Brazilian Emerald: Gemstone and Jewelry

Brazilian emerald is a gemstone that has captivated people’s attention for centuries now. It’s a type of emerald that is mined exclusively from Brazil. The gemstone itself is known for its green color, which is a result of the presence of chromium and vanadium in the mineral beryl. Brazilian emerald is a higher quality emerald compared to emeralds found in other parts of the world, making them highly sought after among collectors and jewelry designers. In this article, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, sources, and jewelry made from Brazilian emerald.

History:  

Emerald was initially celebrated by the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the green color symbolized fertility, rebirth, and eternal youth. The gemstone was also used in jewelry and decorative pieces because of its rich shades of green. In Rome, Cleopatra herself was a proud owner of emeralds, which she wore to signify her royal status.

In the 16th century, the Spanish discovered emerald deposits in South America. It is believed that the first ever emeralds were found in Colombia in the 1520s by Spanish conquistadors. Brazilian emerald, however, wasn’t discovered until much later. The first evidence of the gemstone was found in the 1800s when gold miners stumbled upon it while searching for precious metals in the state of Minas Gerais.

Characteristics:  

Brazilian emerald is a type of beryl and is closely related to aquamarine and morganite. The gemstone is highly valued for its deep green color, which is due to the presence of chromium and vanadium. While emeralds from other locations tend to be less intense in color, Brazilian emeralds have a rare and vivid hue.

The clarity of a Brazilian emerald is also highly valued. Most of the emeralds are cut to have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, and these inclusions are known as jardin. Jardin inclusion patterns can be unique among emeralds, making each individual stone one of a kind. Brazilian emerald typically has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, meaning it’s slightly harder than quartz. This makes them durable enough for everyday wear.

Sources:  

Brazilian emeralds are exclusively sourced from Brazil, specifically the state of Minas Gerais. The area has been a hub for mining since the late 1600s. The three primary mines that produce quality emeralds are Nova Era, Coscuez, and Belmont. Nova Era is the most significant producer of Brazilian emeralds in Minas Gerais, accounting for almost 90% of the total amount produced in the region.

The mine has a rich history, with the first discovery of emeralds dating back to 1923. Coscuez is the primary source of emeralds from Colombia. However, the country also produces some Brazilian emerald. Belmont is a relatively new mine discovery in Minas Gerais, and the emeralds produced there are considered to be of exceptional quality.

Jewelry:  

Brazilian emerald is a popular choice for jewelry due to its beautiful green color and rarity. The emeralds can be used in any type of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. When it comes to rings, Brazilian emeralds are often set in a classic style with a simple metal band to emphasize the gemstone’s beauty. They can also be paired with diamonds or other precious gems to create a more intricate design. In necklaces, Brazilian emeralds can be incorporated into a pendant, or they can be strung together with other gems in a beaded necklace.

Earrings are a popular choice to showcase the beauty of these unique gemstones. Brazilian emerald studs offer a simple and elegant statement, while hoop earrings and drop earrings with emeralds create a more dramatic effect. Bracelets are also beautiful with Brazilian emeralds. They can add a pop of color and glamor to any outfit and perfectly complement other jewelry. Brazilian emerald is also commonly included in engagement rings because of its rarity, making it a unique and special alternative to traditional diamond rings.

Brazilian emeralds are a rare and unique gemstone. Their color, clarity, and rarity make them highly valued and prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. The exclusive source of Brazilian emeralds in Minas Gerais only adds to their beauty and appeal, making them a coveted gemstone for generations to come. Whether in a simple stackable ring or a statement necklace, jewelry featuring these stunning gemstones will continue to be treasured for years.