EMERALDLegends say that true Emeralds were only found in the nests of griffins and, revered by many ancient civilisations, they were believed to enhance the memory and sharpen the wits.
Historically, it is acknowledged that Emeralds were bought and sold at the earliest known gem market in Babylon, some 4,000 years ago B.C. They were worn by the Pharaohs and Cleopatra's Emerald Mines were said to have been located in Egypt, by the Red Sea.
The Emerald is a stone steeped in superstition and folklore and was dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Love by some ancient peoples. It was thought to represent fidelity and domestic happiness and was used medicinally as an antidote for poison, a cure for epilepsy and as a treatment for eye diseases, dysentery and leprosy.
Because of its colour, the Emerald has become the symbol for Spring, fertility and new life. It is the symbol of faith and is used as the emblem of St. John.
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