Colombian emeralds in jewelry through history
Since time immemorial, emeralds have captivated humanity with its intense green glow and aura of mystery. Throughout history, these gemstones have played a central role in the jewelry world, adorning kings and queens, symbolizing power and love, and leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of fashion and design.
Therefore, today we want to make a journey through the story in which we will tell you how the evolution of the jewelry with Colombian emeralds has been like to live in history. Let's go.
Antiquity and Symbolism of Emeralds
The romance between emeralds and jewelry dates back to antiquity, where civilizations such as Egyptians and Aztecs considered them divine treasures. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was famous for his predilection for emeralds, believing that these stones brought with them the protection of the goddess Isis.
His fascination with emeralds prompted demand and elevated these gems to the category of status and power symbols.
The Renaissance: Emeralds in the High Society and Fashion
The Renaissance, a period of cultural and artistic resurgence in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries, witnessed a fascinating evolution in jewelry, where emeralds stood out as coveted gems and status symbols.
This period of artistic effervescence and rediscovery of classical antiquity profoundly influenced the aesthetics of Renaissance jewelry, and emeralds played a crucial role in this captivating scenario.
The emeralds, with their exquisite green color, were symbolically associated with nature and renewal, characteristics that resonated strongly with the philosophy of the Renaissance. During this period, it sought to revive the glories of the classical past, and the emeralds, with their natural charm, became symbols of the renewal and resurgence of artistic beauty.
The Renaissance brought with it an obsession with classical antiquity, and emeralds were incorporated into jewelry that reflected the opulence and elegance of ancient Rome and Greece. Designers of Renaissance jewelry were inspired by architectural and literary motifs, creating pieces that evoked the greatness of classical civilizations.
The Victorian Epoch: Emeralds and Dead Feelings
The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a period of emotional intensity and sentimental expression. In the world of jewelry, emeralds played a significant role, transforming into symbols of love, mourning and power. This period, marked by Queen Victoria, left a legacy in which the emeralds shone with a particular glitter.
Queen Victoria, after her marriage to Prince Albert, popularised the tradition of engagement jewellery. The emeralds, along with other precious stones, were chosen to express deep feelings and eternal commitments. Victorian engagement rings with emeralds often featured intricate designs and delicate engravings, encapsulating the essence of the romantic love of the time.
During the Victorian era, emeralds were associated with a variety of symbolic meanings. In addition to representing love and devotion, these stones also symbolized hope and renewal, which made them ideal choices for meaningful gifts and jewelry with hidden messages.
Queen Victoria, after the death of her beloved husband, began the tradition of mourning jewellery. The emeralds, along with other dark gemstones, were used in commemorative jewels that expressed pain and loss. These pieces often incorporated hair from the deceased, creating relics with a deeply personal meaning.
The Art Deco Age: Emeralds in a World of Glamour and Elegance
With the arrival of the Art Deco era in the 20th century, the jewelry with emeralds experienced a stylistic transformation. The geometric shapes and refined elegance characterized this period, and emeralds were skilfully incorporated into necklaces, bracelets and rings that reflected the opulence and sophistication of the time.
Today: Emeralds in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, the jewelry with emeralds continues to evolve. Contemporary designers look for innovative ways to present these precious stones, merging tradition with modernity. Ethical and sustainable emeralds are also gaining ground, reflecting growing environmental awareness in the jewelry industry.
The advancement of jewelry with emeralds through history is a testament to the enduring power of these precious stones. From their role in antiquity to their presence in contemporary high jewelry, emeralds have left an indelible mark, transmitting not only the wealth of the earth but also the richness of human stories and emotions. In a constantly changing world, emeralds continue to be beacons of beauty, elegance and timeless meaning.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
