What a Girl Loves

Erica Courtney Trapiche Emerald and Diamond Cloud Ring

Jewelry aficionados have had a life long affection for emeralds; Now a relatively new variety gives us pause and helps us look once again at this ancient stone. All emerald is a beryl mineral. But not all beryl, even the green variety is emerald. I'll let that sink in for a bit.

Inching its Way into Your Heart
Now trapiche emerald, a rather unusual variety is charming its way into the hearts of emerald fans and pretty much all jewelry collectors. The fact that this unique gemstone is in rather limited supply adds to its allure. The distinct stone hails exclusively from the Boyaca region of Colombia.

Emerald miners in Boyaca Colombia

But what's With the Name?
Trapiche emerald draws its name from its unforgettable appearance. Is it a glistening 4-leaf clover? Or maybe a wheel? What makes the dramatic markings that distinguish trapiche emerald from its well-known variety? The six spokes appearing in trapiche emerald are naturally created by the presence of a mineral inclusion called lutite which gets pushed toward the center of the crystal before radiating outward in 6 different directions. It all happens deep within the earth during its formation. Trapiche emeralds are thought to be the rarest of all pattern gemstones.

History and Lore
The name trapiche refers to its resemblance to 17th century spoked stone wheels used in grinding sugar cane in the islands.

Sugar cane is processed with an early island trapiche

Now that you know this back story, you can focus on the delightful ring made by Erica Courtney. Who better to understand what girls love than a female designer? Every woman is unique with her own distinct story--so shouldn't her jewelry be a beautiful expression of her unforgettable allure?

Show a Little Love
I think Erica's on to something with this magnificent Cloud Ring as she names it. Trapiche emeralds are not for everybody--but after all they weren't meant to be. Those who know what a girl loves understand.