The lush green of Emeralds has soothed souls and excited imaginations for centuries. The term “emerald” simply means “green gem”, and the first known emerald mines were in Egypt and date from 330 BC. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emeralds, and used it in her royal adornments.

The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation. They are mined globally, with the most famous found in Columbia. Other emerald mining is done in Afghanistan, Zambia Brazil and Ethiopia.