The world’s most famous green gemstone – Emerald is held in high significance, as it is considered to be the most popular gemstone after diamond. The beautiful green colour is associated with growth, inner peace, reflection, life balance, healing and fertility. For May born people, Emerald holds an extraordinary place because it is also the Taurus birthstone.
About May Birthstone
Emerald is a vibrant green gemstone; the most valued emeralds are either pure green or bluish green. This precious emeralds’ colour is vivid and saturated. This gemstone scores 7.5 to 8 on the mohs scale of hardness. Emerald is the birthstone of May, but it is also Cancer’s zodiac stone.
Emerald gemstone symbolises enduring love and therefore it is also known as the anniversary stone that is usually gifted on 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries. Emerald is known to be the second most popular gemstone after diamond; thus it is rare and expensive.
This stone is usually mined in Zambia and Columbia. It is a part of the Beryl stone group. The stones from the beryl family grow hexagonal. Like diamonds, the 4C’s play an essential role in determining the value of emeralds. Similar to diamonds, emeralds are also valued on the basis of their colour — emerald ranges from light to vibrant dark green, thus the value of an emerald stone is based on how deep green the colour of the stone is. Clarity is also essential because clearer and more transparent emeralds are higher in value than the more opaque ones. The cut emphasises the brilliance and colour of the stone, and carat also has its impact on the price of the stone.
Emerald has many myths attached to it. It was believed that emerald gives people the ability to see their future if the stone is placed under their tongue. It was also believed that emerald has special powers to protect from evil spells and revealing the truth. The majestic green colour of the May birthstone convinced many people in the ancient times that emerald has magical powers.
Historical Significance of Emerald
Emerald holds high historical significance. This stone was first mined in 330BC in Egypt. Cleopatra had a passion for emerald and she claimed ownership over all the emerald stones that were mined during the time she was in power Cleopatra in Rome, Elizabeth Taylor acquired some legendary emeralds. Emerald was also a popularly used gemstone in jewellery in Rome and Greece at that time.
For ancient Egyptians, emerald held high significance, and it was believed that emerald protects the body in the grave; thus Egyptians were often buried with emerald stones. Therefore, emerald is often associated with protection and safety.
Later during the 1500s, emerald became famous in Europe and South Asia. The Mughal Emperors of India cherished the stone because it was believed that emerald is a ‘talismanic stone’ and it has the protection of God.
Emerald Healing Properties and Characteristics
The stunning colour symbolises connection with nature, and the soothing energy is associated with inner peace and healing. This gemstone is also associated with re-birth, sexuality and fertility. Thus according to ancient beliefs, emerald has positive effects on improving fertility related issues and helps couples that are facing childbearing problems or women who fear labour.
Emerald also has positive health benefits and healing characteristics. It improves digestive and respiratory problems. It is also associated with providing inner peace and healing; thus it is highly recommended to patients that are suffering from depression or other mental health issues.
This gemstone is also a symbol of everlasting love, patience and faithfulness. Emerald is also popularly used to improve memory and understanding. This gemstone is known for attracting prosperity in business because emerald enhances brain power and understanding, and it also attracts wealth. So, you are highly likely to have better chances of business growth and development.
Emerald Care Tips
Emerald’s beautiful green brilliance will not fail to impress others, but it can lose its beauty and shine if you do not take proper care of your precious emerald stone. It is essential to avoid taking a bath while wearing your emerald. If you want to wash your emerald jewellery, ensure that you are only using mild soap and warm water.
In no circumstances should you ever use any chemical cleaner, hot water or steam to clean emerald because it can cause the gemstone to fracture. For treating the stone, only use cedar oil because it effectively minimises the appearance of inclusions.
If you want your emerald to last you forever, then make sure that you are taking care of it the right way or else you might end up causing damage to the gemstone.
Emerald Jewellery
Emerald is popularly used in different jewellery pieces. Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Kennedy, Olivia Wilde and Zoe Saldana have been spotted flaunting their emerald jewellery on different occasions.
Emerald necklaces, rings and earrings come in a variety of designs and sizes, so selecting emerald jewellery can be a little challenging, especially, if you are unaware about the 4C’s of choosing emerald and it is your first time purchasing emerald jewellery.
Therefore, it is a smart idea to select a trustworthy retailer like Allum & Sidaway. They offer an impressive selection of emerald jewellery that will not fail to impress you. If you want to gift an emerald birthstone to your loved one, Allum & Sidaway should be on the top of your list.