EMERALD - MAY'S BEAUTIFUL BIRTHSTONE

May's Birthstone

Emeralds have been prized for their beauty since antiquity - emerald mines existed in Egypt as early as 300 BC, and these gorgeous green gems were worn as jewelry in ancient Greece and Rome.  Europeans were introduced to the beauty of emeralds in the 1500's when the Spanish invaded South America, where the Incas had prized emeralds for hundreds of years.  During that same period, emeralds were cherished by the Mogul emperors of India, who believed that the gems were talismans that offered the protection of the gods.

Emerald Meaning

Like many gemstones, emeralds have a multitude of meanings stemming from different cultures and beliefs.  In mythology, emerald is the stone of the goddess Venus, resulting in the association of emeralds with romance.  Emeralds are said to bring passion, bliss, and unconditional love!  Legend has it that wearing emeralds can give you the ability to foresee the future and see the truth.  It has also been believed that emeralds has the power to cure disease and protect against evil.

Caring for Emeralds

Only use mild soap and warm water to clean emeralds, and not techniques involving steam, chemicals or high heat because they can cause the gem to become brittle and fracture.  Emeralds are generally treated with oil to minimize the appearance of their inclusions.  When done right, this does not affect the way light interacts with the gem or change its color in any way.