Esteemed from ancient times the emerald appears in the Bible as a stone in the breastplate of judgment. (Exodus 28: 18). As with other precious gems the emerald was thought to have many curative properties-- including being good for eyesight, to drive off evil spirits, assist women in childbirth and help maintain the chastity of the wearer. In Upper Egypt a mine was in operation as early as 1650 B.C., with Greeks working the mines at the time of Alexander the Great: the same ones to yield magnificent emeralds for Cleopatra. This cabochon emerald ring is in keeping with the splendors of those ancient times, as elegant today as it would have been for monarchs who once ruled the world.