Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the 10 point Moh’s scale of mineral hardness and due to this fact the resistance to breakage is very high.

One has to be very careful while setting the Emerald because even a minor error may damage the gemstone.

This brings us to the Second part of this discussion. The great Mughal Dynasty of India loved Emeralds and believed in their powers of protection and good luck. Shah Jahan whose vision gave the world one of the seven wonders of the world the Taj Mahal used to adore Emeralds.

The great Mughals loved and revered the Emeralds so much that they use to inscribe them with sacred prayers and text and wear them. Some of these sacred Emeralds called Mughal Emeralds/Mogul emeralds, can still be seen in museums and collections today. For example, one talismanic emerald is deep green and weighs 78 carats. Around the edge in Persian runs the inscription: “He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God.”

Carved Mughal Emerald-The Glory of Indian Craftsmanship

217.80 carat Carved Mughal Emerald c. 1107/1695 AD

Featured above is once such exhibit of master craftsmanship, a 217.80 carat Carved Mughal Emerald c. 1107/1695 AD.

Admire the pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship and the glorious days of Asiatic Jewellery. Can you imagine the skill level to carve and inscribe the sacred text on such a soft gemstone such as an Emerald and bring out so much beauty and perfection? Imagine the state of the mind of the master craftsman when he was adorning this Emerald. Maybe he was so devoted to the almighty he got connected at the soul level and was able to complete this work despite the risks associated.

A tribute to the master craftsmen of India