May is here—and so is her majestic birthstone, the Emerald.
Emeralds are one of the four "cardinal" gemstones, alongside diamonds, sapphires and rubies. At one time, amethysts were on this list of rare stones until vast amethyst deposits were discovered in South America, making them much more common (and inexpensive).
Perfect emeralds are very rare. Because they are so susceptible to flaws, the industry allows them to be graded with the naked eye (that is, without magnification). This allows them a bit of a "reprieve" from the harsh standards of other rare gemstones—as almost no samples would pass muster under rigid scrutiny. The most valuable color is a deep green, but one that is very clear and bright.
Emeralds are a variety of Beryl and its green coloration is due to chromium "impurities" trapped within the stone's chemical structure. They were first mined in Egypt circa 1500 BC, then later in India and Austria. They have also been discovered in the New World; Cortez is known to have wowed the Spanish court with his impressive booty of the handsome green stone. Today, half the world's emeralds come from Columbia and another 20% are mined in Zambia.
The name comes fro the Vulgar Latin "Esmaraldal Esmaraldus," which means "green gem."
The Art Deco cufflinks, shown above, are not made of emeralds. They do, however, have a beautiful emerald green enameling which beautifully complements the guilloche work below. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248