A gem dealer's journal — emerald

Hey Loungers, Today we have the pleasure to welcome a gem dealer turned writer and novelist. He has been in the trade ever since the late 70’s and has toured the world in search for your favourite gems and their secrets for decades. It is in 2003 that he delivers his bestselling book Secret of the Gem trade and now have the pleasure to learn more about him and his path, Today we welcome Richard W. Wise,   Here is Richard Wise in Hong Kong while on the hunt for pearls and jade in the early 90's - Photo Credits:...

Today we will talk about the one gem I had sworn to never touch and yet, is increasingly present in Asia Lounges' collections! I am talking about the rare gem variation of green beryl known as emerald.  The stone itself is legendary, birthstone for May and often used in astrology to honor Taurus, Gemini and sometimes even Cancer. This gem is often carved to honor the gods. As such, India's goddess Meenakshi is traditionally represented by an emerald idol as well as numerous Buddha idols all over Asia.  So, if this gemstone is so prized by gods and human alike, why...