Be it a plain string of graduated emerald beads or mixed with gold or silver charms, a necklace or bracelet with emerald beads is a sure eye-catcher. An emerald is a beautiful gemstone that belongs to the gem species beryl. It is the birthstone of people who are born in May or those belonging to the star sign Cancer. However you don't necessarily have to be born in May or belong to a particular star sign to enjoy the beauty of this spectacular stone. Apart from its incredible beauty emerald is said to enhance love and contentment in a person.
As the well known adage goes:
Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
It is well-known for its healing properties, gazing at an emerald is supposed to soothe the eyes and it is even believed to cure epilepsy in children.
Though a lot of estate and expensive jewelry is made using cut stones, emerald beads are a fashion statement unto themselves. You can choose from a single strand graduated stone necklace or several rows of matched and graduated emerald beads to add pizzazz to that little black dress or evening gown- as the occasion demands.
A single emerald may set you back by a pretty penny, since it is rare to find clean gem-quality emeralds. However emerald beads are aplenty since this material is abundantly available in the market as it is not imperative for beads to be totally transparent.
So how do you go about choosing your emerald beads? Well, the ideal colour for an emerald is a pleasing deep-green; the colour of new leaves after a cleansing rainfall. However various tones may be present or the depth of colour may vary from stone to stone. While choosing your emerald beads from your jeweller or ordering them online, make sure all the beads in the string are evenly colored.
Emerald beads wholesale at reasonable prices online and many wholesalers also allow for retail single-purchase orders. Genuine emerald beads can be bought online as several reputed companies have a presence on the Internet nowadays.
Large emerald beads, small and medium in a variety of sizes and shapes are available. For the more adventurous options such as cabochons (a stone with a flat surface and a domed polished top), carvings (stones carved as leaves, flowerets, with striations and designs on their surface), cut stones and drops (tear drop shaped stones with a hole drilled at one end or drilled through) are also available. Beads can be used innovatively in single or multiple strands as necklaces. A long string of small equal-sized emerald beads interspersed with several large silver tubes at intervals can be used as a bohemian chic lariat when worn wrapped twice around your neck or several times on your wrist. Cabochons and carvings are best left to a professional jeweller to set in gold or silver. These pieces are ideal for that custom made jewelry piece you have always dreamed of designing yourself.
Cleaning and Care
Emerald is a naturally brittle stone so cracks and fissures may be visible on the bead. Worry not! This is okay as most commercial grade emerald is buffed with oil or infused with natural or man-made fillers to reduce visibility of the cracks and fissures and enhance the look of the stones. However for the same reason it is very important to take care while cleaning emerald beads/jewelry containing them. Never put your emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner as it may cause the fissures to be filled with dirty cleaning liquid and ruin the stone. Sudden sharp blows or extreme temperature swings may also harm the stone. Therefore do not wear emeralds in Jacuzzis, steam and sauna baths. Avoid using harsh detergents to clean the stones. The best way to clean your emeralds is with a mild detergent and soft brush. Wash clean in tap water and never forget to dry your jewelry before putting it away. Always store your jewelry separately, ie; pieces should be kept well away from each other so that no stones rub amongst themselves thus causing scratches and damage to softer stones.
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