The History of Emeralds in Asian Jewelry
Throughout history, emeralds have held a special place in Asian jewelry. Their vibrant color and rarity made them symbols of status, spirituality, and power in different cultures across the continent.
From India to China and the Ottoman Empire, these gems have adorned majestic pieces worn by monarchs, nobles, and religious leaders. In this article, we explore the most renowned emerald jewels in Asia.
The Origin and Arrival of Emeralds in Asia
Although emeralds were already valued in ancient times, their availability in Asia increased with the expansion of trade routes such as the Silk Road and maritime commerce with Europe and the Middle East.
From the 16th century on wards, with the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, Colombian emeralds began entering Asian markets in large quantities, becoming especially prized in royal courts.
Evolution of Emerald Usage in Asia
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Ancient Civilizations: Emeralds are believed to have reached Asia from Egypt and Persia, used in amulets and sacred ornaments.
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13th-15th Centuries: Through the Silk Road, emeralds spread to Central Asia, India, and China, becoming integral to jewelry and ceremonial objects.
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16th Century: With the colonization of the Americas, Europeans introduced Colombian emeralds to Asia, increasing their presence in royal jewelry.
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17th-18th Centuries: Asian emperors and sultans incorporated emeralds into crowns, daggers, and highly sophisticated adornments.
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19th-20th Centuries: With the rise of international trade, emeralds remained a centerpiece in the high jewelry of Asian royalty.
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21st Century: Emeralds continue to be among the most sought-after gemstones in the Asian luxury market.
Legendary Emeralds in Asia
Several emeralds have gained fame in Asia for their history and beauty. Some of the most iconic include:
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The Emerald Throne of the Great Mughal (India)
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Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
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Decorated with multiple emeralds and precious stones.
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Disappeared after the Persian invasion in 1739.
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The Maharajas’ Emeralds (India)
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Indian rulers wore necklaces, rings, and turbans adorned with emeralds.
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Many of these jewels were auctioned in the 20th century.
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The Emeralds of the Forbidden City (China)
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Used in the ornaments of Qing dynasty emperors.
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After the fall of the empire, some were moved to private collections in the West.
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Queen Sirikit’s Emerald Tiara (Thailand)
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An iconic jewel of the Thai monarchy, featuring Colombian emeralds set in gold.
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The Emeralds of the Ottoman Imperial Treasury (Turkey)
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Incorporated into daggers, rings, and reliquaries of the Ottoman sultans.
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Currently exhibited in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
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Emerald By Love: Quality Assurance for Asia
At Emerald By Love, we offer certified natural Colombian emeralds, guaranteeing quality and authenticity. We ship across Asia, providing exceptional gemstones for unique jewelry pieces.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler with a passion for constantly learning about precious gems and fine national jewelry.
Currently, she works for one of Bogotá’s most prestigious jewelry houses, Emerald By Love. This jeweler has over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in Colombia’s capital, situated in the city center.
