From ancient Rome, it was a symbol of the beauty and love of Venus. From the Maharajas of India, it was believed to bring luck and health. Emerald is the green variety of beryl, a cousin to aquamarine and morganite. Its green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and ultimately defines the value of the gem.

Inclusions, defined as imperfections within a gem, are tolerated as they are nearly always present. This causes a certain fragility and unless it is set in a proper design, it is usually not recommended for everyday wear. Emerald can be found all around the world, but the primary sources for the gem are Columbia and Zambia.