For the love of emeralds
Few gemstones capture attention like an emerald. That unmistakable green — lush, velvety, and full of life — has adorned queens, lovers, and icons for centuries. It’s the colour of renewal, of love, of something eternal.
At Leskes, we’ve always believed that an emerald doesn’t just sit in a ring — it breathes life into it.
Where Emeralds Are Born
The most celebrated emeralds come from Colombia, where minerals fused deep within the Andes to form the vivid “Leskes green” we all crave — rich with that perfect hint of blue.
Zambian emeralds carry a slightly cooler tone, often displaying breathtaking clarity. Brazilian emeralds are lighter and luminous — a soft green that glows from within.
Each source tells its own story:
- Colombian emeralds are like fine poetry — deep and emotional.
- Zambian emeralds are strength and depth — modern, refined, unshakable.
- Brazilian emeralds are soft and romantic — whispering sunlight through palm leaves.
Hardness, Toughness & Why They Deserve a Little Love
On the Mohs scale, emeralds rate 7.5–8, making them sturdy yet more delicate than diamonds or sapphires. Tiny natural inclusions — known as jardin, meaning garden — are part of their soul. They remind us that nature rarely creates perfection, and that’s what makes them so precious.
We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, a gentle wipe with a soft cloth keeps your emerald glowing for decades.
How They Get Their Colour
Emeralds owe their hypnotic green to trace elements of chromium and vanadium in beryl. The higher the saturation and evenness of colour, the more valuable the gem. A fine emerald should look almost like light shining through a forest after rain — fresh, deep, and endlessly alive.
Legends of the Green Gem
From Cleopatra’s personal mines to Elizabeth Taylor’s jaw-dropping Bulgari suite, emeralds have always symbolised power, passion, and presence.
A few of the world’s most iconic emeralds:
- The Mogul Mughal Emerald (1695) – a 217-carat masterpiece engraved with prayer verses, once worn by Indian royalty.
- Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Emerald Necklace – gifted by Richard Burton during their torrid love affair; its central stone sold for over $6 million at auction.
- Jackie Kennedy’s Emerald Engagement Ring – a striking 2.88 ct emerald paired with a 2.88 ct diamond, redefined mid-century glamour.
- The Chalk Emerald – a near-perfect 37.8 ct gem now in the Smithsonian, glowing with deep Colombian green.
Each story proves what we already know: emeralds aren’t just jewels — they’re emotions carved in stone.
What to Look for When Choosing an Emerald
- Colour First. A vivid, evenly saturated green — not too dark, not too light.
- Clarity Second. Emeralds naturally show inclusions; the right balance keeps their character while allowing brilliance.
- Cut Matters. The signature “emerald cut” reduces pressure on corners and highlights the gem’s inner glow.
- Origin & Care Disclosure. Ask if your emerald has been oiled — a traditional treatment that enhances clarity.
- Proportion & Personality. Choose a shape that flatters your hand and feels uniquely you.
The Leskes Way
When we source emeralds, we look beyond certificates. We look for soul — that indescribable shimmer that feels alive. Whether you’re designing a custom piece or breathing new life into an heirloom, our role is to guide you to your perfect green glow.
Because at Leskes Jewellers, we don’t just sell gemstones.
We help you find the one that tells your story.
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Final Sparkle
Emeralds have seen dynasties rise, love stories unfold, and generations fall in love with their hypnotic beauty. Treat them kindly, and they’ll return that affection tenfold — forever carrying a little piece of your heart within their garden of green.
