May 06, 2024

May Birthstone: Elegant Emeralds

Step into the month of May, where lush greenery and blooming flowers welcome the arrival of spring.

Emerald Diamond Eye Bracelet, Margaret. Sarah Elise Jewelry 2024.

What is May’s Birthstone?

May is a month of verdant landscapes and the radiant allure of emeralds. As the birthstone for May, emeralds hold a special significance, embodying the essence of renewal, vitality, and natural beauty.

History

From the sacred mines of ancient Egypt to the legendary landscapes of South America, emeralds have inspired awe and fascination for millennia. Cleopatra, famed for her love of luxury, notoriously adorned herself with emeralds. Since then, emeralds have embellished the crowns and homes of numerous monarchs and rulers, serving as symbols of wealth, prestige, and even divine favor.

Imperial Roman gold and emerald necklace, 1st-2nd century CE, 33.5 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.

Multi Emerald Station Necklace, Gwen. Sarah Elise Jewelry 2024.

Origins

Emeralds offer a captivating lush green tone. Their mesmerizing hue depends on the region of the world in which they are found with notable deposits in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia.

Colombian emeralds are renowned for their vivid green color, while Brazilian stones exhibit a slightly bluish-green tone. Brazilian emeralds are valued for their large size and fine quality. Zambian emeralds, on the other hand, are celebrated for their deep green color and remarkable transparency. Afghan emeralds, with their rich history dating back centuries, boast a unique velvety appearance and intense color saturation.

Each region contributes distinct characteristics to these enchanting gems, creating a diverse array of colors and qualities cherished by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.

Symbolism and Significance

In ancient Egypt, emeralds were cherished by pharaohs and royalty as symbols of fertility, eternal youth and rebirth. To the Greeks, Emeralds were associated with Venus and represented love and beauty. Known as the "Stone of Successful Love," they are said to enhance emotional balance and promote unconditional love. Additionally, emeralds are believed to have a soothing effect on the heart chakra, helping to heal emotional wounds, alleviate stress, and restore inner harmony.

Gold and Emerald Earrings, Ostrogothic 3rd Century. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.

Emerald Flower Studs, Alondra. Sarah Elise Jewelry, 2024.

Elegance and Versatility

One of the most enchanting qualities of emeralds is their timeless elegance and versatility. From classic solitaire rings to intricate pendant necklaces and earrings, emeralds add a vibrant touch of sophistication and glamor to any ensemble. Their green hue and natural brilliance is enough to exude luxury and refinement, making them the perfect choice for both formal occasions and everyday wear.

Quality & Grading

Much like other gemstones The color of an emerald is crucial for determining its quality and value. The most desirable hue typically falls within the spectrum from blue-green to pure green. A top-quality emerald features even color distribution, high transparency, and strong saturation.

Emeralds often bear natural inclusions, also known as “gardens” from the French word, Jardin. These inclusions are characteristic of emeralds and are formed during their growth process deep within the earth. While some may view inclusions as flaws, they are actually regarded as identifying features that authenticate the gem's natural origin. Inclusions can vary, adding depth and character to the stone's appearance. Embracing these imperfections is part of appreciating the natural beauty of emeralds, making each gemstone truly one-of-a-kind.

Emerald Grading based on quality and hue.

A common practice for emeralds is oil treatment. During this process the jeweler will clean the surface of the emerald and apply a colorless oil, typically cedarwood. The oil then seeps into the fractures and inclusions, filling them and reducing their appearance. As a result, the emerald appears clearer and more vibrant, maximizing its brilliance and transparency.

Caring for your Emeralds

The May birthstone possesses moderate durability, ranking between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. While emeralds are slightly less durable than rubies or sapphires, it's important to take extra precautions when wearing emerald gemstone jewelry to ensure their longevity.

Avoid exposing emeralds to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or sudden changes in temperature, as these can cause damage and affect their color and clarity. Instead, clean emeralds gently with a soft cloth and store them in a protective pouch or jewelry box when not in use.

Greek. ca. 330–300 BCE. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.

Emerald Art Deco Ring, Winnie. Sarah Elise Jewelry 2024.

With proper care and attention, your emeralds will continue to enchant and inspire for generations to come.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, emeralds are more than just pretty gemstones; they are timeless treasures that capture the essence of nature's beauty and vitality.

We invite you to explore our collection of emerald jewelry, handcrafted to celebrate life's most precious moments with elegance and grace. From ornamental to minimalist, the versatility of Emeralds makes it easy to find the perfect gift for any May birthday, a Taurus or Gemini.

Experience the feeling of luxury with the power of natural emeralds.

✨Click Here for our full Emerald collection ✨