Emeralds, with their captivating green hue, have long been associated with rebirth, love, and prosperity. While historically found in larger, more traditional cuts, the modern jewelry market increasingly features emeralds in the sleek and contemporary baguette cut, often set within eternity bands. This article explores the characteristics of these rings, focusing on their design, materials, and the symbolism associated with the emerald itself, as reflected in current offerings.
History and Lore
The provided sources do not detail the extensive historical use of emeralds, but do allude to their enduring appeal. One source notes that emeralds are “said to bring wealth, joy and abundance in every area of your life,” hinting at a long-held belief in the stone’s positive influence. While the origins of emerald lore are not detailed within these materials, the association with wealth and abundance suggests a connection to ancient traditions. Further research, beyond the scope of these sources, reveals that emeralds were revered in ancient Egypt, considered symbols of fertility and immortality.
Design and Construction
The rings described in the sources are primarily “eternity bands,” characterized by a continuous row of gemstones encircling the finger. This design symbolizes everlasting love and commitment. The featured cut is the “baguette,” a rectangular step cut that creates a sleek, modern aesthetic. The baguette cut, while not mentioned historically in these sources, offers a distinct look compared to the more traditional emerald cut, maximizing brilliance within the band’s design.
The bands are crafted from various materials. Several sources highlight rings made with “14k Solid Gold,” indicating a durable and valuable metal choice. Other options include “10K Yellow Gold” and “10K White Gold,” offering different aesthetic preferences. One source also mentions “14K White Gold” options. The use of solid gold suggests a focus on quality and longevity.
Gemstone Characteristics: Emeralds
The sources consistently refer to “Lab Grown Emeralds” with a “AAAA” quality designation. This indicates that the emeralds used in these rings are not naturally mined but created in a laboratory setting. The “AAAA” designation suggests a high level of clarity, color, and overall quality within the lab-grown category. While the sources do not provide specific gemological details like refractive index or specific gravity, they emphasize the beauty and uniqueness of each stone, noting that “Because we use genuine semi-precious stones, each gem is as unique as we are. You may see some variation in the shape, finish and colour of each piece, but all are beautiful in their own way.”
The sources do not provide information on the Mohs hardness scale for emeralds, but external sources indicate a hardness of 7.5-8, making them relatively durable but still susceptible to scratching and chipping with wear.
Sizing and Specifications
The sources provide detailed sizing information, with ring sizes ranging from L (UK size 3) to S (UK size 9), corresponding to US sizes 3 to 9. A size guide is included, offering inside diameter measurements in millimeters, as well as conversions to UK, US, EU, and Chinese sizing systems. This detailed sizing information is crucial for online purchases.
Band width is specified as 3.5mm in one source, and 1.5mm in another, indicating variations in design. Ring weight is given as 1.2g for one style.
The following table summarizes the available sizing information:
| Inside Diameter (mm) | UK | US | EU | CH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.1 | F | 3 | 44 | 4 |
| 14.9 | H | 3.75 | 47 | 6 |
| 15.7 | J | 5 | 48.5 | 9 |
| 16.3 | L | 5.75 | 51 | 11 |
| 17.1 | N | 6.75 | 53.5 | 13 |
| 17.9 | P | 7.5 | 56 | 15 |
| 18.8 | R | 8.75 | 58 | 18.5 |
| 19.3 | S | 9 | 59.5 | 20 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the sources state that emeralds are “said to bring wealth, joy and abundance in every area of your life.” This suggests a belief in the stone’s ability to attract positive energy and good fortune. The continuous circle of the eternity band further reinforces themes of everlasting love, commitment, and wholeness. While the sources do not delve into other metaphysical properties, broader gemological lore attributes emeralds to promoting healing, clarity, and emotional balance.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited guidance on care and cleaning, simply advising to “Gently clean” the rings. Given that the bands are made of solid gold and feature lab-grown emeralds, gentle cleaning with mild soap and warm water is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaners, as these could damage the gold or the emeralds. Regular cleaning will help maintain the brilliance and luster of the stones.
Market and Availability
The sources indicate that these baguette emerald eternity bands are readily available for purchase online through various retailers, including Mint & Lily, Palm Beach Jewelry, Astrid & Miyu, Rosec Jewels, and Simon. The price points vary depending on the metal type and retailer, with options available in 10K and 14K gold. The provided pricing examples range from $1,087 to $1,199.
Conclusion
Baguette emerald eternity bands represent a contemporary and elegant expression of timeless symbolism. The combination of the sleek baguette cut, the enduring appeal of the emerald, and the continuous circle of the eternity band creates a piece of jewelry that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The use of lab-grown emeralds offers a sustainable and ethically sourced alternative to traditionally mined stones, while the solid gold construction ensures durability and lasting value. These rings are a modern interpretation of a classic design, suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.