-From the desk of Hank B. Siegel Click here to view pictures from Hamilton Jewelers events
I’m often asked what my favorite gemstone is, and while it’s a difficult choice, a stunning emerald will win my attention every time. In addition to a history rich in lore and legend, the emerald is a brilliant choice to usher in the spring season. Its color reflects new growth, which makes it the perfect choice of a birthstone for the month of May.
It’s also the gemstone for twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries. Clearly, the emerald is abundant in tradition and heritage. We continue to be inspired by this vivid gemstone to create distinctive jewelry such as this suite.
Stunning ring and matching earrings, crafted in 18k white gold. A design reminiscent of the Art Deco period, yet modern for today’s style, this set showcases brilliant emerald-cut emerald center gemstones, surrounded by round emeralds and diamonds. The ring also features vivid emeralds down the sides for a truly distinctive look. Earrings are available for $12,950 and the ring is $12,250.
The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation. Emerald’s lush green has soothed souls and excited imaginations since antiquity. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” The color green is known to relieve stress and eye strain.
There are other green gems, like tourmaline and peridot, but emerald is the one that’s always associated with the lushest landscapes and the richest greens. Ireland is the Emerald Isle. Seattle, is the Emerald City. Thailand’s most sacred religious icon is called the Emerald Buddha, even though it’s carved from green jadeite.
There is much legend associated with emerald. Emerald was once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Wearing an emerald was believed to reveal the truth or falseness of a lover’s oath as well as make one an eloquent speaker. Legend also states that emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon.