Getting to Know the Emerald: The Stone of Kings

Posted by gfwp_admin on May 20, 2021 in | Comments Off on Getting to Know the Emerald: The Stone of Kings

From the Emerald City of Oz to the neck of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, there is no shortage of this deep, stunning green color in pop culture and historical studies. What you may not know, however, is that this May birthstone boasts many folkloric and symbolic connections throughout the ancient and modern day world. When it comes to choosing a piece, all of us at Sorg Jewelers want our clients to feel completely in the loop from start to finish. Join us on this month’s birthstone journey as we uncover and learn the mystery of the effervescent Emerald.

What’s in a name: The Greek History Low-Down

The name Emerald is a variation of the Greek name smaragdos, which was given to a collection of stones that shared only one thing in common: They were all shades of green. Before the true value of this stone was known, the name emerald was more or less a commonplace term. Since then, stones that were also classified as a form of smaragdos have been renamed as garnet and carbuncle.

Emerald and the Egyptian Queen: Cleopatra’s Vice

Her royal highness Cleopatra may have been responsible for bringing this rare and beautiful gemstone into view as the “Stone of Kings”. Ancient Egyptians regarded the Emerald as a sacred symbol of immortality and fertility. The queen was known to present the stone as a gift to foreign leaders and decorate her palace walls with the gemstone as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The Gemstone of Truth and Other Emerald Symbolism

Known to be a revealer of truth, the emerald is rumored to have the power to reverse illusions and spells, as well as illuminate the true intentions of a lover. In both rough and faceted forms, the stone is said to clear the head of the owner enough to make informed decisions about material items and romance. Emerald is also said to:

Bring wealth, power and eloquence to the wearer.
Bestow the ability to predict the future.
Strengthen memory and increase intelligence.

Emeralds in Astrology

In Hinduism, the emerald is closely associated with the planet Mercury, which is seen in the traditional “nine-gem” jewel setting called Navaratna, pictured to the right. It was their belief that in the practice of offering these gems to the Gods, they would be rewarded. In Western astrology, the emerald is associated with the planet Venus, instead. This plays off the Greek and Roman belief that Venus emerged from the sea, giving the plant it’s blue-green hue. The same can be said for the precious emerald in the world of modern astrology.

At Sorg Jewelers we pride ourselves on service, having offered outstanding guidance and craftsmanship for over 120 years. From custom pieces to folkloric traditions, we have you covered from the moment you walk through our doors. Have more questions about the world of emeralds? Do you have a stone you’d like to see a deep dive done on? Let us know! Visit our website for more!