The Uses of Emerald Gemstones
Emeralds are a green variety of the stone called beryl. They are the most valuable and well-known green gemstone in the world and are used to make precious jewelry. Some people also use emerald gemstones for astrological purposes. People who believe that emeralds have particular properties that can improve health and well-being use these gems in even more ways. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Precious Jewelry
-
The green emerald is beautiful, rare and durable and has thus become one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. Emeralds occur in various shades including parrot green, kelly green and peacock green. The deeper the green and the more transparent the stone, the more valuable the emerald will be. Because natural emeralds are becoming more rare, some merchants fill stones with chemicals to enhance the brightness of dull stones. Be aware of this when purchasing emerald gemstones.
Emerald Cuts
-
Jewelers finish emeralds with facets in order to make gemstones for jewelry. The rectangular emerald cut was designed specifically for emeralds, which are sensitive to strong pressure and cannot usually be cut in the same way as diamonds or sapphires. Emeralds appear in different kinds of jewelry depending on the way they are cut: large emerald cut stones adorn rings and pendants while other emeralds, cut and polished into beads, go into necklaces and bracelets.
-
Western Astrology
-
Astrologers believe that wearing emerald gemstones has many benefits. In Western astrology, emerald is the birthstone of May and of the zodiac sign Taurus, ruled by Venus. Emerald is also the gemstone for couples' 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries. In Western astrology, the emerald is a symbol of faithfulness, friendship and loyalty as well as an aid to memory and clairvoyance. Some astrologers believe that emeralds have healing properties for conditions related to the eyes, spine, fertility and headaches, and that the gems can enhance mental capabilities.
Vedic Astrology
-
In Vedic (Indian) astrology, the emerald is the stone of Mercury and its sign Gemini, and the symbol of love and compassion. It can also improve health and wealth and increase the happiness of the wearer. According to Vedic lore, wearing an emerald increases your patience and makes you more consistent. Astrologers believe that if you receive an emerald as a present from a lover, your luck will improve. They also believe emeralds can protect their wearers from snakebite and evil spirits.
-
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
