Emeralds in legends and history

Blackamoor figurines. Emeralds in legends and history

Emeralds in legends and history

According to the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Egyptians emerald was as a gift from the great god Thoth. The green color of the emerald reminds of spring, and considered a symbol of eternal youth. The Egyptians called the emerald “stone of the goddess Isis,” and attributed to it many abilities. In particular, to turn dreams into reality, read minds, see the past and predict the future. Also, according to belief, the emerald rewarded human loyalty and constant love. Considered the best gift for pregnant women, this stone was the patron saint of expectant mothers. Widely used in ancient Egyptian jewelry, many people wanted to put the gem in their tombs. In the XV-XVII centuries Russia emerald was the stone of wisdom and composure, and for this quality Alexander Pushkin wore his emerald ring.

Mogul emerald. weight of 217.8 carats, size 5 x 3.8 x 3.5 cm, found in 1695. Emeralds in legends and history

On one side – engraved prayers, on the other – ornaments of flowers. This legendary emerald was purchased by an unknown person 28 September 2001 at Christie’s auction for $ 2.2 million. Noteworthy, Islamic countries positively perceived green emerald as a magic stone. Christian tradition, on the contrary, finds its magical stone from hell. According to legend, the largest emerald fell to the ground from the helmet of Lucifer, while he was expelling from the heaven. The Holy Grail has been cut from this particular emerald.

Emerald vessel unguentarium 2860 carat, Emeralds in legends and history

Colombian Emerald vessel unguentarium 2860 carat

Considered a powerful talisman for the healing of eyesight, ancient people used it also in the treatment of snakebite.

St. George fighting with the dragon, 1470. The paintings of St. George fighting with the dragon (evil incarnate), depict the body of a snake made of emeralds

Emerald & Diamond Nardi Blackamoor Clip, Italy, 1940

Nardi Blackamoor Clip. Emerald and Diamond, Italy, 1940

Alchemist installation for the production of the philosopher’s stone, which is able to turn base metals into gold and give immortality, (according to alchemists) written on the Emerald Tablet. In the history of myths, this tablet is a huge emerald which bears the postulates of the occult sciences. This emerald was allegedly found near the mummy of Egyptian god of wisdom, Thoth, who is identified with Hermes.

In Central Asia, people believed that who wears an emerald, sees no dreams, embarrassing spirit. Besides, Emerald strengthens the heart, removes the bitterness, rescues from epilepsy and evil spirits. If emerald is framed in gold, and used as a seal, the owner of it insured against the pestilence, from the spell of love and lack of sleep.

Scent bottle. ca. 1820s, mounted in gold, set with emeralds, rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds

Attenbury emeralds – the modern detective story, in which Lord Peter Wimsey must solve several puzzles associated with emeralds.

Young Queen Victoria, on portraits by Thomas Sully in 1838

This brooch has an interesting history, here young Queen Victoria, on portraits by Thomas Sully in 1838. The jeweler received a medal for these cameos at the World Expo 1851.

“Emerald Buddha” – the weight of 3600 carats, was found in 1994 in Madagascar. Later was cut a statue of the Buddha called the “Emerald Buddha” in honor of the eponymous temple in Thailand

Highly Collectible Nardi Blackamoor. Italy. ca. 1950s. Guilio Nardi, founder of the renowned Venetian jewelry house of the same name, first started to design blackamoors in the early 1920s

At Display in Vienna Museum of History and Arts

This Piece – worked out of a SINGLE Emerald cluster from Colombia and built in Prague in 1641. Weight of the Emerald only: 2680 Carats. At Display in Vienna Museum of History and Arts