Emerald is a variety of the mineral Beryl, of which Aquamarine is also a variety. Emerald is the symbol of faith, kindness and goodness, and its color reflects new spring growth.

In ancient times those who wore the green to bluish-green stone were believed to be endowed with the power to reveal the faithfulness of their beloved. It was said in Roman times that gazing upon the stone would refresh and restore eyesight. Emerald is also the gemstone for the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

The first known Emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC, into the 1700s. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for Emerald, and used it in her royal adornments. Nowadays, most Emeralds come from Columbia and Brazil.

Although the hardness of Emerald is 7.5 on the Mohs scale, many Emeralds can be quite fragile due to internal fracture. Emeralds should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. For cleaning, use a warm soapy water solution and an old toothbrush.