May is in full bloom! Springtime offers endless beauty and bounty, with flowers and lush greenery everywhere you look. What better gemstone to symbolize the splendor of spring than vibrant green emerald, the captivating May birthstone?
Emerald belongs to a group that industry insiders often refer to as the “Big Three.” These are the three most expensive and alluring precious colored gems that have been sought after for centuries: emerald, ruby, and sapphire. In fact, this captivating May birthstone has been worn in jewelry for more than four thousand years. Ancient civilizations from the Inca to the Egyptians revered emerald for its many powerful properties. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher who lived in the first century A.D., wrote that emerald was the only gem that delighted the eye without fatiguing it. Early gem cutters kept emeralds on their work bench to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes. Modern science confirms Pliny’s claim with findings that prove green is the most restful color for the human eye, as it relieves stress and strain. Besides being easy on the eyes, green emerald was believed to give its wearer the power to see into the future and to recognize the false promises of others. It’s no wonder emerald was a favorite of ancient leaders like Cleopatra, who famously wore them in many of her royal adornments.
Besides its obvious beauty, emerald is treasured for its meaning. In ancient Roman mythology, emerald was the gemstone of the goddess of love, Venus. Though rubies are generally considered the gemstone of romance and passion, emerald was once held in the same regard. Emeralds are said to stir feelings of passion, euphoria, and intense love. They are thought to bring love that is deep and unconditional, making them the perfect romantic gift. The vibrant green hue of emeralds represents vitality, renewal, and starting anew. It’s only fitting that emerald marks the dawn of springtime, a time of rebirth and regeneration.
The ideal shade for spring, emeralds range in color from yellowish to bluish and can vary from pale mint to deep forest hues. Vivid, deep green emeralds are most prized, while those with too much yellow or blue are less valuable. An ideal emerald will have color that is evenly distributed with just the right touch of transparency.
Most emeralds contain eye-visible clarity characteristics called “inclusions” that result from their formation deep within the earth. These inclusions give each gemstone its own personality and character, an everlasting testament to the natural history of emerald. When a single stone contains a wide variety of inclusions, gemologists call it the “jardín” effect, which is French for “garden,” because they resemble flowers and foliage.
Because of their inclusions, emeralds are delicate despite their relative hardness. Never put emeralds into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, and avoid steam cleaning. Ring re-sizing or re-tipping of prongs should only be performed by an accomplished jeweler.
History of Emerald
Emerald belongs to a group that industry insiders often refer to as the “Big Three.” These are the three most expensive and alluring precious colored gems that have been sought after for centuries: emerald, ruby, and sapphire. In fact, this captivating May birthstone has been worn in jewelry for more than four thousand years. Ancient civilizations from the Inca to the Egyptians revered emerald for its many powerful properties. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher who lived in the first century A.D., wrote that emerald was the only gem that delighted the eye without fatiguing it. Early gem cutters kept emeralds on their work bench to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes. Modern science confirms Pliny’s claim with findings that prove green is the most restful color for the human eye, as it relieves stress and strain. Besides being easy on the eyes, green emerald was believed to give its wearer the power to see into the future and to recognize the false promises of others. It’s no wonder emerald was a favorite of ancient leaders like Cleopatra, who famously wore them in many of her royal adornments.
Emerald Stone Meaning
Besides its obvious beauty, emerald is treasured for its meaning. In ancient Roman mythology, emerald was the gemstone of the goddess of love, Venus. Though rubies are generally considered the gemstone of romance and passion, emerald was once held in the same regard. Emeralds are said to stir feelings of passion, euphoria, and intense love. They are thought to bring love that is deep and unconditional, making them the perfect romantic gift. The vibrant green hue of emeralds represents vitality, renewal, and starting anew. It’s only fitting that emerald marks the dawn of springtime, a time of rebirth and regeneration.
May Birthstone Colors
The ideal shade for spring, emeralds range in color from yellowish to bluish and can vary from pale mint to deep forest hues. Vivid, deep green emeralds are most prized, while those with too much yellow or blue are less valuable. An ideal emerald will have color that is evenly distributed with just the right touch of transparency.
Most emeralds contain eye-visible clarity characteristics called “inclusions” that result from their formation deep within the earth. These inclusions give each gemstone its own personality and character, an everlasting testament to the natural history of emerald. When a single stone contains a wide variety of inclusions, gemologists call it the “jardín” effect, which is French for “garden,” because they resemble flowers and foliage.
Because of their inclusions, emeralds are delicate despite their relative hardness. Never put emeralds into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, and avoid steam cleaning. Ring re-sizing or re-tipping of prongs should only be performed by an accomplished jeweler.
Where is Emerald Found?
Columbia has been the most fruitful source for fine emeralds for over 500 years, with the Muzo mine producing the most stunning jewels in terms of both color and clarity. Brazil also produces stones from the abundant Belmont mine that are typically a little darker in color. Emeralds of very fine color can be found in parts of Africa, though they typically only occur in small carat sizes. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also important producers, though on a much smaller scale.Shop May Birthstone Jewelry at Leo’s
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we carry a wide variety of luscious green emeralds to fit every style and budget. Whether you’re celebrating a May birthday, anniversary, or engagement, we have a wealth of exquisite emerald jewelry that is sure to surprise your loved one. Choose from new designs or opt for something truly unique like an antique emerald ring or bracelet. Do you have a beloved piece of emerald jewelry that’s in need of repair? Our full-service jewelry store boasts a team of master jewelers on staff to ensure that your precious jewels last a lifetime and beyond! What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!
emerald jewelry san diegoGemstone Jewelry San DiegoMay birthstoneMay birthstone jewelryspring jewelryspring trends
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