Emeralds are the blueish green to green variety of the mineral beryl (Aquamarines are also beryl!). Emeralds are a relatively hard and durable gemstone, rating a 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that they require a bit more care than a diamond or sapphire but can still be worn and enjoyed!
Shop our Melissa bezel set studs - available in green emerald!
The first emerald mines date back to ancient Egypt; Cleopatra was a supposed emerald fan herself, using it in her adornments. Today, Columbia is the largest producer of emeralds, followed by countries like Zambia, Brazil, and Madagascar. Emeralds are considered rare, especially ones of high quality, because they are only found in a very specific section of the earth’s crust. Fun fact: natural emeralds usually feature inclusions left over from the growing process.
Shop our one-of-a-kind Eula estate ring!
The color of emeralds ranges with the deep lush green variety generally being the most desirable. There are other green gemstones (peridot and tourmaline), but emeralds continue to be the most well-known and most prized green gem available. Emeralds have been a favorite of celebrities and royals alike! Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Kennedy both had emerald pieces in their collections.
Shop our Daria huggies - available in green emerald!
Here at LP, we too are continually mesmerized by these gemstones. Shop our collection of emerald pieces if you too want to rock these green beauties!