald was believed to cure ailments and disease like Malaria. It has been said that an emerald was one of the four precious stones given to King Solomon by God to bless him with the power over all creation.

Emerald is said to nurture and open the heart and heart Chakra. It is known as the “stone of successful love.” The energy emerald emits brings healing and vitality to one’s spirit. Other traits brought on by Emerald are friendship, partner connection, domestic bliss, infinite patience, compassion, loyalty and unconditional love. In the ancient world, emerald was dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love for security in love.

When it comes to the human spirit, Emerald is associated with improving memory, focus, and wisdom. For those with psychic abilities, the stone opens deeper clairvoyant channels and is thought to protect against spells.

King Solomon and Bilqîs, the Queen of Sheba, enthroned, fol. 137

King Solomon and Bilqîs, the Queen of Sheba, enthroned, fol. 137. Sourced from NYPL.

USES IN LIFE

Igniting & Reviving Passion.
This is not limited to making love. It can include anything in life that you once had a passion for that you’d like to get back such as an estranged person, a job, an interest, and more.

Confidence.
Emerald is known to restore confidence and promote positive self-esteem and empower the wearer. It will instill self love within.

Soothing.
One who wears an Emerald is said to be more grounded and rational. It soothes and calms one’s emotions.

Focus.
It stirs invigorating thoughts and creativity while allowing one to reflect and organize thoughts.

Memory.
As a support stone it is a positive force in increasing mental abilities, recollection of facts, and eloquence in speaking. Your true voice will impart to everyone you come in contact with.

The Exquis Gemini Pavé Emerald Infinity Ring by Angie Marei, exquisitely handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold– this ring features an architectural cross-over infinity design with brilliant-cut vibrant green emeralds symbolizing eternal love and power.

HEALING ENERGIES

Physical Healing.
When placed in the right place, the power of the Emerald’s healing energy will rejuvenate the body, combat the aging process, nourish the heart and other vital organs, and can speed up recovery after illness. It’s also been used to improve eyesight, ward off epilepsy, relieve skin conditions, and increase reproductive fertility.

Emotional Healing.
Because Emerald is considered the “crystal of the heart” it provides healing in all areas of emotional distress. From relieving sadness of heartbreak to depression and loneliness, the Emerald will spiritually guide you into a positive light.

Balancing Energy & Chakra Healing. 
Located near the center of the breastbone, the Heart Chakra controls all matters of the heart from what we choose to embrace, to what we block out. Emeralds regulate and ground us to understand emotions and balance them out.

Spiritual Inspiration.
The same energy the works with Heart Chakra also strengthens the spirituality within us. Emerald encourages compassion and reception of life experiences. 

In the end, the emerald is a stone everyone should posses and respect. Your mind, body and soul can benefit deeply from its powers.

USES IN LIFE

Igniting & Reviving Passion.
This is not limited to making love. It can include anything in life that you once had a passion for that you’d like to get back such as an estranged person, a job, an interest, and more.

Confidence.
Emerald is known to restore confidence and promote positive self-esteem and empower the wearer. It will instill self love within.

Soothing.
One who wears an Emerald is said to be more grounded and rational. It soothes and calms one’s emotions.

Focus.
It stirs invigorating thoughts and creativity while allowing one to reflect and organize thoughts.

Memory.
As a support stone it is a positive force in increasing mental abilities, recollection of facts, and eloquence in speaking. Your true voice will impart to everyone you come in contact with.

HEALING ENERGIES

Physical Healing.
When placed in the right place, the power of the Emerald’s healing energy will rejuvenate the body, combat the aging process, nourish the heart and other vital organs, and can speed up recovery after illness. It’s also been used to improve eyesight, ward off epilepsy, relieve skin conditions, and increase reproductive fertility.

Emotional Healing.
Because Emerald is considered the “crystal of the heart” it provides healing in all areas of emotional distress. From relieving sadness of heartbreak to depression and loneliness, the Emerald will spiritually guide you into a positive light.

Balancing Energy & Chakra Healing. 
Located near the center of the breastbone, the Heart Chakra controls all matters of the heart from what we choose to embrace, to what we block out. Emeralds regulate and ground us to understand emotions and balance them out.

Spiritual Inspiration.
The same energy the works with Heart Chakra also strengthens the spirituality within us. Emerald encourages compassion and reception of life experiences. 

In the end, the emerald is a stone everyone should posses and respect. Your mind, body and soul can benefit deeply from its powers.

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. Marei New York/Diaboli Kill LLC makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information researched and posted here. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

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