Emeralds were not only the "object of fascination" for Cleopatra. Since time immemorial men and women have equally been attracted to this birthstone of the month of May. A fine and real emerald is actually a breathtaking sight. No wonder it is one of the "big four" other than ruby, sapphire and diamond. An emerald is often used to commemorate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
The major producers of Emerald are Colombia and Brazil along with the other countries in South America. A lot of Emerald mines can also be found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Zambia, all in Africa. Often a particular color of the stone, which is usually collected from different places, is named after the place from where it is most commonly found. So Columbian Emerald is the slightly bluish stone, whereas Brazilian Emerald is the lighter version.
From blue-green to yellow-green, a large range of the green color can be found in Emeralds. The most popular one is the grass green one, which has a hint of blue as well. The monetary value of the stone varies with the intensity of the color. The worth of an Emerald is also altered by its size. Almost all emeralds have internal flaws, which are filled up with oil or colored epoxies. Inclusions, which make the stone fragile, are more acceptable in Emeralds than in any other stone. Emeralds of top quality that are un-enhanced are much more expensive than the treated ones.
Glass, green cubic zirconia, YAG, spinal triplets and beryl triplets are the imitations of Emerald that can be found in the market. The stone is also produced synthetically via 2 major processes, for the last 50 years. However, there are signs that can help the appraisers and gemologists to differentiate the original from the synthetic ones.
Emeralds as solitaires can be commonly seen in earrings and rings. However, the color-range of the stone compliments one another and enables them to be clustered in necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets. Almost all the shades of the gemstone go well with gold. A very bright Emerald is more glamorous when set in white gold or platinum.
Diamonds are most commonly used as accent stones for Emerald jewelry. But the stone can be very well combined with other colorful gemstones like ruby and sapphire as well, as in the Tutti frutti collection of Cartier. If you are falling short of cash then you can also choose to combine it with semi precious stones like garnets, amethyst or citrines.
Emerald jewelry should never be cleaned with any ultrasonic cleaner. The internal flaws that occur in the stone due to this cleaning procedure can shatter actually it. Soapy water should also be avoided when cleaning Emerald jewelry because the liquid might erode away the oil fillings in the stone. Emerald is very hard but the inner flaws of the stone make it susceptible to breakage on impact.
There are many jewelers who sell Emerald jewelry. You can also purchase it online. You should, however, be careful before investing a fortune in purchasing Emerald jewelry. Always ask for a certificate of authentication if the jeweler claims the stone to be real, as it can be very expensive. If you are getting an artificial one, then you should enquire about the method in which the stone has been created and check the clarity as well. While buying Emerald jewelry online always look out if you are provided with a certificate and a money back guarantee.
Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Of-Emeralds-And-Emerald-Jewelry/145243
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