BIRTHSTONES

MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD

Mini Solitaire & Shimmer Thin Organic Ring personalised with Emerald

Emeralds have long been entrenched in history and mythical lore. Sold in Babylon markets in 4000 BC, emerald was once worshiped by the Incas and a favourite gemstone of royalty. Cleopatra is historically documented as having a lavish collection of emerald jewellery.

Also the birthstone for the month of May, May babies are exceptionally fortunate because according to traditional belief, emeralds bring a wearer foresight, youth and good fortune. Historically associated with Greek goddess Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty, emerald was said to protect lovers from unfaithfulness; if the heart was loyal, the gem would glow in a beautiful green colour.

Ranking 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale (a scale of hardness based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another) emeralds are the varying green to greenish blue variety of beryl.

Emerald Supernova Ring

Here are our favourite 5 facts about emeralds:

1. According to Indian mythology, the word emerald was first translated from Sanskrit ‘marakata’, meaning the green of growing things. However, the name is also believed to have been derived from ancient Persian ‘smaragdos’, meaning green gem.

2. In every ancient language, there were reports of emeralds helping eyesight. So much so that emeralds were crushed into a fine powder and made into an eye lotion! Roman author Pliny the Elder (AD 23/24 – 79) wrote in his encyclopaedic Natural History that the soft, green colour comforted and removed weariness. Modern science now backs his findings, as the colour green is now known to relieve stress and eye strain.

3. Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” an emerald opens and nurtures the heart chakra. Its soothing energy provides emotional healing and brings freshness and vitality to the spirit.

4. An emerald is the gemstone for thirty-fifth and fifty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

5. Ancient legends reveal that emeralds have the power to make their wearer more intelligent, eloquent and quick-witted. Historically believed to have magical powers, emeralds were placed under the tongue so one could see into the future.

Mama & Baby Heart Necklace with Emerald 'baby heart'

If you're thinking of creating a piece with an emerald, it is worth a mention that this lovely gem does requires a little more care and attention than other gemstones. We have created an emerald care guide to help keep your favourite emerald shimmering for a lifetime!

If you need a harder-wearing stone, a rich green Sapphire or Tsavorite Garnet make fantastic alternatives (p.s. for all our Gemini's this is one of your zodiac birthstones!)

Did you know? You can personalise many of our pieces with your choice of stone, including Emerald. Shop and customise your piece here or contact us to talk about incorporating emerald into your unique, handmade heirloom.