Rich, royal, beautiful & splendid are the words that roll off your tongue by mere mentioning of 'Emerald.' What makes it so special? It's magnificent color, its rarity, durability or those virtues associated with this gem? Well, all these qualities, considered together, ascribe a stone the status of a precious gemstone.

Emerald is a gemstone from the beryl family of stones having a stunning green color, symbolizing serenity & peace. This name was derived from the French esmeraude, which means simply 'green stone.' Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws and these flaws are considered a part of the character of the stone.

Emerald is having deep velvet green to having a shade of grass green. The gorgeous green of the emerald is a color which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre. The human eye can never see enough of this unique color. Green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never as monotonous. It is the symbol of happiness, success in love, wealth and peace of mind. Emerald has soothing touch and pleasant sight, which gives peaceful vibrations and captivates the heart. It retains its color and luster in all kinds of lights and shades.

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May & for the zodiac sign of Taurus. It is also believed to be the sacred stone of the goddess Venus. It was thought to preserve love. Lucky for love, give your lover an emerald to stay faithful. There are many notions about emerald. Emeralds increases eyesight, food grains, property, off springs and destroys black magic, bad effects by evil spirits and nightmares. It also is said to help one discover false friends. It is also said to assist women in childbirth. Legend says emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future. Emerald gemstone increases reasoning power, presence of mind and spiritual power. It is traditionally given on the 35th and 55th marriage anniversaries.

Most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia. It is also found in India, Russia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Afghanistan & Madagascar; however, Colombia continues to be at the top of the list of the countries in which fine emeralds are found.

It was known that Emerald was a favorite gem of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. Emeralds also adorned Russian crown jewels. One of the world's largest is the so-called 'Mogul Emerald'. It dates from 1695, weighs 217.80 carats, and is some 10cm tall.