Have you ever dreamed of having emerald-piercing eyes? Or being kissed by a fairy-tale prince who is going to charm you instantly when looking at you with his emerald-hued eyes? I bet you did, no matter what the answers to these question might be. Because I have been there and I am still mad at my genes that caused my eyes to be brown instead of green. But I always must confess that, given my addiction to the vivid green color, I always thought that wearing things in this tone would compensate for the lack of 'wearing' it in my eyes' iris. And this could really work, especially if I had such a beautiful gem as the emerald is to wear in a necklace or a pair of earrings. And, again, this is why I am more than honored to present you today the very crystal that has stolen my heart - welcome the emerald!

What was found to had been the most treasured jewelery of Cleopatra, who almost never appeared in public without being adorned in emeralds, the gem that was dedicated by the romans to the goddess of beauty, Venus, the crystal that was sought after even by Ramses II and through which the Roman Emperor Nero used to watch the gladiator fights... this is the emerald. A stone that was discovered very early in history - traded in one of the first known gem markets in Babylon, around 4000 B.C. - and that is more precious and dear than a diamond when weighing more than a carat.

The symbol of nature and regeneration, of liveliness, vigor and joy of life, the clear, vivid and bright hue of the emerald makes it one of the most beautiful and desired stones in the world. It is the traditional crystal for the signs of the Taurus and the Cancer in European astrology, protecting them and endowing them at the same time with calmness, tolerance and patience.

History. The gemstone about which Pliny the Elder, the Roman nobleman and highly-praised ancient author, noted that it was always a pleasure to the eye and its color, seen in all types of lights, was never going to tire our visions, is one of the oldest crystals in the world. Data shows that emeralds were present as early as 2600 million years ago in Zimbabwe and as early as 9 million years ago in Pakistan. Mined by Ramses II in 1300 B. C. and also found in the Middle Ages near Salzburg, in Austria, the emerald has always been considered a crystal of Divine origin, as it used to be dedicated to the Venus goddess by Romans and also heavily worn by Cleopatra, the ancient Egypt ruler.

Variety. Emerald is the most precious variety of the beryl mineral and its color can range from light green to dark, bluish-green. It is extracted in Colombia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Russia, Australia, India, the US etc.

Uses. Given its beauty and exquisiteness, the emerald is almost exclusively used for ornamental purposes, embedded in precious metals to create fine jewelry.

Lore and therapeutic uses. Emerald has been extensively used in alternative therapy to treat both physical and emotional disorders, as when worn close to one's body it is very effective in easing symptoms of a wide range of diseases and also in preserving the health of almost all organs in our body.

As a general rule, emeralds increase one's vigor and they bring vitality and positive thoughts to any individual. Its green color ups stamina, dynamism and energy, for which reason it is often used in curing chronic fatigue and, overall, low energy. It is also very potent in chasing away depression and any type of distress one could experience.

Emeralds are also the lucky gemstones for the following signs: Taurus (in the European horoscope) and Ram (in the Chinese horoscope).