Perfectly suited to the celebration of life blooming everywhere is the May birthstone. Given the rich green hues of emerald, it was inevitable that we would fall under its spell. Enchanting individuals who love the color green or those born in May, productive mines globally guarantee a consistent supply. Now you can treat yourself – or a loved one – to an emerald that captures the exuberance of the season. Learn more about how to pick a beautiful emerald with our Emerald Buying Guide.
MAY BIRTHSTONE
The emerald, representing May Birthstone, is predominantly green with subtle hints of yellow and blue, casting a sunny hue. Valuable emeralds shine with a bright green color, while those leaning towards warm tones are less prized. Moreover, the rare red beryl emerald in Utah is the world’s rarest, with only one for every 150,000 diamonds. Meanwhile, the Bahia Emerald in Brazil claims the title of the world’s priciest emerald, boasting a price range of around 400 million dollars.
EMERALD BIRTHSTONE
EMERALD BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
The Greeks associated emeralds with the word ‘Smaragdus,’ signifying green. Dating back to 330 BC, emeralds were initially mined in Egypt. Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, embraced emerald jewellery in the 1700s. During the 16th century, the Spanish invaded South America, home to emerald-admiring Incas who deemed it sacred. Spanish traders bartered these stones for other precious metals, with a preference for silver or gold in their transactions.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
The chemical composition of emerald is Be3Al2(SiO3)6, recognized as a cyclosilicate. Its captivating green color comes from chromium or vanadium. In addition, as a member of the beryl mineral family, emerald ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. In Colombia, emeralds crystallize around the carbonate rocks found near hot springs.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Emeralds provide various health benefits, such as enhancing lung capacity, purifying the liver, and promoting muscle recovery. Additionally, this captivating stone contributes to improving memory and intelligence. On a spiritual level, emeralds play a crucial role in balancing the heart chakra. Beyond that, they foster positivity, dispel negativity, eliminate nightmares, and improve sleep quality. In essence, adorning this stone brings about a multitude of benefits.
The Crown of the Andes boasts an impressive 24 ct emerald center stone and 442 additional emeralds set in the intricately crafted golden headpiece. Photo: the Metropolitan Museum of Art
WHERE IS EMERALDS FOUND?
Miners in Columbia, Brazil, and Zambia primarily find these precious gemstones. Miners extract emeralds from various parts of the world, including Russia, the US, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Australia.
EMERALD BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
To properly care for an emerald, it is crucial to keep it away from heat, and it is advisable to avoid cleaning them with steam. When maintaining the stone, ensure to daily rub it with a microfiber cloth to prevent the accumulation of stains or dirt throughout the day. Additionally, soaking it in sudsy water can be beneficial. Furthermore, If necessary, take your emerald to a jeweler for oiling, a process that enhances their appearance and addresses minor cracks, providing these stones with a longer-lasting luster.
The beauty of emerald is seen in this 3.69 ct stone flanked by six diamonds.