Emeralds were first mined in Egypt from at least 330 BC into the 1700s. The oldest emeralds from South Africa are 2.97 billion years old.
Cleopatra was passionate for emeralds, and used it in her royal adornments. Legend has it that if an emerald was placed under the tongue you would be able to see the future, and it was believed that Emerald could cure disease. Emeralds were dedicated to Venus by the Romans, and the Incas used emeralds in ceremonies and jewelry for 500 years before the 16th century.
Emeralds are a member of the beryl family and Chromium or vanadium produces the green color.
They are the birthstone for the month of May and It’s also the gemstone for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
If you have emerald jewelry you don't wear, come to Accent in Memphis and we will give you a cash price. We have the most credentialed staff of all Memphis jewelry buyers! Learn more.
