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I am Emerald. My luscious green colors can be found nowhere else in
Nature. Since the dawn of time, I have beckoned man with my verdant hues.
I have long been regarded as the symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime.
The ancient Egyptians mined me nearly 4,000 years ago, and Cleopatra
was an avid collector. South America's rich bounty of Emeralds was discovered
by 16th Century Spanish explorers who found large Emeralds in the possession
of the Aztecs and Incas.
Today, most of the world's Emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and
Zambia, and are cut in a variety of different shapes, ranging from the
traditional rectangular step-cut, known as the "emerald cut," to rounds,
ovals, squares and cabochons.
As one of the most revered of all gemstones, Emerald has long been regarded
as the quintessential green in Nature. Most natural Emeralds have inclusions,
often called "Jardin," or gardens, which are regarded as Emerald's natural
birthmarks.
The birthstone for May and a talisman for Gemini, Emerald symbolizes
rebirth and youth. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with
foresight into the future, Emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune.
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Emerald, to many, symbolizes rebirth and life abundant. The rich green
hues bring to mind regeneration of life in spring and hope of new possibilities.
Yet, perfection in Emerald, as in all things, is among the most rare of
Nature's treasures. When they are mined from the earth, almost all Emeralds
have unique birthmarks that distinguish them as truly natural gemstones.
Early gem merchants in India sought to purify the color of their Emeralds
by immersing them in clear oils or paraffin. They found that clear oils
and waxes rendered surface fissures nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Today, we have many sophisticated technologies with which to clarity enhance
Emeralds. In addition to the oils and waxes of ancient method, we now
use clear resins to penetrate the open fissures surfacing in the gemstones.
"Hardeners" are often added to solidify these liquids. This step prevents
the resin from evaporating from the stones, thus making the clarity enhancement
more permanent than oiling or waxing the gem. Ask your jeweler for information
regarding your Emerald selection and care. To understand the journey your
Emerald has traveled from the earth to you is to gain special insight
into its magic.
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