Necklace Details
Emerald – Emerald is one of four stones considered precious gems and so scarce it is thought to be 20 times rarer than diamonds. A member of the Beryl family, Emerald’s significant inclusions and brittle nature, spawned the Emerald Cut which features beveled corners that protect the stone. The earliest known use of Emeralds comes from Ancient Egypt, approximately 6,000 years ago. The discovery, in 1538, and subsequent looting of the Muzo emerald mines in Colombia by the Spanish, created new worldwide demand as supply of this precious stone increased; Colombia remains the world’s largest supplier of Emeralds. Rome’s Pliny the Elder described emerald in the first century CE as: “…nothing greens greener” – likely the reason that emerald is associated with the lushest landscapes and the richest greens including designations as the Emerald Isle (Ireland), Emerald City (Seattle, WA and the Wizard of Oz’s magical home), and Emerald Buddha (Thailand’s most sacred religious icon which is actually carved from green jadeite). Green is considered by many cultures to be the color of life, and Emerald has long been associated with renewal, vitality, life, and spirit, and their soothing color is believed to relieve eye strain. The Ancient Greeks dedicated Emerald to the goddess Aphrodite, Egyptian queen Cleopatra decreed that all Emeralds mined in her territory were her property, and ancient cultures in the Americas, including the Muisca, Incaa, Maya, and Mexica considered Emeralds sacred and used them in religious ceremonies. The world’s largest gem quality emerald, the Chipembele, from Zambia, is 7,525 carats! For context, in 2011, Elizabeth Taylor’s famed 23.5 carat Emerald pendant sold for $6,578,500 ($280,000 per carat). Today, Emerald is May’s birthstone, the stone of spring, and given as 20th and 35th anniversary gifts.
Sterling Silver –Silver is considered a fine metal and, because of its durability, a tangible representation of lasting love and family bonds. It is also believed to strengthen emotional, mental, and physical well-being by promoting inner peace, alleviating stress and anxiety, and warding off negative energy. Wearing or carrying sterling silver serves as a personal talisman, enhancing one's inner strength and resilience. Silver is given as a 25th anniversary gift.