1.26ct Natural Emerald

May’s birthstone is the emerald.

The emerald belongs to the beryl family of minerals that include aquamarine (one of March’s birthstones), heliodor, and morganite. Beryl, or beryllium aluminum silicate in chemical jargon, is a six-sided symmetrical crystal. Beryl contains beryllium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.

Emeralds vary in color from light to deep green. It’s commonly thought that an emerald’s color derives from the presence of chromium and/or vanadium replacing some of the aluminum in the mineral’s structure. The stone can, however, lose its color when heated strongly.

Several famous historical artifacts were made of emeralds. Among them is the Crown of the Andes, said to be made from emeralds worn by Atahualpa, the last Inca (king) of Peru. The crown is set with about 450 emeralds, collectively weighing 10 ounces (1523 carats).

Emeralds are most frequently found inside a form of shale – a fine-grained sedimentary rock. Emerald-bearing shale has undergone recrystallization caused by changes in the physical environment such as pressure and temperature. Colombia produces the largest and highest quality emeralds. They were also discovered, and subsequently mined, in the Ural Mountains of Russia around 1830. In the United States, emeralds can be found in North Carolina. Around the world, they also occur in Zambia, Brazil, Pakistan, Norway, Austria, India, Madagascar, and Australia.

Synthetic manufacture of emeralds was achieved by German chemists shortly before World War II. But growing synthetic stones of fine quality began in the United States in 1946. There are also excellent imitation emeralds on the market made of colored cut glass.

The emerald’s name is indirectly derived from the Greek word “smaragdos,” a term applied to several kinds of green stones. The history of emeralds can be traced back to antiquity. They were worn by royalty in Babylon and Egypt. Tools dating back to 1300 B.C., during the reign of Rameses II, have been found in emerald mines in Egypt. Queen Cleopatra’s emeralds were believed to originate from mines in Southern Egypt, near the Red Sea.

When the conquistadors first arrived in South America from Spain, they saw indigenous rulers wearing emeralds. They took large quantities of emeralds from the Peruvians during the invasion, but the source of the emeralds was not discovered. Then in 1537, the Spaniards found Chivor in Colombia, now the location of an important emerald mine. They also took over the Muzo mine following the defeat of the Muzo Indians. Mining operations at Muzo have continued almost uninterrupted since the Spanish invasion. It is perhaps the most famous emerald mine in Colombia and is said to produce the world’s best emeralds.

There are many myths associated with the emerald. The stone was once believed to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure dysentery and fever, and protect the wearer from panic. Its magnificent green color was said to rest and relieve the eye. To the ancient Romans, emeralds were dedicated to the goddess Venus because the green emerald symbolized the reproductive forces of nature. Early Christians saw it as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. In the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to hold the power to foretell the future.

Decatur Jewelry & Pawn stocks a wide variety of diamonds and gemstones in all sizes, shapes and colors.  If we do not have your choice in stock, our vast network of gemologists, diamond dealers and gemstone brokers are able to locate any gemstone within a short time.

Allow Decatur Jewelry & Pawn to be your source for all your gemstone needs.  We also specialize in mother’s rings, family rings, along with emerald gemstone jewelry.

For more information, please email us here, or call toll free 1-888-877-GEMS (4367)

SOLD:

ROLEX:

18K GOLD & STAINLESS

SUBMARINER WATCH

$7,995.00

Decatur Jewelry & Pawn is one of Central Illinois’ largest pre-owned Rolex resellers.  We are strong buyers of both ladies and gent’s Rolex watches, paying cash.  No need for an appointment, but is recommended so we can give you our undivided attention and service.  Shop our vast selection online or in person at our Decatur location.  We also provide expert authorized Rolex repairs through our vast network of factory-authorized Rolex Repair Facilities.

Box & Papers

Model 16613

• 
• 

• Series 68803
• Quality 14K White
  
• Size SIZE 07.00/ .08 CT TW
  
• Finish Polished
  
• DIAMOND HEART RING
  

68803 / 14K White / SIZE 07.00/ .08 CT TW / Polished / DIAMOND HEART RING

Item #: 68803:100:P

$349.99 (Valentine’s On-Line Special)

To Order, please email plewin@decaturjewelry.com or call toll free 1-888-877-GEMS (4367)

Diamond Stud Earrings

FIND THE PERFECT DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS

Decatur Jewelry & Pawn only  sells only the highest quality Diamond Stud Earrings, backed by our own  guarantees & appraisal.

Choose from our huge selection of Diamond Stud Errings.  All diamonds are hand-picked by our GIA Trained staff and expertly set into the earring settings in house by one of our two master jewelers.

All diamonds are graded SI1, SI2 Clarity, H-I Color, nicely matched.  If you are local, feel free to visit our store and select the diamonds yourself from our stock.  We’ll gladly set these into the stud earrings of your choice: 14k white gold, 14k yellow gold or platinum.

1/4 ct. Total Weight: $249.99

1/2ct. Total Weight:  $499.95

3/4ct. Total Weight: $995.95

1.00ct. Total Weight: $1,299.95

1.50ct. Total Weight: $2,696.99

2.00ct. Total Weight: $6,499.95

To Order, email plewin@decaturjewelry.com or call toll free  1-888-877-GEMS (4367)

To Order, please email plewin@decaturjewelry.com or call toll free 1-888-877-GEMS (4367)

Floating Chocolate & White Diamond Heart

1/4 ct tw Brown & White Diamond Heart Necklace

To order, email plewin@decaturjewelry.com or call 1-888-877-GEMS (4367)

Sterling Heart Key To Her Heart Pendant

1/6 ct tw Diamond Heart 18″ Necklace