Eminently Elegant and Ethical Emerald Engagement Rings

Emeralds are generally recognised as being of a deep green colour, but depending where they are mined, this can vary either from a yellowish to a bluish green colour. The deep bluish green emerald is usually found in Columbia, and these gems are highly prized for their intensity of colour and lustre when cut. Clarity is important when choosing an emerald and those stones that are flawless to the eye and have depth of colour are the most valuable. However some flaws are viewed as part of the stone's natural beauty and are not seen to detract from its innate beauty.

Rise in popularity

Emerald engagement rings have a long history, with Prince Albert giving his future wife Queen Victoria a serpentine ring. The snake symbolised eternal love and the emerald was Victoria’s birthstone. There is a long list of celebrities who have been presented with emerald engagement rings - from Jackie Kennedy to, more recently, Halle Berry, whose Columbian emerald had the whole world enamoured t.

The stone has had a revival of interest partly because people are looking for something different and unusual. An emerald ring is certainly a unique choice, and with a rich history combined with contemporary designs they offer tradition as well as innovation.

Symbolism

Although the birthstone for May (with a rich history for its meaning), the beautiful stone is not restricted to that particular sense. When it comes to a marriage, it has many connotations throughout the world, symbolising renewal, peace and tranquillity, harmony and healing. To pay homage to these beautiful messages through stunning emerald engagement rings is indeed a very romantic gesture.

Queen Cleopatra is reputed to have loved the stones and they are reported to have been traded 4000BC years ago in the markets of Babylon. It is even claimed that the Holy Grail was encrusted with them. Their use in betrothal rings was not an unusual choice throughout history, but with the rise in popularity of the diamond as the stone of choice, they declined in popularity. Now, however, it seems they are enjoying a new lease on life.

Fair Trade Emeralds

With more customers demanding that the emerald engagement rings they wear are ethically sourced, there is beginning to be more accountability as to where and how gemstones are mined. It is now possible to find emeralds that are mined without the use of harsh, environmentally damaging chemicals. Fair Trade companies are working towards making sure that the workers are paid a fair wage for the difficult and dangerous work they undertake to find these precious stones. What better peace of mind than knowing your emeralds have been mined in an ethical way, thus echoing the meaning of peace, harmony and a growing awareness of the global environment in a very real sense?

Frederick Holm is staff writer for the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best emerald engagement rings to precious metals, coloured stones and vintage styles, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.