May birthdays take place right in the heart of spring and it is a month of the year that is full of hope and energy.
Emerald is the perfect gemstone to represent and celebrate this month.
Known for its gorgeous and brilliant green color, Emerald is a favorite stone by the famous and the wealthy to wear as statement jewelry during special events.
But this elegant gemstone is also right at home in a simple pendant as it is in an elaborate tiara.
Find out more about this beautiful May birthstone and discover more reasons to love it!
The Meaning Of The May Birthstone
The May birthstone is all about renewal, awakening, and resurrection, and is known to give youth, fortune, and foresight to whoever wears it.
The word Emerald is derived from the Greek word ‘smaragdus’ which means green.
Much like Aquamarine, Emerald is a type of Beryl, a mineral that develops with six sides and grows up to a foot long.
Emerald color can go from light to deep green. They are likewise similar to Aquamarines in that their colors exhibit in the gemstones depending on the good cut by a talented gemologist.
The deeper or greener the Emerald, the more valuable it is. The rarest Emeralds will appear intense green-blue.
Emeralds can be found all over the world, including countries like Zambia, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Colombia.
The accessibility of high-quality Emerald is somewhat limited, though. Treatments to enhance and improve the stone’s quality are performed regularly, though.
Emerald was mined as early as 330 BC in Egypt. However, some gauge that the oldest Emeralds are approximately 2.97 billion years of age.
Cleopatra may be the most renowned historical figure to love Emeralds. She loved them so much that she claimed ownership of all the Emerald mines in Egypt during her rule, much to the distress of the tribes of Israel.
The Egyptians used Emeralds both as adornments and for their elaborate burials. They often bury these gemstones with monarchs as a symbol of security and protection.
On the opposite side of the world, the Muzo Indians of Colombia had well-covered up and prized Emerald mines. These mines were so hidden that it took the Spanish conquistadors about two decades to discover them.
Like other gemstones, Emerald is known to have plenty of mystical powers and magical energies that come with their magnificence.
There were those who figured that Emerald could cure stomach issues, manage epilepsy, and stop bleeding.
It was also thought to have the capacity to ward off panic and keep whoever is wearing or carrying it peaceful and relaxed.
Today, Emerald is a symbol of loyalty, dependability, fresh starts, peace, and security, making it an excellent gemstone to wear, as well a significant present to be treasured by anyone who will receive it.
It is still much prized by the rich and renowned, with Elizabeth Taylor’s acclaimed Emerald pendant offering $6.5 million in 2011 as a great example.
May is associated with Emerald. The significance of this month’s birthstone is that it brings energies of health, loyalty, fertility, and wealth.
Traditionally, Emerald is also known to have supernatural properties that can keep physical ailments under control.
Ancient Romans went as far as offering Emeralds to Venus, which is the Goddess of Love and Beauty.
Today, it is known that Emeralds represent insight, growth, and tolerance.
Emeralds are formed somewhere deep in the earth, inside mineral-rich rocks. An Emerald is created in the breaks and crevices of these stones.
As the rocks warm up, specific minerals leak out and go inside the crevices, creating the perfect environment for gemstones to grow and develop.
What gives Emerald its wonderful green color is the presence of chromium, and sometimes vanadium.
Emeralds are not very common and can only be found in just a few places in the world. Colombia and Brazil in South America produce some very good quality Emeralds as does Zambia in Africa.
Emerald is known for treating issues with the spine, muscular system, and detoxification process. It boosts the recovery process when being treated for infections, and it helps in the treatment of rheumatism and diabetes.
It soothes the effects of sinusitis and promotes good eye health.
Emeralds also treat issues of the heart, lungs, and spine. They are thought to help in recuperation after suffering from an infectious illness.
They also have a detoxifying impact on the liver and mitigate diabetes and stiffness.
Emerald is another valuable gemstone adored by many people around the globe. Some of the most beautiful Emeralds originate from Colombia.
May’s green Emerald is a symbol or renewal and rebirth, renewed youth, and favorable luck.
Emeralds are known to cure you of frail or bad health, healing different illnesses and guaranteeing a good and healthy well-being. It’s also believed to give whoever wears it the gift to see the future!
Emeralds are traditionally given as a gift on the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary.
Emerald brings the rich green color of Spring and emanates a wonderful and distinctive tone. It’s viewed as a symbol of love and renewal.
What Are The Key Traits Of The May Birthstone?
If your partner, friend, or loved ones have Emerald as their birthstone, consider yourself lucky!
Emerald people love unconditionally. They are also very loyal and faithful partners.
They are very good at gelling with different types of personalities.
They can be stubborn when they really have set their minds on something. They are imaginative, and adventurous.
People with the May birthstone tend to understand the feelings of others and have deep thoughts and feelings themselves.
They are hard workers and they effortlessly bring happiness to those around them.
This precious gemstone was famously associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It bestows very powerful traits upon those born under it.
People born in May, therefore, are lucky, energetic, and eloquent. They have the gift of gab.
They are also very devoted and loving. They also prize loyalty above all else in relationships.Emerald protects lovers from unfaithfulness.
Sometimes they can be hardhearted and strong-willed, but this is because they are very motivated as well.
They have sharp thoughts and words, and the can be very easily angered.
They have a very enigmatic personality that easily attracts people. They love being showered with attention
People born in May have deep thoughts and feelings, and they want to keep themselves looking beautiful physically and mentally.
They are strong and have a solid standpoint in life. They need no further motivation when they want to achieve something in life.
People with the May birthstone are easily consoled.
They love to dream but they are also very systematic. Their clairvoyance skills are very strong. They have a deep understanding of life and love.
They have a strong and creative imagination. They love anything that has to do with literature and the arts. They love to travel and explore new territories.
They are happy to be at home, but given the choice, they would rather be outside exploring new places, trying new dishes, and doing something new.
They are hardworking and tend to be workaholics. Settling down and having children are something that they want in the future, but they are not really their major priorities.
They always have high spirits, and they always look forward to the next chapter.
They have a good physical condition, but they always feel pain or are sick in the neck or ear area. Sometimes they are also prone to suffering from weak breaths.
They can be restless and easily bored, but they more than make up for it by looking for the next big adventure.
They have lofty dreams, but they can also be a spendthrift.
The Color Of The May Birthstone And Its Meaning
There’s no doubt that, as one of the most remarkable precious gems on the planet, people have strived for generations to understand the real Emerald birthstone meaning.
This is a stone with connotations of nature, of love, of peace of the body and mind, and of course of financial abundance and riches. This is all connected to the rich green hue of the stone.
So many different interpretations means that it can be daunting, but if you look closely, you’ll find that none of these depictions necessarily contradict the other – meaning that the May birthstone, Emerald, is actually extremely versatile and multifaceted.
Even beyond its more grounded physical meanings of health and wealth, many have attributed this precious gem with untold power and influence over the psychic realm.
This dramatic and striking stone was once believed to give the wearer the ability to peer into the future. Some cultures even believed that gemstone could be used in healing rituals.
An Emerald is a variation of Beryl. Beryl comes in a variety of colors, but in its purest form, this stone is colorless.
In order for Beryl to be considered an Emerald, it must have a rich green color.
This green color can have a little bit of yellow or blue tones, but the dominant color should still be green.
If the Beryl lies in the bluish-green realm, it is called Aquamarine. If it is tending towards yellow, it is called Heliodor.
Beryl possesses a rich, mostly green color that’s quite rare and difficult to find, which is why the cost of an Emerald is higher than many other gemstones.
May Birthstone Neckbands, Rings, And Jewelry
Emerald is the most valuable stone in the Beryl family. The beautiful green color of Emerald is unparalleled in the world of gemstones.
The majority of the finest Emeralds available today are sourced from Colombia, Zambia, and Afghanistan.
Clarity is vital, but inclusions are accepted more in Emeralds than any other gemstone out there.
Unlike other Beryl stones, Emeralds usually have inclusions and blemishes. These imperfections are not looked on as negative traits for Emeralds like they would be for different gemstones.
Without a doubt, these blemishes are part of the character of the stone and are used to ensure you that you are buying a natural Emerald.
Other examples of Beryl gemstones include White Goshenite, Red Bixbyite, Blue Green Aquamarine, Pink Morganite. Emeralds are usually given the exemplary and classic emerald cut.
Green Emerald is a standout amongst the most classic green gemstone varieties that are often used in rings.
Emerald is also appropriate for other kinds of gemstone jewelry and adornments, including earrings, pins, brooches, necklaces, and pendants.
Color is very important, and you should take it into consideration when purchasing an Emerald.
Emerald is known for its dynamic green color. If that perfect green color is absent in the Emerald, it’s not an Emerald.
When considering the color of the gemstone, there are three main things that you must take into consideration. These are hue, tone, and saturation.
Hue is the gemstone’s actual color. For Emerald, it’s color green. Saturation is the amount of color green present in the Emerald.
The tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the gemstone. Not to be confused with saturation, which refers to the opacity of the stone than the color’s presence in the stone, the gemstone’s tone will give you an idea how light or how dark the color present in the stone will be.
A perfect Emerald will have a medium to light tone with high immersion and a brilliant green shade.
The perfect Emerald has an energetic green color that is somewhat transparent. The green should be uniformly distributed over the stone without any color zoning.
An Emerald with color zoning will show up as strip or area of the stone that has a distinct color than the rest of the stone.
For instance, a lively green Emerald with one strip of blue would be an Emerald with color zoning.
This should not be mistaken for pleochroism. Pleochroism in Emerald is the presence of different colors from different points. It’s more valued in other gemstones but no so much in Emeralds.
Clarity refers to the number of inclusions that can be seen when looking at the stone. An inclusion is the same as the blemishes inside the stone.
With Emeralds, these inclusions are very common. Many traders and jewelers have considered these mild inclusions and began to treat Emeralds with polymers and oils on the stone’s surface to reduce the appearance of these inclusions.
In some instances, the inclusions will be so vast that the Emerald needs to undergo heat treatment to reduce the appearance of these inclusions.
This is done when an inclusion, split, or fissure reaches all the way to the stone’s surface and does not stay on the side.
Finding an Emerald that is unadulterated and in its natural state with no noticeable inclusions is very rare and very costly.
These common inclusions are usually obvious to the naked eye, which is something to remember when looking for your perfect piece of Emerald jewelry.
As with most gemstones, the size of the stone directly corresponds with the cost. The bigger the Emerald, the more expensive the cost.
Emeralds are available in any size, from a half carat stone that would look amazing as stud earrings to 10-carat ones that are perfect for pendants.
The best thing to do when choosing the carat is decide on your price range. This will give you a good idea of what size stone to look for.
There are a special number of cuts that suit an Emerald. The most traditional cut for Emeralds is called the Emerald Cut.
Emeralds have been used for over 5,000 years to make jewelry. It’s a highly prized and beloved gemstone that is also a symbol of status and wealth, owned and worn only by the wealthy and the noble.
From earrings to tiaras, Emeralds are very much sought after as beautiful additions to any jewelry collection.
Emeralds have cemented their spot in the jewelry world in the engagement ring sector. They are rapidly becoming a very desirable alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring.
Emerald jewelry does not stop at the engagement ring. There are many possibilities when Emeralds are involved, and the choice is always up to you, the buyer.
From large Emerald brooches, pendants, and earrings, this gemstone will surely enhance the beauty of anyone who wears it.
Emeralds are usually paired with Diamonds or Yellow Sapphires, as well as other beautiful colored gemstones.
It is always important to be careful when you choose to invest in an imitation Emerald. Some people try to pass off a colored glass or heat-treated quartz as Emeralds.
The glass and quartz pieces are worthless. To make sure that your Emerald is genuine, you can always see a professional jeweller or gemologist who can give you the information that you need to accurately read the authenticity of your stone.
To clean your May birthstone, there is an easy process that is very effective. You will need a small brush, but an ultra-soft toothbrush will do the trick. You will also need a very mild soap, such as a baby soap.
Take warm purified water and use the soap and brush to gently scrub your stone and the surrounding setting.
When your stone is sufficiently clean, you can use a soft dry cloth to dry your stone. Don’t let your Emerald stone soak in water for too long because this can damage the stone and its setting.
Fortunately, Emerald is a hard stone and will not sustain damage by gentle scrubbing that’s required to clean it. It is important, however, to protect your stone from harsh chemicals.
Remove your Emerald jewelry before using or coming in contact with chemicals. When storing your Emeralds, store them separately in their own protective bag or box.
This will not only safeguard your Emerald from other harder stones that could get shuffled around, but also protect softer gemstones from being damaged by the Emerald.
Shopping for Emeralds can be a little challenging and overwhelming due to the number of options that you are faced with.
It’s important to do your own research and have a clear idea of what you are looking for. Set your price range before starting the buying process so that you will not go over your budget.
Searching for an Emerald online is a great way to know the cost and style Emerald jewelry you are drawn to. It is a great way to guarantee you get a great deal and the exact piece you are looking for.
Shopping in person will allow you to try on different styles, cuts, and looks of Emeralds. It will give you the freedom to personally study and observe your Emerald instead of just imagining how it looks based on a picture.
It will give you the chance to talk with a jeweler who is educated in various gemstones and settings. They can be a great help when searching for your perfect stone, and they can answer all your questions right away so that you can make the best purchase.
The best thing to do in your search for the perfect Emerald is doing a little bit of both. Browse online and find the style you really like and shop in person to try on various types of jewelry and determine the right size for you.
Whether you are searching for the perfect engagement ring or an elegant addition to your jewelry collection, the Emerald will continue to shine in its radiance and beauty through the ages, never losing its value and class, and always drawing attention to the wearer.
My Final Thoughts On The May Birthstone
The Emerald is known as a stone that preserves love and passion in romantic relationships. It’s also a symbol of hope and a representation of the future.
Many people associate the Emerald with the fresh greens of spring, which fit well with its symbol as May’s birthstone.
Some people think that when you look at an Emerald, you can almost see a garden blooming in right within its depths.
These are actually the small inclusions in the stone, but they are an appealing feature nonetheless. One who wears Emeralds can hope to feel their powers of tranquillity and peace, renewal, and growth.
What better way to celebrate spring than with a fresh, bright green gem to resemble the lush regrowth of the season?
This precious stone enhances the inspiration in your life through expression and communication, which is why it’s also known as the Poet’s Gemstone.
It rivals the Diamond as the best stone for love and romance, helping to bring balance to all relationships, including friendships.
The Emerald is particularly helpful when it comes to dealing with painful pasts. The healing properties help to soothe past wounds and bring happiness into the present and future.
When on the hunt for the most beautiful Emerald jewelry, be sure to have an idea of what your desires and needs are, and the power of the Emerald will do the rest!
Diana Houston
Diana Houston is a respected crystal expert and the author of 'A Beginner's Guide to Healing Crystals: Getting Started With Crystal Healing – A Complete Guide.' Her passion for crystals and their healing properties made her a leading authority on the subject.
Diana's expertise and passion for crystals have inspired countless readers and practitioners, and her book has received rave reviews on Amazon. With her clear and insightful guidance, Diana is a trusted guide for anyone seeking to unlock the transformative power of crystals.
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