About Emerald
Enchanting and lively green, the physical properties of the emerald result in its classification with being the birthstone for May. The word “emerald” is derived from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” From time immemorial, this unique green color has placated souls and awakened imaginations. Known as the “Stone of Successful Love,” emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra.
The lush green natural landscapes of Ireland have been often observed to be referred to as the “Emerald Isle” because the rich green color of emerald has forever been related and connected with this particular region.
Emeralds, for their phenomenal beauty and rarity, have been treasured as gemstones since over a span of 4,000 years.
| Attribute | Emerald |
|---|---|
| Birthstone for | May |
| Color | Vary in color from light green to a deep, intense green; occasionally slightly bluish green |
| Symbolism | Symbol for successful love, truth and rebirth, love and abundance, realization of ideals and aim, wisdom and growth as well as patience |
| Historical Significance | Pre-used by ancient Egyptians and Romans; in the reference of goddess Venus, symbolizing fertility, rebirth and love | Major Sources | Egypt (original source), now in Colombia (best quality), Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia | Physical Properties | Rated 7.5 to 8 on Mohs scale making it a hard stone, but more brittle than the sapphire and ruby due to inclusions; generally treated with oils or resins to enhance appearance |
| In Jewelry | Used in various types and designs of sets; used easily with all type of metals; commonly set in yellow gold so to make these stones’ color richer and deeper, which is lively green |
| Care | Clean with mild soap and warm water, rinse well and dry; no steam or ultrasonic cleaner; stay away from rough work and harsh chemicals |
| Psychological and Emotional Significance | Assumed to enhance vitality, create pure love and joy, maintain a balance between both of the partners; considered as effective for better memory and increasing the mental clarity |
| Choose Jewelry with Emerald | The color must be looked into as well as the cut and clarity of the stone from which it is made, its design should portray the personality and lifestyle of the wearer of such jewelry |
Origin and History of Emerald
Emerald has been mined by the Egyptians at a very early date in history- about 3500 BC. The legendary green stone was used by Cleopatra and it was said to symbolize fertility, rebirth, and love. On the other hand, ancient Romans believed that emerald represents the love and beauty of Venus who was the goddess of beauty. Besides, Romans held the belief that with an emerald, one was in a position to improve their speech and address themselves in a more eloquent manner than any other person.
Emeralds have been found in various parts of the world including Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. However, there are claims that some of the best emeralds come from Colombia. They can mainly be located in metamorphic types of rocks to include schist and marl while it does exist in igneous rocks.
Nowadays, emerald means truth, love, and abundance. For the May-borns, emerald is a rebirth gemstone and a gemstone of love, thus an emerald birthstone is worth mentioning.
The Mythology and Symbolism of Emerald
Emerald plays quite a vital part in culture, religious beliefs, and mythology. In fact, the ancient Romans believed in the emeralds being dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, for protecting lovers from unfaithfulness. According to the heart’s loyalty or straying, the emerald started to glow in beautiful green color, but when the heart strayed, it took on a different, lifeless color.
In many cultures, emeralds symbolize clarity and good luck. Ancient people used to wear them even to cure diseases such as cholera or malaria. However, in the modern world, they are now associated with intelligence, rejuvenation, and tenacity.
Distinguishing Characteristics about Emeralds
Emeralds are judged by eye while diamonds are formally graded regarding to clarity. Emeralds have typically many inclusions and other flaws which create highly visible resemblance to a “garden” in most cases. The most significant grading characteristic during grading of emeralds is color. This can range from light green to a deep intense green. From time to time, they also have a little bit of a bluish cast, but then again, too much blue or yellow are not considered emeralds.
Physical Properties of Emerald
Emeralds, a variant of beryllium, are relatively hard for a stone rating between 7.5 to 8 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. But owing to inclusions and flaws an emerald might be somewhat brittle and more prone to breakage than other colored stones.
A majority of emeralds have been treated with oils or resins to fill the surface-reaching cracks of these gems thereby improving the appearance. Such treatment is widely accepted in trade, but needs supplying for express treatment to buyer.
Emerald for Jewelry
Emeralds have been in use along with jewelry since ages. Their wonderful green colour has a complimentary effect over any metal, be it yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum too. However, traditionally they are set within yellow gold that enriches their lush green colour.
Emeralds are apt to be used in every form of jewelry, either rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings. They could be fashioned into any shape but their most popular form is the rectangular cut with clipped corners for emerald cut. Such a cut designs this gemstone to its utmost advantage.
Cleaning and Caring for your Emerald pieces of Jewelry
Emeralds are relatively hard, yet should be taken care due to their natural inclusions as well as common forms of treatment. This renders them more liable to damage as compared to other stones.
Wash the emerald jewelry in warm mild-soaped water while gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush. With steams or ultrasonic cleaners, it removes the oils or resins to enhance its appearance. Remember to always take off emerald jewelry before participating in activities that are bound to get some knocks or exposure to strong chemicals because it will go a long way in helping its durability.
Emerald: May Birthstone
Emerald, the beautiful colored lush green gemstone, is well suited in being birthstone for May itself which symbolizes rebirth and renewal in spring. It’s believed that bestowing somebody with emerald as gift who is born in May could ensure the recipient get blessings of foresight, good fortune, and youth.
The Psychological and Emotional Significance of Emerald
In terms of metaphysical properties, emeralds are counted to emanate the energy of calming emotions and healing all levels of being. It is also believed to promote vitality and enhance love and contentment. Emeralds are known to maintain balance between partners and improve memory as well as promoting mental clairvoyance. Furthermore, they promote mutual understanding in cooperative efforts.
How to Choose an Emerald Birthstone Jewelry Piece
The color of the gem is of utmost concern with choosing an emerald piece. Desirable emerald colors are from bluish green through pure green, and such colored gemstones should have vivid color saturation and tone that is not too dark. The cut of the emerald and the clarity matter, with the jewelry as a whole being a compliment to the wearer’s style.
Conclusion: Lasting Appeal for Emerald
Emerald continues to be eyed by many for its captivating beauty and the rich symbolism it holds, especially for those fortunate enough to be born in May. As a representative of rebirths and love, gifting emerald is no longer just giving beautiful jewelry but also a significant symbol of the same. Worn as a ring, necklace or pair of earrings, emerald is a truly unforgettable gemstone unequal only to its stunning green hue and ancient lore.