History and Legend

In ancient mythology emerald was associated with mercury, the messenger of the gods and god of travel; it therefore follows that it is the protection stone of travelers. Emeralds from the vicinity of the red sea were the foundation of the wealth of the pharaohs. Cleopatra sought to achieve eternal youth and beauty through the reflection of the most precious emeralds on her skin. The new world provided Europe with a rich source of emeralds. Many of the most famous emeralds were stolen from the Incas by the conquistadors.