Few gemstones are surrounded by as much mystery as emeralds. Beyond simply being pretty or accentuating a variety of skin tones, the emerald carries with it a rich history that spans back roughly 4,000 years to Babylon, the “cradle of civilization,” making it a popular gemstone for gift giving.
Emerald Symbolism and Color
Emeralds. Cleopatra draped herself in them. Their rich, cool green tone played off of Elizabeth Taylor’s violet eyes in the 1960s.
Unlike the red ruby, which is a blatant statement of passionate love, the emerald conveys a more complex set of symbolism and emotions.
Round emerald gemstone
Green, by nature, is the most calming of all the colors on the color wheel.
It encourages growth, reflection, peace and balance. It also represents healing and fertility.
The verdant tones reflected in the jewel are tempered by a cool blue which symbolizes a steadfast bond.
This, along with the gem’s rarity, makes the stone a unique alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring.
When you give an emerald, you are showing a dash of humility. People who don’t yet have everything figured out in life are considered “green,” or a bit naive.
This is actually a positive thing when you consider that a new life together as a couple is defined by many unforeseen obstacles that you must tackle together and learn from.
Emerald green also suggests the concept of eternity, as it is a color that constantly renews itself in nature through generations.
Another reason that the emerald has come to symbolize a more mature love can be traced to Hindu culture.
Emerald green is the color that is used to align the heart chakra, or energy point, allowing feelings of love to low freely from a person’s core.
Healing Properties of the Emerald
Because it is associated with strong sexuality and fertility, the emerald was historically believed to help couples who were having problems bearing children or pregnant women who feared a difficult birth.
The stone has also been linked to healing and balance within the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems, in particular.
Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
In modern times, it is said to help those who suffer from depression or other mental or emotional disorders.
What people need to realize is that, much like flowers, gemstones can create a whole dialog between two people.
An emerald is one of the few that symbolically cover a broad range of life’s experiences and milestones, making it a good choice for reaffirming a strong relationship.
How to Wear an Emerald
Consider Your Wardrobe
The emerald is a statement stone that speaks for itself. The main wardrobe rule to remember when wearing an emerald ring is to keep it sleek and simple.
Ring with bright green emerald stones
Clothing with clean lines and solid coloration is best suited for showcasing this gemstone. Wearing a loud ensemble with a bold emerald piece will confuse the eye and detract from the overall look.
Neutral tones look best with the deep green of the stone. Black is the ideal shade as it brings out the vibrancy of the stone’s color while complementing its depth.
The same applies to makeup and hair. Keep it classic and elegant. Use the jewelry as a focal point and wear clothing that brings out its greatest features.
Pick Other Accessories
Depending on the cut of your outfit, one bold statement piece on the hand might make your head to toe look feel a bit unbalanced.
You can combine other pieces of jewelry with an emerald ring, but the same concept of simplicity applies.
Since the ring is worn lower on the body, you might consider wearing small-scale earrings or a delicate pendant.
As emeralds are bold standalone stones, they do not mix well with many other types of gems. Neutral diamonds and plain metals will accent the emerald well without detracting from it.
Silver toned metal, as opposed to gold toned, will reflect the purity of the emerald’s color and enhance it.
Emeralds of course can be worn with other emeralds, but it is important to consider scale. A large ring worn with large earrings or a sizeable necklace can easily look overdone.
The Technique
Emerald stones, especially those set in rings, require special care and precautions. They are not meant for everyday wear.
Emeralds tend to be brittle and most have tiny natural cracks that make them vulnerable to chipping and shattering; the less contact with the stone, the better.
It is best not to wear the ring on your dominant hand so the chance for accidents is kept to a minimum.
Never wash your hands or apply lotion with the ring on as this will damage the stone, affect the color, and dull its shine.
Always put the ring on last, after you have applied makeup, styled your hair, and dressed.
Even little snags or smudges could potentially harm the stone. While perfect for formal events, wearing an emerald ring anywhere else is risky, so carefully consider where you are going before putting it on.
Let yourself sparkle and shine without worrying about damaging your prized precious jewel.
*Disclaimer: This article is meant to serve only as an illustration of opinions and practices; any beliefs described here may not necessarily be true. No portion of the text above should be considered a source of medical advice.Where to Buy Emeralds?
We recommend James Allen (read review) because you can take a 360-degree look at any emerald before having it set in a piece of jewelry.
We also recommend Blue Nile and Ross-Simons.
