A gem dealer's journal — madagascar

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...