The green of the emerald - the color of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the color of beauty and of constant love. Deep green is the most desired color in emeralds. The paler the color of the emerald, the lesser its value.
Emerald ShapesSOURCE OF EMERALD
Emeralds have been held in high esteem since ancient times. Probably the oldest known finds were once made near the Red Sea in Egypt. More recently, layers of emerald have been found in Brazil, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
This fascinating gemstone, is considered goddess among gemstones. It is believed to provide peace and harmony. Emeralds come in a wide shade of greens, from yellow-green to blue-green. The most valuable is grass green with a hint of blue. The intensity and brightness of the color also affect the monetary value. Emeralds are also cut in many classical shapes, like, round, square, pear, oval etc.
The green of the emerald - the color of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the color of beauty and of constant love. Deep green is the most desired color in emeralds. The paler the color of the emerald, the lesser its value.
Shades of EmeraldSOURCE OF EMERALD
Emeralds have been held in high esteem since ancient times. Probably the oldest known finds were once made near the Red Sea in Egypt. More recently, layers of emerald have been found in Brazil, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
This fascinating gemstone, is considered goddess among gemstones. It is believed to provide peace and harmony. Emeralds come in a wide shade of greens, from yellow-green to blue-green. The most valuable is grass green with a hint of blue. The intensity and brightness of the color also affect the monetary value. Emeralds are also cut in many classical shapes, like, round, square, pear, oval etc.
Pearls have always been expensive, so much so that the 20th century saw the emergence of the cultured pearl.
Pearl ShapesSOURCE OF PEARLS
Pearls are now preferred to diamonds - for a long time, then, they were thought of as a badge of respectability, almost of authority rather than the exotic and fascinating jewels that they are. Pearls are formed as a result of layer upon layer of a substance known as nacre, secreted by the oyster.
Literally hundreds of oysters have to be opened before one is found with a pearl. Nor can you cut it neither shape it as you can with other gems. They improve with wear, picking up faint traces of oil from your skin - so rub them with soft chamois leather rather than washing them.
Pearls have always been expensive, so much so that the 20th century saw the emergence of the cultured pearl.
Shades of PearlsSOURCE OF PEARLS
Pearls are now preferred to diamonds - for a long time, then, they were thought of as a badge of respectability, almost of authority rather than the exotic and fascinating jewels that they are. Pearls are formed as a result of layer upon layer of a substance known as nacre, secreted by the oyster.
Literally hundreds of oysters have to be opened before one is found with a pearl. Nor can you cut it neither shape it as you can with other gems. They improve with wear, picking up faint traces of oil from your skin - so rub them with soft chamois leather rather than washing them.
Emerald Shapes Shades of Emerald Pearl Shapes Shades of Pearls
This gemstone still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions.
Headgear of the Nizam of HyderabadFAMOUS EMERALDS
The magnificient jewlry of the Nizams of Hyderabad boast of many emerald jewelry, including sarpench (bejew-elled headgear), necklaces, waist-belts, brace-lets, anklets, finger-rings, pocket watches. In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. They wore gems as much for protection as pleasure.
Some of the most famous emeralds are to be seen in museums and collections. The New York Museum of Natural History, for example, has an exhibit in which a cup made of pure emerald which belonged to the Emperor Jehangir. Also seen here is the Emerald and Diamond Tiara of Queen Victoria designed by her husband Prince Albert.
This gemstone still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions.
Queen Victoria's Emerald TiaraFAMOUS EMERALDS
The magnificient jewlry of the Nizams of Hyderabad boast of many emerald jewelry, including sarpench (bejew-elled headgear), necklaces, waist-belts, brace-lets, anklets, finger-rings, pocket watches. In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. They wore gems as much for protection as pleasure.
Some of the most famous emeralds are to be seen in museums and collections. The New York Museum of Natural History, for example, has an exhibit in which a cup made of pure emerald which belonged to the Emperor Jehangir. Also seen here is the Emerald and Diamond Tiara of Queen Victoria designed by her husband Prince Albert.
Pearls can ooze sophistication.
Princess Diana's Pearl ChokerFAMOUS PEARLS
Who can forget princess Diana's multi-strand pearl choker, with huge sapphire clasp worn on a black dress, or Audrey Hepburn as holly go lightly and her ensemble of streaky blonde hair, dark glasses and pearl earrings? Women like Sarah Jessica parker prize them, as do Mariah Carey, Rita Ora and Rihanna.
Pearls can ooze sophistication.
Mariah Carey's Pearl EarringsFAMOUS PEARLS
Who can forget princess Diana's multi-strand pearl choker, with huge sapphire clasp worn on a black dress, or Audrey Hepburn as holly go lightly and her ensemble of streaky blonde hair, dark glasses and pearl earrings? Women like Sarah Jessica parker prize them, as do Mariah Carey, Rita Ora and Rihanna.
Headgear of Nizam Emerald Tiara Pearl Choker Pearl Earrings