Skip to main content

Antique Silver Gold Emerald

to
42
279
253
337
181
158
158
64
55
53
48
43
42
40
22
21
20
15
14
12
9
8
8
6
5
5
5
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
6
3
3
3
3
Sort By
Emerald and Diamond Double-Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
-between, the diamonds estimated to weigh 1.2 carats, all set in silver to yellow gold mount, with gold D
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Pair of Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in London, GB
carats in total, mounted in silver and yellow gold, with gold wire-fittings, circa 1905, measuring
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Fly Scatter-Pin Brooch
Located in London, GB
, suspended by a gold safety pin set with a rectangular-cut emerald, the emeralds estimated to weigh 1.2
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond and Emerald Encrusted Frog
Located in London, GB
15ct gold and silver. A Victorian diamond and emerald frog brooch from the collection of Bentley
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Grasshopper Brooch
Located in London, GB
, estimated to weigh 1.2 carats, a round faceted ruby eye, all set in silver and 18ct yellow gold, with gold
Category

1870s British Late Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Pair of Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of Edwardian emerald and diamond drop earrings, each earring with a pear-shaped emerald
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver

Early 20th Century Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century emerald, ruby and diamond triple cross-over ring, the round faceted emerald
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Butterfly Pendant on a Chain
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond quatrafoil pendant on a chain, a centrally set old brilliant-cut
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

A Victorian Multi-colour Gem And Diamond Clover Leaf Brooch
Located in London, GB
antique brooch is in excellent condition. Unmarked tested as 18ct Gold and Silver. A pretty, floral
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Early 19th Century Emerald Diamond Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique silver, gold, emerald and diamond brooch, designed as an braided openwork oval set with 22
Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Emerald Diamond Silver Over Gold Cluster Pendant
Located in Portland, ME
Silver over gold emerald and diamond pendant. The cluster style pendant is centered with an
Category

1890s Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

1870s Ruby Emerald Diamond Silver Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Paris, FR
Nice dragonfly brooch in gold and silver set with rose-cut diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Spectacular Georgian Emerald Diamond Silver Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds. Silver on gold and also set with emeralds.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Silver Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Beziers, FR
Delicate silver on gold Art Nouveau period with calibre cut emeralds set in the tail and ruby set
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Cat s Eye Chrysoberyl Emerald Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique silver-topped gold, ruby, emerald, catseye chrysoberyl and diamond ring, set in the
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Antique Emerald Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds Silver and Gold Earrings
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
bezels.All stones are set in silver set on top of 18K yellow gold. There is a gorgeous hand engraved
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

1830s Antique Georgian Emerald Diamond silver gold 5 Stone Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
diamonds - all resting in closed backed settings. It dates to c.1830, modelled in 15ct gold and silver. An
Category

Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Emerald Diamond Pendant in Gold Silver with French Hallmarks Case
Located in Danvers, MA
gold testing between 14K and 18K, along with silver, the pendant features rustic rose cut diamonds and
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Beryl, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Magnificent 5.69 Carat Cabochon Emerald Old Cut Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
An extraordinary ring with real history and character. The natural Colombian emerald was, we
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Lizard Brooch 9 Carat Gold Silver, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
and has long been the symbol of hope. Set in Silver and backed in 9ct Yellow Gold. The piece is also
Category

Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Emerald Diamond Red Gold Earrings
Located in Toronto, Ontario
cut Diamonds on silver topped 15/16 Karat red gold. They are center set with vivid, round cut Emeralds
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver

Georgian Portuguese Emerald Diamond and Rose Gold Earrings
Located in St Helens, GB
Portugese or Spannish origin. Modelled in 15 carat gold and silver and set throughout with emeralds and
Category

18th Century Portuguese George III Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian 18 Karat and Silver Emeralds and Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Period: Victorian (1836-1900) Composition: 18k gold and silver • 2 natural pear shape emeralds
Category

1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond Silver Gold Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful old world elegance: a silver and gold openwork drop necklace. Intricate scrolling
Category

1890s American Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Georgian Serpent Necklace Collar 18 Carat Gold, circa 1800 Garnet Emerald
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
1800 The necklace is solid Silver gilded in 18ct Yellow Gold. This really is a museum master piece
Category

Early 1800s British Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Concave Emerald Ring
By Kasturjewels
Located in London, W1U 2JG
Very cleverly set, featuring 1.30 carat of a beautiful emerald. Gold plated on silver. UK Size: Q
Category

Late 19th Century English Art Deco Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Silver Gold Green Paste Ring, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous 18ct Yellow Gold and Silver ring boasts a 3.5ct rich green Paste Stone, Circa 1860
Category

1860s Unknown Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

Antique Emerald Diamond Foliate Pin
Located in Vail, CO
silver topped gold, circa mid 19th century. Emerald weighing approximately 1.00 carats. 1.65" diameter
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Silver

Georgian Emerald Diamond Snake Brooch
Located in Austin, TX
Georgian rose cut diamond snake brooch with emerald stones for eyes. Diamonds are set in silver on
Category

1820s British Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Antique, 19th Century, Georgian, 15 Carat Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Georgian, emerald and diamond ring, circa 1800. Set with a step-cut foil backed emerald flanked by
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
approximately 7.50 carats, mounted in silver-topped gold, with a removable pin. Reminiscent of the grandeur of
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Georgian Era Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Georgian era emerald and rose cut diamond ring. Gemstones are set in a silver closed back settings
Category

1820s British Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

1840 Yellow Gold Silver Emerald 2.11ct Diamond Sapphire Ruby Opal Pendant Brooch
By A La Vieille Russie
Located in New York, NY
Total diamond weight approx. 2.11ct Total weight approx. 15.00dwt Oval sapphire measuring approx.: 6.45 x 5.24 mm Dimensions: 55.00 x 40.00 mm. English Circa 1840's bought 1972-73. L...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Edwardian silver top pendant with 18 karat yellow gold construction. One bezel set emerald
Category

20th Century French Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Philippe Wolfers Nixe Enamel Pearl Emerald Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Brussels, BE
PHILIPPE WOLFERS (1858-1929) Pendant « Nixé » Gold, emerald, diamonds, enamel and pearl
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Philippe Wolfers Nike Enamel Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Brussels, BE
PHILIPPE WOLFERS (1858-1929) Pendant « Niké » Gold, enamel, rubies, emeralds and diamonds
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Diamond Emerald Cluster Pendant
Located in Sale, Cheshire
cabochon. Set in 15k gold with silver settings. The piece comes in its original fitted box. There are also
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Silver

Emerald, Diamond Opal Cocktail Earrings
By Kasturjewels
Located in London, W1U 2JG
14kt gold. 4.8 carat diamond; 4.50 carat emerald and opal. Very light weight for pierced ears; 7 cm
Category

19th Century British Art Deco Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Silver

19th Century Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Oxford, GB
A 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring, the ring is set in 18k gold and silver. The
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

English Georgian Emerald and Diamond Sevigné Brooch
Located in Greenwich, CT
and girandole pendant drops, mounted in silver and gold with detachable brooch and pendant fittings
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Georgian Emerald Diamond Round Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
crafted from 15k gold with the diamonds set in silver to enhance their colour. STONES Natural Emerald
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Silver

Emerald Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
electric, Colombian emerald centres a flower shaped cluster of sixteen old mine cut diamonds. All the
Category

Early 20th Century Revival Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Rare Victorian Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These beautiful earrings are of scroll design featuring emerald-cut emeralds framed by
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Georgian Emerald Diamond Fluted Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb 18th Century cluster ring set with a principal emerald within a halo of rose cut diamonds
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Silver

Emerald Diamond Drop Cluster Victorian Earrings, circa 1895
Located in London, GB
Victorian gold on silver Emerald and old cut diamond drop earrings 1895c
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald Old Cut Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
. In oxidised silver backed in gold. Cut – The emerald is a square step cit with rose cut and old
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Platinum, Silver

Antique Georgian 1.62 Carat Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
cluster of rose cut diamonds in period silver mounts. The band is modelled in 18k gold, and in the Rococo
Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Black Onyx, Diamond Emerald Earrings
By Kasturjewels
Located in London, W1U 2JG
black onyx ; 0.70 carat emerald; 1.60 carat diamond; 0.3 grams 14kt gold; 5.62 grams silver. 4 cm in
Category

18th Century British Art Deco Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.88 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Essex, GB
A supremely lovely Victorian emerald necklace. The central Colombian cabochon emerald is a bright
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

1591 Amer Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Earrings
Located in London, W1U 2JG
. Set on 925 oxidized silver to give an old feel and ear backs all in 14 kt gold. 0.430 carat emerald
Category

15th Century and Earlier Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver

19th Century Diamond and Emerald Lizard Brooch, circa 1895
Located in Glasgow, GB
An emerald and diamond lizard brooch, circa 1895. The brooch is crafted in silver to the front and
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 6.00 Carat Minor Oil Colombian Emerald Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
yellow gold. The diamonds are set in silver.
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

1748 AD Nolakha Palace Cocktail Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in London, W1U 2JG
pair of cocktail earrings, set with emeralds and single cut pave diamonds on 925 silver and 14 kt gold
Category

17th Century Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver

Georgian Emerald Diamond Spectacular Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
hearts Further Details Below Metal: 18/19 Kt yellow gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems
Category

Early 1800s Georgian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Magnificent 7.20 Carat Colombian Emerald 2.60 Carat Diamond Rare Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
beautifully rendered with 18 KT solid gold and silver, tested Each panel is rich and important boasting two
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Cabochon Emerald Dangle Earrings 18 Carat
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
These fabulous Victorian 18ct Gold and Silver earrings are set with glistening rose cut Diamonds
Category

Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Emerald Paste Diamond Earrings
Located in Sale, Cheshire
MEASUREMENTS Drop: 2.5cm Width: 6.9mm WEIGHT 1.8g MARKS No marks present, tests as 15k gold and silver
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Silver Gold Emerald

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Silver Gold Emerald", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Silver Gold Emerald For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique silver gold emerald you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Silver and 18k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 93 vintage or 22 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an antique silver gold emerald may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating an antique silver gold emerald has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Meghna Jewels are consistently popular. A rose cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also emerald cut and antique cushion cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for an antique silver gold emerald, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Antique Silver Gold Emerald?

On average, an antique silver gold emerald at 1stDibs sells for $5,900, while they’re typically $240 on the low end and $358,567 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Emerald in Jewelry Design

No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”

There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!

There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.