Emerald is known to be minded nearly 4,000 years ago. Cleopatra, the Queen of ancient Egypt, was one of the avid collectors of the precious stone. In the 16th century, Spanish explores found large emeralds amongst Aztecs and Incas civilizations. Emerald was believed by the ancient world to empower the owner with foresight into the future as well as bring a good fortune.

Today, most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia. Emeralds can be cut in a variety of different shapes, ranging from the traditional rectangular step-cut, known as the "emerald cut," to rounds, ovals, squares and cabochons.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and a talisman for Gemini.