Green Grandeur

Cleopatra, history8217;s most famous jewel lover may have seduced Mark Antony with a pearl but she kept the emeralds to herself.

Cleopatra, history8217;s most famous jewel lover may have seduced Mark Antony with a pearl but she kept the emeralds to herself. Emerald in its brilliant green clarity reminds me of the serenity and immortality of the virgin valleys of the lush green mountains. The green fire always infuses intriguing passion in me. Perhaps, that may explain its ancient and universal appeal.

The word 8216;Emerald8217; is a variation of the Greek word 8216;smaragdos8217; via old French 8216;esmeralde8217; and means 8216;green gemstone8217;. Ancient Egyptians are believed to be the first emerald miners in the eastern desert region 2000 years before Cleopatra8217;s birth. Today, emeralds are mined largely quality wise in Colombia, though Brazil leads the world export of emerald even to India. Emerald colour variates from strong bluish green to green hues and may be slightly yellowish green as well.

Royalty world over has romanced emeralds and one may glimpse how by picking a book on royal jewels. Emerald represents exalted faith, love and victory. The British Queen owns a enviable collection of emerald jewellery. Indian Moghuls loved the green gem so much that they engraved on them sacred texts. Emerald is believed to sharpen the wit and intelligence and enhance eloquence. The Museum of Natural History in New York exhibits a cup made of pure emerald belonging to Emperor Jehangir. Akbar8217;s love for the stone was grandly showcased by Tanishq in Jodha Akbar. The sacred text of Hinduism describes it as a gem of goodluck and well-being. Hence it is not surprising that Indian royalty owns treasure chests full of emerald ornaments.

But be inspired, not disheartened. Thanks to our designers and craftsmen and variety of imitation available, we may equally enjoy the gemstone that once beautified the royalty. Emerald adds grace mounted in a cocktail ring as well as in an Indian Jadau or an Edwardian studded neck piece. It gels very well with every day Indian outfits and western wear. Emerald encasing and 8216;pirohi8217; in Kundan and Jadau brings out the minimalistic use of green in the lehengas especially those designed by Ritu Kumar. The contrast looks ravishing in both morning and evening functions. Green highlights most base colours very well. It looks equally stunning worn with in an evening gown. The colour, it seems, will continue to rule the colour pallete. One may team up their emerald accessories with dresses in subtle green hues designed by the likes of Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Gayatari Khanna, Nandita Mahtani and Diane Von. One may also opt for a single colour outfit and enhance it with emeralds and beautify their eyes in green shadows.

For fashionistas, who want to go all out, green bags are available. There8217;s Gisselle Tote from Luella as well as Kenzo8217;s cheerful green bag. Watch lovers may indulge in Omega Quadrella in its enchanting green strap which comes encased in a diamond studded dial.

Our jewellery communicates our style and it is essentially important to let your persona emerge. I have tried to display a few ways in which emeralds may be set and coordinated in the pictures accompanying this article. A little word of caution before investing in your gemstone. All that glitters is not gold and all emeralds are not real, mined emeralds. Some of the fakes include the Zerfass Emerald, which is a synthetic emerald; Evening Emerald is actually peridot; Cape Emerald is in fact prehnite found in South Africa. The Indian Emerald is in fact green-dyed quartz while Spanish/ Medina Emerald is green glass; Uralian Emerald is actually green garnet while Catham 038; Gilson Emerald is popular synthetic emerald from USA.

While purchasing emeralds insist on certificate of authenticity and follow the four Cs, though it is the depth and brilliance of the colour that predominates the price. Emerald is a fragile stone hence store it individually and always have it professionally cleaned. With the wedding season around the corner, get engaged exchanging emerald rings, the stone for undying love and fidelity. Richard Burton expressed his passion and love towards Elizabeth Taylor within emerald engagement ring. So, ditch the diamonds this year!

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The writer is a city-based researcher specialising in jewellery art and can be contacted at sameeraahaan02gmail.com