Emerald

Once prized by Inca kings, pharaohs, Spanish conquistadors and the Mughal rulers, emerald remains coveted by enthusiasts around the world.

Emerald is the strong bluish green to green variety of beryl. Trace elements that cause emerald's colour are chromium and sometimes vanadium.

Emerald's name comes from the ancient Greek word for green (smargdos). Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), author, philosopher and naturalist of ancient Rome, described the gem in his book, Natural History, as "... nothing greens greener." He also noted that its beneficial properties were ideal for lapidaries, who "have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green colour ... removing their weariness and lassitude."

The ancients believed that emerald was imbued with magical powers: it offered protection against evil spells, and was a cure for cholera and malaria. Wearing an emerald had other virtues - it exposed lovers who made false promises and endowed speakers with eloquence.