Emerald - The Birthstone For May

The emerald is the birthstone for May, and is a stunning gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years. This beautiful green gemstone is a symbol of renewal, growth, and rebirth. In this article, we explore the history, it's properties, and significance of the emerald in greater detail.

The History of Emeralds

Emerald have a rich history that dates to ancient times. The first emerald mines were discovered in Egypt over 4,000 years ago, and the gemstone was prized and adorned by the pharaohs. The ancient Greeks also highly valued emeralds and they believed that they had the power to increase intelligence and their foresight by wearing the gemstone. The Romans, too, were fond of emeralds and believed that they brought good fortune and protected against evil.

In the Middle Ages, emeralds were thought to have healing properties, and they were used to treat a variety of ailments. The gemstone was also believed to have the power to foretell the future and protect against evil spirits.

Properties of Emerald

Emeralds are stunning green gemstones that are part of the beryl mineral family. The beautiful deep green color comes from a combination of chromium and vanadium within the crystal structure. The most beautiful prized emeralds are rich, deep green with good clarity and transparency, but most emeralds have inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. These natural inclusions are often called "jardin," which is French for garden
Emeralds are relatively hard compared to other gemstones and on the Mohs scale they have a hardness of 7.5 to 8. This makes them brittle and prone to cracking if subjected to extreme heat or pressure. As a result, emeralds must be handled with care and should not be exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals.

Significance of Emerald

Throughout our history, emeralds have been associated with many symbolic and healing properties. In past ancient times, it was believed to have the power to heal ailments of the eyes and the heart. The gemstone was also associated with fertility and was used as a talisman by women who wanted to conceive.

In addition to its healing properties, emerald is also associated with love and prosperity. The gemstone is often given as a gift to celebrate a wedding or anniversary, and it is believed to bring harmony and happiness to the relationship. Emeralds are also said to bring financial prosperity and abundance to the wearer.

How to Care for Emeralds

It is important to take care of emeralds properly to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for your emerald:

•     Avoid exposing your emerald to extreme heat or cold temperatures

•     Avoid exposing your emerald to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or acid

•     Clean your emerald regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.

•     Store your emerald in a soft cloth or pouch to protect it from scratches and damage.

In addition to these simple tips, it is also advised that you have your emerald rings or jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year to ensure that it is still in good condition.

Conclusion

Emeralds are a timeless beautiful gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years. Its deep green colour, it's symbolic properties and healing powers make it a popular choice for jewellery and alternative medicine. By following the tips for caring for your emerald, you can ensure that your gemstone stays beautiful and pristine for years to come. Whether you are celebrating a birthday in May or simply looking for a stunning gemstone to add to your jewellery collection the emerald is a wonderful choice for any occasion.

it is important to purchase emeralds from a reputable dealer like Charles Hart Jewellers at Vintage Tom who have been successfully selling vintage and antique emerald jewellery for over 200 years.  Click here to view our fine range of emerald jewellery.