St Patrick’s Day falls on Friday, 17 March 2023. Marked as a religious holiday for more than a thousand years, it’s a day of celebration in Ireland and for all those with Irish connections around the world – and even for those who don’t have any Irish connections but like an excuse for a party!
The colour green as Ireland’s national colour becomes ubiquitous on St Patrick’s Day and it’s no coincidence that a country known for its greenery should be known as the Emerald Isle. So, what better way to make this St Patrick’s Day extra special than with a piece of emerald jewellery for you or a loved one?
Cleopatra’s emeralds
Emeralds come from a type of mineral called beryllium aluminium silicate which is mined in regions such as Africa, Australia and South America, and is prized for its beautiful green; a colour which can range from a light green to a much deeper, richer green. The name emerald comes from the Greek word smaragdus which means ‘green gem’ and it is thought that the oldest emeralds are nearly three billion years old, while the earliest mined emeralds are believed to come from Egypt in 330BC with plenty of evidence of Egyptians wearing emerald jewellery – Cleopatra apparently claimed ownership of every emerald mine in the country. And the most famous actor to play Cleopatra – Elizabeth Taylor – was equally fond of emeralds with her famous emerald pendant selling for US$6.5 million in 2011.
Peace, security and new beginnings
Today emeralds are still as coveted by many not only for their beauty but also for the symbolism they represent of peace, security and new beginnings. And there are many different ways of wearing an emerald to show off the intensity of those green colours.
Cheltenham jeweller Martin & Co stocks a wide range of emerald jewellery ranging from pendants to rings and brooches. You could choose a beautiful 18ct white gold cluster ring with a deep green, emerald set in 18ct yellow gold, encircled by sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds. Or, if you fancy a pendant, there is a stunning 18ct white gold bubble pendant set with two sparkling graduated round brilliant diamonds and two graduated rich emeralds suspended from a 16-inch trace chain, which is further set with six equally spaced brilliant cut diamonds.
If you choose to wear green this St Patrick’s Day, an emerald could be just the adornment you’re looking for.
