Emerald: Twenty-one Centuries of Jewelled Opulence and Power is a book by Joanna Hardy, Franca Sozzani, and Hettie Judah that explores the history of emeralds from their earliest use in ancient Egypt to the present day. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah, a historian, fashion editor, and gemologist, respectively, trace the journey of emeralds from their mines to the hands of some of the most powerful and influential people in the world.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part, “The Ancient World,” explores the history of emeralds from their first recorded use in ancient Egypt to the 15th century. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah discuss the different ways that emeralds were used in ancient jewelry, as well as the beliefs and superstitions that surrounded emeralds at the time.
The second part of the book, “The Renaissance and the Age of Exploration,” covers the period from the 15th century to the 17th century. This was a time of great expansion for the emerald trade, as emeralds were discovered in new parts of the world and new methods of cutting and polishing were developed. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah discuss the role of emeralds in the Renaissance courts of Europe, as well as the rise of the emerald merchant as a powerful figure in the global economy.
The third part of the book, “The 18th Century and Beyond,” explores the history of emeralds from the 1700s to the present day. This was a time of great change for the emerald industry, as emeralds became increasingly popular as a symbol of wealth and status. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah discuss the development of the emerald engagement ring, as well as the rise of the Colombian emerald cartel, which has controlled the global emerald market for much of the 20th century.
The book concludes with a discussion of the ethical issues surrounding the emerald trade. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah argue that the emerald industry has a long history of exploitation and abuse, and that consumers should be aware of the ethical implications of buying emeralds. They also discuss the growing movement for ethical engagement rings, which are made with emeralds that have been mined and traded in a responsible manner.
Emerald: Twenty-one Centuries of Jewelled Opulence and Power is a fascinating and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of emeralds. Hardy, Sozzani, and Judah’s writing is clear and engaging, and they do a great job of weaving together the history, science, and culture of emeralds. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about one of the world’s most beautiful and coveted gemstones.
If you are looking for an emerald engagement ring in London, there are a number of retailers that offer a wide variety of emerald engagement rings to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites:
Boodles: Boodles is a British jewelry brand with a long history of creating exquisite emerald engagement rings. They offer a wide range of styles to choose from, including classic solitaire rings and more elaborate designs with pavé diamonds or halo settings.
Garrard & Co.: Garrard & Co. is another British jewelry brand with a reputation for creating high-quality emerald engagement rings. They offer a variety of styles to choose from, including vintage-inspired rings and modern designs with geometric shapes.
Graff Diamonds: Graff Diamonds is a luxury jewelry brand that offers a wide range of emerald engagement rings, including some of the most expensive emerald engagement rings in the world. They offer a variety of styles to choose from, including classic solitaire rings and more elaborate designs with colored gemstones.
When choosing an emerald engagement ring in London, it is important to do your research and find a reputable retailer. You should also make sure that the emerald is certified by a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA or the IGI.
With so many beautiful emerald engagement rings available in London, you can find the perfect ring to symbolize your love and commitment to your partner.
