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May Birthstone: Emerald
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EMERALD

Emerald has been synonymous with the color green since ancient times. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional "Big Four" gems, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire.

Symbolism: Legand has it that wearing emeralds will imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively. Others use the stone to promote healing. It has even been claimed that emeralds allow the wearer to predict the future.
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Emerald has been synonymous with the color green since ancient times. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional "Big Four" gems, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Symbolism: Legand has it that wearing emeralds will imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively. Others use the stone to promote healing. It has even been claimed that emeralds allow the wearer to predict the future.
The dazzling color of an emerald evokes images of prosperity and growth. The meaning of May’s birthstone has positive connotations throughout various cultures making this gemstone revered across the world. The emerald is a symbol of unconditional love. Hinduism associates the color green with the heart chakra, making the emerald a symbol of the heart and universal love. Love symbology is mirrored in Roman mythology, where the emerald is linked with the goddess Venus, the goddess of love. In the Middle Ages, the meaning behind the emerald birthstone was a symbol of fertility and good fortune. In the past, emeralds aided physical conditions like eliminating impatience from the body, restoring exhausted travelers, and resisting the devil. Many crowns and royal jewelry are adorned with these precious deep emerald green gemstones.
Emerald’s English name is borrowed from Old French esmeraude, which itself stems from smaragdos, the Ancient Greek word for this gem. Pliny the Elder once said that “nothing greens greener” than an emerald. Hindu teaching associated emeralds with the planet Mercury, while western traditions connected the stone with Venus. According to legend, emeralds were one of four stones given by God to the Israelite King Solomon. It has been linked to producing a calming effect and loving energy. Ancient civilizations considered it a symbol of fertility and immortality. Over the years, emeralds have been associated with inspiration and patience, rebirth and renewal. It has also been thought to make those who wear it more intelligent, quick-witted, and passionate speakers. At one time, it was believed to help relieve issues with the muscles, spine, and chest area. The emerald was also once thought to cure diseases such as cholera and malaria. It has long been associated with the eyes, from helping to reduce eye strain to opening a window to the future for those who placed it under their tongue. Today, emeralds symbolize loyalty, new beginnings, peace, and security. The gem is also believed to relieve stress. The emerald is the gem given to celebrate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
The first known mined emeralds came from Egypt, possibly being removed from the ground as early as 3500 BCE. Egyptian emerald deposits proved to be abundant and remained the primary supplier to Europe until the sixteenth century. At that point, Spanish explorers became aware of the beautiful emeralds from Columbia which had been used there as jewelry and worshipped in religious practice since the 11th century. They expanded mining operations and brought the exceptional gems back to Europe where they were traded across the continent and into Asia, boosting global awareness and demand.
Emerald, May's birthstone, represents youth, growth and intelligence as seen in the deeper green color it has. Coming from Greek ‘smargados’ simply meaning green stone it's rich color has been seen from royal crowns to rings and more. More rare and valuable than other stones the Emerald is known for the joy it brings.
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