May’s birthstone is a gorgeous emerald. The emerald is the perfect gemstone to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary. It is prized for its brilliance and beautiful variances of green colour.
The emerald is often favoured by the rich and famous for wearing it as their statement piece.
This beautiful gemstone is at home in a pendant, matching earrings or ring and looks stunning or complemented by diamonds.
The emerald stone
The emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed by many to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth, derived from the word “smaragdus” meal, quite literally, “green” in Greek.
Like the aquamarine gemstone, the emerald is a variety of beryl, a mineral that grows with six sides and up to a foot in length.
It comes in a spectrum of green from the very light (though there is an argument that the lightest material is not an emerald) to a rich, deep green, my particular favourite. Like aquamarine, the colour disperses depending on the cutter’s skills.
Cost
The rarest and most valuable emeralds will appear to be an intense green-blue, but as a rule of thumb, the deeper the green, the more expensive the stone will be.
History
Emeralds are mined worldwide, including in Brazil, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emeralds is minimal; consequently, treatment to improve the look of the stones is commonly placed.
First mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC, Cleopatra is perhaps the most famous historical figure to cherish emeralds. She claimed ownership of all emeralds excavated in Egypt during her reign.
The Egyptians have used emeralds in jewellery and elaborate burials, burying emeralds with monarchs as symbols of their protection.
Moving over to South America, “The Muzo” Indians of Colombia are known to have hidden their prized emerald mines, taking their Spanish conquistadors over twenty years to find them.
Like other gemstones, the emerald has many mystical powers to accompany its pure beauty, with many believing it could cure stomach issues, control epilepsy and stop bleeding. Some even thought the soothing green colours could ward off panic, keeping the wearer relaxed and serene.
Today
The emerald symbolises loyalty, a new beginning, peace and security, making it a beautiful gem to own and wear and a stone to be treasured by the recipient.
It’s still widely worn by Royalty and the rich and famous, with Elizabeth Taylor’s renowned emerald pendant selling for $6.5 million in 2011.
The emerald is a somewhat soft stone and is not particularly suited to be worn in a ring daily, but it is more of a statement piece for evening wear. However, the same restriction does not necessarily apply to pendants and earrings.
Advice before buying
The most important advice I can give you when choosing an emerald is to work with an expert, as many stones in circulation have been filled to enhance their look.
If you want to see how easy creating a bespoke jewellery piece is, click on the link below.
Get Started
Please contact David today to arrange an informal conversation or make an appointment. He’s available seven days a week and can meet you in any one of 15 locations across London or online via Zoom. Just to remind you, the initial consultation is free of charge and has no obligation.
