The basic color of emeralds is green, which also gives this lovely gemstone its name. The Greek word ‘smarados’ which is derived from the French word ‘esmeralde’ denotes the color green. Emeralds are among the oldest gemstones that ever existed and date from to at least 4000 years in history. In the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Hindus emeralds are referred as stones that have healing properties. Emeralds are also said to be harbingers of good luck and success.
The vibrant green color of emerald means love, youth, and timelessness. Ancient Romans considered green to be the color of Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty. Green is also the holy color in Islam. The Catholic Church also holds great importance for the color in green and considers it to be most crucial of all colors. Emeralds, referable their vivid green color hold great meaning in love and also denote everlasting and timeless emotions.

Emeralds have been popular over the world. In ancient Egypt an emerald was put around the neck of mummies for timeless youth. The Turkish sultans were so in love with emeralds that the Topkani Palace in Istanbul houses a lot of items with emeralds.

Emeralds in earlier times were mined exclusively in Egypt, Austria and Afghanistan. Columbia later grew to be another good source of emeralds which also happen to be highly coveted due to their vivid green color and shine. Brazil, Zambia, Pakistan, India, Madagascar, Russia and Zimbabwe are other good sources of emeralds. Emeralds from Zambia are known for their dark green vibrant hue.