The Emerald was held to have the power of blinding serpents who gazed on its lustre; but it strengthened the human sight, and the ancients were never tired of looking at their rings if this gem was set therein. The Holy Grail, of the Arthurian legends, was said to have been a chalice formed of a single emerald used by the Redeemer at his last supper. Brought from heaven by angels, it was preserved by Joseph of Arimathea, and is yet believed to be on earth, angel-guarded, but visible only to the entirely pure. Among the virtues ascribed to emeralds was that of proving if lovers kept troth or no. In allusion to this belief, L.E.L. has written:

 

“It is a gem which hath the power to show

If plighted lovers keep their troth or no:

If faithful, it is like the leaves in spring;

If faithless like those leaves when withering.”

 

The Empress Josephine wore only emeralds after her divorce from Napoleon, and was painted in them by Isabey. An emerald set in copper should be an appropriate love token, as both gem and metal are under the influence of the planet Venus.