Emerald, May’s brilliant birthstone

As the world grows green in the spring, it’s fitting that the emerald is May’s birthstone. It’s been revered for centuries…its name comes from the ancient Greek word for green, ‘smaragdus.’ The first known mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC. And it’s one of the four “precious” gemstones of the world, along with the diamond, ruby, and sapphire.

The emerald rates from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively hard. It can stand up to wear in a range of jewelry from rings to pendants to earrings.

• Cleopatra was known for her passion for emeralds, which were believed to bring eternal life.
• Emerald is a form of the mineral beryl; lighter shades are known as “green beryl,” a less-expensive gemstone.
• The color green is known to relieve stress and eye strain.
• In 2013, it was Pantone’s color of the year, described as “Lively. Radiant. Lush…a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”
• JFK gave Jackie an engagement ring with emeralds around a diamond—breaking tradition of a diamond solitaire.

Healing properties of emeralds

Legend has it that one who wore an emerald could see the future—and was protected against evil spells. It’s a stone of vision and intuition, associated with the eyes and sight. It encourages wisdom, enhances memory, and increases mental clarity. (Let’s be honest…if you had a beautiful emerald, would you forget about it?)

How to buy emerald jewelry

• Look for a deep, vibrant, bright green color. The color should be constant across the entire stone.
• Emeralds usually have some inclusions, a blemish in the stone; some jewelers will put the stone through oil treatments to minimize the appearance of the inclusion. Since they’re so common, a moderate inclusion shouldn’t turn you off the stone.
• One of the most common cuts is, not surprisingly, the “emerald cut.” But round and princess cut gems are also found in rings.
• Emeralds are increasingly being used in engagement rings. Paired with diamonds, their sparkle is often heightened.
• The vibrant green color works well with a number of metals—silver, white gold, gold, and rose gold.
• Care for your emerald jewelry with a soft brush and soap, like baby soap. And store it in its own case or bag—not only will it protect the emerald, it’ll protect softer gems from the emerald.

Let’s end with a quote from Jim Morrison: “Give me songs to sing and emerald dreams to dream and I’ll give you love unfolding.”

And remember that I’m here to appraise your new or old emeralds…and any of your jewelry, silver pieces, or timepieces. Contact me and I’ll take care of it.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee