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Think 2.5 million dollars folks. Think India ... that vast sub-continent that treasures above all gemstones ... the emerald. Think of a pair of bangles set with emeralds of such exceptional richness of color as to take your breath away. Don't think of the most wondrous power of these stones to cure and prevent diseases of the eye. Don't think of them as exponents of the reproductive energies of nature. And don't think of emeralds as symbols of resurrection. Don't think of any of these characteristics of the emerald ... primary in importance as they are ... unless of course you want to.
Back to the time when the Moghuls ruled. The emerald was being fashioned into every conceivable form of jewelry. One could trace their ascent in our consciousness back to Pharaonic times. And then to the Ural mountains of Russia. And of course to the Conquistadors as they invaded the land now known as Colombia wherein lay the great mines of Muzo and Chivor from whence emeralds were brought to the market places of Europe and the Far East via the Philippines.
It was from then to now that Emeralds have been associated with India. Fact of the matter is this dear souls: Though India has no deposits of gem quality emeralds ... so strongly were the richly colored variety associated with that country that they became known as "Old Mine Indian Emeralds" ... a little like those potatoes being called French Fries when they actually emanated out Belgium where they're served on street corners to this day with mayonnaise. But I digress. I shall proceed.
In the first half of the 1900's descendants of Moghul warriors which were now royalty were having their emeralds re-cut and re-set. The bangles I show you today are in fact an example of the quality of stones that exemplify the much sought after stones embraced by the monied elite. These bracelets (bangles) were often worn on the ankles ... or often above the elbows ... and even sometimes--mundane as it may sound--on the wrists.
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And there ya have it. That's it for this week folks. Catch you all next week. Benjamin Mark
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