Teardrop Emerald Necklace

The Stone: Emerald from the Beryl Family

Emerald is the green gem variety of the mineral beryl, a beryllium aluminum silicate with the formula Be3Al2Si6O18. Its color does not come from dye but from tiny traces of chromium and vanadium that replace individual aluminum ions in the crystal lattice. Pure beryl is colorless; only these trace elements turn it into emerald. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, the stone is hard but also brittle, because fine natural fissures run through it. The trade calls these inclusions jardin, the garden of the stone, and they are seen as a sign of natural origin. On the polished teardrop, you can see its typical soft, glassy luster.

Material and Craftsmanship

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and a warm 14K gold-filled chain. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is applied only wafer-thin, wears off over time, and fades fairly quickly, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years. The emerald is cut as a teardrop, polished, and drilled at the tip, so I can thread it onto the chain by hand and it sits in the center when you wear it. It hangs on a fine box chain whose square links interlock closely. You choose the length when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

Its name goes back to the Greek smaragdos and simply means green stone. Emerald was mined in Egypt near the Red Sea more than 3,000 years ago, and the tunnels there are still known as Cleopatra's Mines. In Rome, it was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. By tradition, it stands for loyalty, hope, and growth. As the birthstone for May, it also makes a particularly personal gift.

Caring for Your Emerald Necklace

The pendant and box chain are water-resistant and suitable for everyday wear. To make your necklace last as long as possible, though, avoid prolonged contact with salt water and chlorinated water, as well as perfume, lotions, and harsh cleaning products. After contact with seawater or pool water, it's best to rinse the necklace with clean water and dry it carefully.

Like almost every emerald on the market, this stone has been oiled. That's why it doesn't belong in an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam bath and doesn't like hot water, since all of these can draw the oil out of the fissures. Store your necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, because the stone is brittle and sensitive to hard knocks. That way, its green stays beautiful for a long time.