Jewellery & Watch News
The enchanting and revitalising tones of Emerald are paired with those lucky enough to be born in May. The May birthstone is incredibly revered and sought after, beguiling everyone instantly with its exotic green hues and dazzling clarity. In fact, their colour alone makes emeralds more precious than diamonds but when paired together, especially in jewellery, the two can bring to life an extraordinary charm and appeal.
Sometimes nicknamed “Green Gold” due to its widespread popularity, Emerald is believed to bring lots of luck, happiness, and prosperity especially to those that wear it in May birthstone jewellery or those celebrating a 20th and 35th wedding anniversary. While mostly recognised for its rich green tones, emerald can also be found in pale green and turquoise blues, however because it is part of the Beryl family, many gemmologist believe that emeralds that are not truly rich in green colour should be considered other mineral species like Aquamarine.
History of Emerald
For as long as anyone can remember, civilisations have been enchanted by emeralds. Its origin is believed to span back millions of years and it has long been associated with peace, fertility and growth. The very source of the world emerald is thought to be a translation of the Sanskrit word “marakata”, meaning “the green of growing things.” Some of the first recorded instances of emeralds date back to 330BC where they were believed to be sold in ancient markers in Asia and Europe.
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt has become a notable figure recognised for her admiration of the May birthstone. She was believed to adorn herself and her palace with emeralds, as a display of wealth and power, and known to gift them to her foreign dignitaries. Even the likes of Aristotle were in awe of the gemstone, mentioning in his writings that emerald could comfort and smooth the eyes and improve the reputation of the individual that holds it. Today, the emerald remains just as coveted and stays associated with lush landscapes. Take the Emerald Isle in Ireland as an example, or the Emerald City of Washington in the US.
Where is Emerald Found?
Some of the world’s oldest emerald mines are said to be found in Egypt, India and Austria however at present, the largest supplier of the May birthstone is Columbia. Columbia arguably produces some of the world’s finest emeralds, and up to the 50-95% of the world’s supply. Two other leading suppliers of the gemstone are Brazil and Zambia. Zambian emeralds are a little more unique when compared to those sourced elsewhere, showcasing a more bluish sometimes greyish tint. Emeralds can also be found in China, France, Switzerland, the United States, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Spain and Zambia.
Properties of Emerald
As we mentioned in the introduction, Emerald is the green variety of beryl, a mineral species also home to Aquamarine and other beryl colours. One of the biggest arguments in gemmology is what exactly distinguishes an emerald from its beryl counterparts. For many, it is the degree of green colour that makes one stone an emerald and another a less expensive green beryl but where the line is drawn is still unverified. One of the main reasons why Emerald is so coveted however is because of its intense green colour as well as its stability and clarity. The May birthstone also reaches to a 7.5 to 8 on Moh’s Hardness scale.
Powers of Emerald
With such a vast history, it is no surprise that emerald is associated with a vast amount of lore. For many, the stone enhances one’s mental capacity by imparting wisdom and reason and allowing one to focus on their thoughts. The May birthstone has also been associated with regeneration and recovery, both physically and mentally, giving you energy and encouraging you to enjoy life to the fullest. In the past, it was believed emerald could endow the wearer with special abilities like foreseeing the future. Ancients would place an emerald under the tongue to reveal truths and protect themselves from evil spells. Emerald has also been linked to curing diseases like cholera and malaria.
Emerald Jewellery
Whether you’re celebrating a May birthday, buying for your partner for a 20th or 35th wedding anniversary or you’re simply in love with the enchanting green shades of the gemstone, Emerald jewellery is a must-have for every sophisticated lady. Its wonderfully versatile properties means it can be worn for all occasions and when paired with other gemstones, like diamond or sapphire, its contrasting composition looks truly extraordinary.
You can shop a huge range of Emerald jewellery and May birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Emerald necklaces, Emerald pendants, Emerald bracelets, Emerald earrings, Emerald rings, Emerald brooches and Emerald cufflinks. Get in touch with the team today for more information on the Emerald gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
