May babies have a beautiful birthstone - the emerald. This luscious green gemstone has been a symbol of beauty and prosperity for centuries. It is said to have healing powers and to bring good luck to the wearer.
Central emerald from Colombia, just exceeding 75 carats. Set in platinum surrounded by over 100 diamonds.
Did you know that Emeralds are about 20 times more rare than diamonds? Emeralds are rare due to their unique formation. Emeralds are uncommon due to the way they are formed. Chromium and vanadium, two incredibly uncommon substances, are what give emeralds their striking and highly sought-after brilliant green color. However, they need to crystallize with beryllium, another extremely rare element, in order to form an emerald.
Emeralds have been associated with many myths and legends throughout history. In ancient times, they were believed to have magical powers that could protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good fortune. The ancient Greeks believed emeralds could help with fertility and childbirth, and the Egyptians used them to symbolize rebirth and eternal youth. The emerald is also a symbol of love and devotion. In fact, the first to recognize the emerald as an everlasting emblem of love were the ancient Greeks, who connected it to the goddess of love Aphrodite. Wearing the gemstone on Fridays as a way to venerate the goddess became common practice among the Greeks.
Greek antiquities in the Cleveland Museum of Art
The name "emerald" derives from the Greek word "smaragdos," which meant a green gem. In his encyclopedic Natural History, the Roman author Pliny the Elder, who perished in the Mt. Vesuvius explosion in 79 CE, stated that "nothing greens greener." He added that the May birthstone's healing qualities were beneficial to gem cutters, saying that "(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude." Green eases tension and eye strain, according to recent scientific research.
Emeralds have a long and fascinating history. They were discovered in Egypt around 1500 BC and quickly became a prized possession of royalty and nobility. The ancient Incas and Aztecs also valued emeralds and used them for decorative purposes. Spanish explorers discovered emerald mines in Colombia, which has been one of the largest producers of emeralds for more than 500 years. Other countries where emeralds are found include Zambia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
Emeralds have charmed royalty for centuries, from Inca rulers to Egyptian pharaohs. The emerald gemstone was adored by Cleopatra who was known to frequently use the green stone in her royal jewelry. One illustration of how the Spanish cherished the May birthstone is the fabled Crown of the Andes, created in colonial South America. Legend has it that conquistador Francisco Pizarro stole the greatest stone, now known as the Atahualpa emerald, from the final Inca ruler, Atahualpa. The gold and emerald artifacts found in the wreckage of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Seora de Atocha, which went down in the 17th century, are just a small portion of the colonial treasures that were brought to Spain from the New World.
The Russian Imperial Family was known for their love of emeralds, and many members of the family-owned stunning emerald jewelry. One notable piece was the Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara (shown below), which belonged to Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna and was later worn by her daughter-in-law, Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna.
Emerald is more prone to scratching than a diamond, which is 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness since it is between 7.5 and 8. The birthstone for May is frequently treated to enhance its clarity or color. Typical forms of treatment include:
1. Dyeing: To improve the color of paler, more fractured emeralds, green dye may be applied.
2. Surface-reaching fissures in emeralds are frequently filled with oils, waxes, and synthetic resins. The objective is to increase apparent clarity while reducing fracture visibility. The amount of filler material might be modest to large, and the stability of the various materials varies.
Avoid exposure to heat, sudden fluctuations in air pressure (such as those seen in an airplane cabin), and harsh chemicals when caring for the emerald birthstone. Never place an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner because the heat and vibrations could cause the filler in the fractures to sweat out. Additionally, being exposed to hot water used for dishwashing can harm filled emeralds. Cleaning emeralds with a gentle brush and warm, soapy water is the most secure method.
Emeralds are beautiful and fascinating gemstones that have been treasured throughout history for their beauty and symbolism. Whether you're a May baby looking for a birthstone to wear, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of emeralds, there's no denying their allure and charm.
Central emerald from Colombia, just exceeding 75 carats. Set in platinum surrounded by over 100 diamonds.Did you know that Emeralds are about 20 times more rare than diamonds? Emeralds are rare due to their unique formation. Emeralds are uncommon due to the way they are formed. Chromium and vanadium, two incredibly uncommon substances, are what give emeralds their striking and highly sought-after brilliant green color. However, they need to crystallize with beryllium, another extremely rare element, in order to form an emerald.
Emeralds have been associated with many myths and legends throughout history. In ancient times, they were believed to have magical powers that could protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good fortune. The ancient Greeks believed emeralds could help with fertility and childbirth, and the Egyptians used them to symbolize rebirth and eternal youth. The emerald is also a symbol of love and devotion. In fact, the first to recognize the emerald as an everlasting emblem of love were the ancient Greeks, who connected it to the goddess of love Aphrodite. Wearing the gemstone on Fridays as a way to venerate the goddess became common practice among the Greeks.
Greek antiquities in the Cleveland Museum of Art
The name "emerald" derives from the Greek word "smaragdos," which meant a green gem. In his encyclopedic Natural History, the Roman author Pliny the Elder, who perished in the Mt. Vesuvius explosion in 79 CE, stated that "nothing greens greener." He added that the May birthstone's healing qualities were beneficial to gem cutters, saying that "(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude." Green eases tension and eye strain, according to recent scientific research.
Emeralds have a long and fascinating history. They were discovered in Egypt around 1500 BC and quickly became a prized possession of royalty and nobility. The ancient Incas and Aztecs also valued emeralds and used them for decorative purposes. Spanish explorers discovered emerald mines in Colombia, which has been one of the largest producers of emeralds for more than 500 years. Other countries where emeralds are found include Zambia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
Emeralds have charmed royalty for centuries, from Inca rulers to Egyptian pharaohs. The emerald gemstone was adored by Cleopatra who was known to frequently use the green stone in her royal jewelry. One illustration of how the Spanish cherished the May birthstone is the fabled Crown of the Andes, created in colonial South America. Legend has it that conquistador Francisco Pizarro stole the greatest stone, now known as the Atahualpa emerald, from the final Inca ruler, Atahualpa. The gold and emerald artifacts found in the wreckage of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Seora de Atocha, which went down in the 17th century, are just a small portion of the colonial treasures that were brought to Spain from the New World.
Bodice ornament, Spain, 1700-15, Colombian emeralds and table-cut diamonds set in gold with enamel
The Russian Imperial Family was known for their love of emeralds, and many members of the family-owned stunning emerald jewelry. One notable piece was the Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara (shown below), which belonged to Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna and was later worn by her daughter-in-law, Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna.
Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna the Younger (1890 – 1958) wearing the emerald tiara, 1914. She was a granddaughter of Alexander II and a cousin of Nicholas II.
Emerald is more prone to scratching than a diamond, which is 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness since it is between 7.5 and 8. The birthstone for May is frequently treated to enhance its clarity or color. Typical forms of treatment include:
1. Dyeing: To improve the color of paler, more fractured emeralds, green dye may be applied.
2. Surface-reaching fissures in emeralds are frequently filled with oils, waxes, and synthetic resins. The objective is to increase apparent clarity while reducing fracture visibility. The amount of filler material might be modest to large, and the stability of the various materials varies.
Avoid exposure to heat, sudden fluctuations in air pressure (such as those seen in an airplane cabin), and harsh chemicals when caring for the emerald birthstone. Never place an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner because the heat and vibrations could cause the filler in the fractures to sweat out. Additionally, being exposed to hot water used for dishwashing can harm filled emeralds. Cleaning emeralds with a gentle brush and warm, soapy water is the most secure method.
Emeralds are beautiful and fascinating gemstones that have been treasured throughout history for their beauty and symbolism. Whether you're a May baby looking for a birthstone to wear, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of emeralds, there's no denying their allure and charm.