So well-reputed is the sapphire’s radiant blue colour that a giant sapphire upon which the Earth reputedly rested was believed to have given its reflection to the sky.
While the word “emerald” didn't make its way into the English language until the 16th century, its derivation dates back to ancient time and the Persian word smaragdus, meaning green. Later, it evolved as esmaraude, émeraude and then esmerald before forming the term used today.
Reputed for its sophisticated look, the emerald cut has less reflection and refraction than other cuts, though its larger facets are renowned for showing large, strong flashes of fire. GARRY HOLLOWAY, KATHERINE KOVACS and KATHRYN WYATT explain.