The Special Affinities of Emerald Engagement Rings

Emerald engagement rings have a rich and ancient history, revered by such famous figures as Cleopatra and Aristotle. However, aside from its undeniable beauty, this popularity, in part, arises from the special and often magical properties assigned to this ancient gemstone.

Many cultures throughout the centuries have believed the emerald to be a very powerful stone. The ancients associated the stone with Venus, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and it was said that the stone could prevent lovers from being unfaithful – though, naturally, this was mainly in the context of women, not men. It was said that the gem would glow a beautiful, rich green colour if the heart was loyal, but if the heart were unfaithful, then the stone would turn a dull, lifeless colour. Clearly a useful quality for emerald engagement rings to have.

Emeralds were believed to be capable of bestowing goodness in one’s life. The ancient Egyptians believed emeralds stood for fertility and rebirth, and it was also widely believed that emeralds would enable people to foretell future events – but only if placed under the tongue. This talented green gem was also said to reveal what was true or false and act as an antidote for enchantments and spells. Virtues believed to be bestowed on owners of emeralds included improved eloquence in speech, intelligence, honesty and creativity. It was also believed that a special emerald would change colour in order to alert the wearer of impending danger.

Perhaps most famously, emeralds were largely believed to have medicinal properties. In particular, the admired green colour was believed to relieve stress and eye strain. In almost every culture, it was claimed that emeralds helped eyesight. During the time of Hippocrates, emeralds were often crushed into fine powder to be used in eye lotion. Perhaps this is why Emperor Nero used an emerald to watch the renowned gladiator matches. Other ailments believed to be cured by emeralds included colic, burns, syphilis, influenza, epilepsy, cancer, heart disorders and many others. Even today, the powder of cheaper, lower quality emeralds is still used in folk remedies in China.

In other words, as well as being beautiful, emerald engagement rings appear to have many uses and virtues. It certainly appears that there are many advantages for couples to consider emerald engagement rings over the traditional diamond engagement rings.

Frederick Holm writes for the F&L Designer Guides, which hosts a thriving community of independent engagement ring designers in the UK. Inspired by their journey of discovery in search of distinctive, one of a kind emerald engagement rings, F&L now celebrates the works of their favourite designers and helps promote the notion of "Go Bespoke" as a more imaginative and interesting alternative to the limitations of High Street shopping.