Emerald Rings: Symbols of Love and Loyalty

Unlike most valuable stones, the emerald is naturally found in several countries, and in generous amounts -- Australia itself boasts of at least nine mines. However, this abundance does not make emeralds less valuable. This is because although there are many of the precious gems to be had, most of them are far from perfect. They are extremely brittle and are often full of unsightly inclusions and cracks, some of which can only be seen after years of being set in jewellery. Most natural-mined stones also exhibit a lack of colour and lustre that is so highly sought after in gemstones.

In fact, natural emeralds of excellent quality are so rare that they can be valued at two to three times more than a diamond with a similar carat count. They do exist, but they are so expensive that very few people could afford them.

Luckily, science has found a way to mimic the process that occurs in nature and gives us these beautiful stones. The created gems are formed from the very same material as the natural stones are, and are clearer, stronger, and have a more vibrant colour from having been so carefully grown. It is akin to growing tomatoes in a greenhouse -- if tomatoes sparkled and were a deep, alluring green.

However it comes about, though, the emerald is a gem that is linked with myth and lore. First discovered around 6,000 years ago, the emerald has been part of human history for so long that many civilizations and cultures have attributed mystic traits to it.

Emerald rings were once worn to grant the wearer the gift of fortune telling or "second sight," or to grant good fortune in business.

The Greeks associated the emerald with eternal love, claiming it as the sacred stone of the goddess of love and beauty herself, Aphrodite. Later, the Romans would carry on the tradition, offering emeralds to the goddess Venus as tributes.

As time progressed, people continued to associate emeralds with romance. They symbolized devotion, adoration, and friendship between two lovers, and were even said to change colour when one was unfaithful.

Today, emerald rings are almost as popular as diamond engagement rings. They are the more historically accurate choice, too, since it was once believed that emeralds display the degree of love between two people. They are associated with hope, harmony, growth, loyalty, balance, and prosperity -- all of which protect affection and are essential to a healthy, happy relationship. Emeralds are one of the few gemstones that are symbolically associated with a wide range of life experiences, hopefully alluding to a strong and long-lasting partnership. It is a ring that truly does say "forever, for better or for worse."

Emerald rings used for the purpose for promising oneself to another were first popularized in the Art Deco period, and many antique rings from that time are still in circulation today. If you are looking for something with a little history, you will find them for sale at auctions and estate sales.

Many famous lovers knew the value of the beautiful and symbolic gem, and made it a part of their love stories. John F. Kennedy proposed to his lady love and fashion icon Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy with a 2.88 carat diamond and 2.84 carat emerald engagement ring in 1953, and it became the talk of the town, setting standard of the time. Richard Burton practically showered his own wife, the lovely Elizabeth Taylor, with emeralds. He gave her an emerald and diamond brooch as an engagement present, which was followed by an emerald necklace for a wedding present, which in turn was followed shortly by earrings, a bracelet, and the essential ring.

While it is customary for women to wear these rings, there are also men's rings. Like those for women, they are usually crafted from white gold or yellow gold, featuring a single gem in a solitaire arrangement. They can even be worn as matching wedding bands, or as promise rings.

Today, it is encouraged to break from tradition, even if, by breaking it, you actually follow more ancient ones. Choosing an emerald ring not only echoes symbolism that has carried over from ancient civilizations; it brings a refreshing change of pace. Bee Jewellery's collection includes a variety of emerald rings in different cuts and set in different types of gold, like the Royal Princess Emerald Eternity Ring -- a 9-carat gold ring set with three princess cut emeralds divided by rows of brilliant diamonds. Make her life interesting and full of colour -- exactly like your stone of choice.