The May birthstone is emerald. Emeralds have been prized for their beautiful green color and durability for centuries. In addition to being the birthstone for May, the emerald is also the traditional gift for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
What is an Emerald?
An emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl that is colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Most emeralds are highly included, meaning they have cracks, bubbles, and other flaws visible under magnification. The intense green color of emeralds combined with their flaws and inclusions is part of what makes them so fascinating and beautiful.
Emeralds are rated for their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most prized emeralds have a rich, vivid green color. Emeralds range in tone from a slightly yellowish green to a bluish green. The most valued emeralds have a medium to medium dark tone.
While completely flawless emeralds are extremely rare, emeralds are graded for their clarity. Stones with fewer visible inclusions and blemishes will be rated higher for clarity. Like diamonds, emeralds are also graded on their cut and carat weight. The best cuts maximize the green color and brilliance of the gem. Larger carat weight emeralds are more valuable.
Where do Emeralds Come From?
Natural emeralds are mined in a limited number of locations around the world. Some of the most important sources are:
| Columbia | Produces the highest quality emeralds, known for their pure green color and transparency |
| Zambia | Second most significant producer, stones have a bluish-green tint |
| Brazil | Major producer of emeralds, stones have a yellow-green to bluish-green color |
| Afghanistan | Source of many fine emeralds, color ranges from yellow-green to almost aquamarine |
| Pakistan | Emeralds have a bluish-green color but are heavily included |
| Russia | Ural Mountains produce small and pale emeralds |
Emerald Meaning and Symbolism
As the lush green of spring, the emerald has long symbolized rebirth, renewal, and growth. In ancient Egypt, emeralds represented fertility and were mined extensively in Cleopatra’s time. The emerald was dedicated to Venus, goddess of love and beauty, by the Romans.
In the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to have healing powers and the ability to foretell the future and reveal truths. The emerald was thought to cure illness, protect against evil spells, improve eyesight, and keep the wearer youthful. Hindus regarded emeralds as one of the sacred stones.
Emeralds are also symbolic of peace, patience, unity, and wisdom. The soothing green color inspires balance, harmony, and clarity. As the May birthstone, the emerald brings freshness and vitality associated with spring.
The Many Uses of the Emerald
Jewelry
As a precious gemstone, emeralds have long been used in fine jewelry. Emeralds make beautiful necklaces, rings, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Jewelers often combine emeralds with diamonds or other gemstones. The color contrast and sparkle makes for stunning jewelry design. Popular emerald pairings include:
– Emerald and diamond – The brilliance of diamonds enhances the deep green of emeralds.
– Emerald and ruby – The green and red make for an eye-catching color combination.
– Emerald and sapphire – Both stones have a rich, saturated color.
– Emerald and pearl – The soft, creamy luster of pearls complements the green emerald.
Engagement Rings
While diamonds dominate the engagement ring market, emeralds make beautiful, unique engagement rings. An emerald engagement ring may feature a single emerald as a solitaire or multiple emeralds arranged in an intricate design. Emerald and diamond halo rings that surround the center emerald with a ring of diamonds are also popular choices for emerald engagement rings.
Designer Clothing
Emerald green is a popular color in fashion. Designers often use emerald green materials like silk and satin to make gowns, cocktail dresses, and accessories. The rich green looks beautiful against all skin tones. Darker emeralds paired with black and grey lend a sophisticated and glamorous look. Lighter minty greens work well in spring and summer fashions.
Home Decor
Decorators use emerald green hues in home goods like pillows, area rugs, and accent pieces. The color brings freshness and vibrancy. Emerald decor works well in almost any style from modern to traditional. From emerald green velvet upholstery to dark green marble countertops, the emerald color makes a bold statement.
Healing Crystals
Emeralds are considered a powerful healing crystal. Healers place emeralds directly on the body or around the room to promote emotional and physical well-being. Some benefits attributed to emeralds include:
– Reduces negativity
– Inspires insight and intuition
– Aids respiratory and heart health
– Promotes patience and unconditional love
– Enhances eyesight
– Boosts the immune system
While the scientific evidence is limited, emerald crystals are treasured for their potential healing powers.
How to Care for Emerald Jewelry
Emerald jewelry requires some special care due to the gemstone’s sensitivities:
– Avoid high heat – Do not expose emerald jewelry to hot water, steam, or ultrasonic cleaning. High temperatures can cause emeralds to fracture.
– Take care near hard surfaces – Emeralds are brittle compared to many gems. Remove emerald jewelry before activities where they could knock against hard surfaces and chip or crack.
– Protect from chemicals – Clean emerald jewelry with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acid-based cleaners.
– Store safely – Keep emeralds separate from other gems and metals in a fabric-lined box. Tissue paper between pieces will prevent scratching.
– Avoid large temperature changes – Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks and fractures. Allow emeralds to adjust to temperature changes gradually.
With proper care, emerald jewelry will remain beautiful for many years to come. The captivating green color retains its brilliance when emeralds are handled with care.
In Conclusion
The emerald is a regal, mystical, and captivating gemstone that has adorned royalty for millennia. As the green essence of spring, emeralds symbolize life, fertility, and regeneration. Emeralds are rated for their vivid green colors, which range from bluish-green to yellowish-green. The most prized emeralds are mined in Columbia.
Throughout history, emeralds were revered for their beauty and believed to possess incredible powers of healing, foresight, and protection. Today, we treasure emeralds for their stunning colors and versatility in jewelry and fashion. When worn close to the heart or placed in a living space, emerald crystals still inspire qualities like patience, wisdom, clarity, and well-being. The emerald endures as a beloved gem representing the fresh start of spring and the month of May.
