Category Archives: Emeralds

Gemstone production in North Carolina North Carolina ranks among the top ten producers of gemstones in the United States, and is perhaps the only state in the United States that had produced all four major gemstones; diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Other gemstones found in North Carolina include hiddenite, aquamarine, garnet etc. The main gem-producing […]

Origin of name The Topkapi Emerald Dagger is the renowned jewel-studded dagger of mid-18th century origin, preserved and displayed for public viewing at the treasury of the Topkapi Palace Museum, in Istanbul, Turkey. One side of the handle of the dagger is set with three large Colombian emeralds of good color and clarity whose size […]

The Tumbled Emerald Necklace – a popular exhibit in the NMNH of the Smithsonian Institution The tumbled emerald necklace hanging from the raised hands of the statute of a laughing Buddha in the standing posture, is a popular exhibit among the gem and mineral collection of the National Museum of  Natural History of the Smithsonian […]

Origin of name The term “parure” (pah-rur) that came into popular usage in France and later other European countries in the 17th century, refer to an entire wardrobe or suite of matching jewelry, which became a status symbol for the royalty, noble and wealthier classes. A parure meant for the royalty usually included a diadem, […]

Origin of name The Duke of Devonshire Emerald gets its name from the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, who according to one version, received the enormous gemstone as a gift from the first emperor of Brazil, Don Pedro I, the son of King John VI of Portugal, but according to a second version purchased […]

Origin of name The “Crown of the Andes,” one of the most renowned pieces of Jewelry of 16th-century origin, is perhaps one of the first pieces of jewelry to be adorned with emeralds of Colombian origin, after the discovery of emeralds in Colombia in the mid-16th century. The renowned piece represents one of the finest […]

Origin of name The Chalk Emerald Ring which is an important and famous exhibit in the National Gem Collection of the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution, gets its name from the one time owner of the emerald Mrs. Claire Chalk, wife of Oscar Roy Chalk, the renowned New York entrepreneur who […]

Catherine the Great, a great patron of the arts, literature and education Catherine II also known as Catherine the Great, was one of the greatest monarchs in the history of Russia, who ruled for 34 years from 1762 to 1796. Catherine II together with Peter the Great are considered as two of the greatest rulers […]