The Gemstone of May - emerald

Emerald is the birthstone for May and is known for being the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary gem stone. Many think wearing emerald brings you wisdom and growth. This is commonly given as a gift for an anniversary or as a sign of love and affection.

At one point in time emeralds were prescribed for eye diseases because the exquisite color of green was thought to be very soothing to the eyes. In actuality, early gemstone cutters kept emeralds at their working tables to look at as a way of giving their eyes a rest.

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the eastern region. In more recent times North Carolina is where the new source of quality emeralds can be found. You can also find more emeralds in other areas of America, Colombia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Egyptians carved emeralds with the images of spring floers to symbolize eternal youth and buried the stones with the dead. The ancient Romans thought emeralds were associated with fertility and renewal.

The Incas worshiped these stunning gemstones but in the 1500’s, they were invaded by the Spanish Conquistadors who savagely stole their precious gems and even raided the mines. Now many of the world’s greatest emeralds are lost on the bottom of the ocean inside Spanish ships.

Emerald is made up of the Greek word smaragdos which means green stone. Emeralds can vary from a deep blue-green to green hues and some have are a yellowish green. If the color is too yellow or blue then it loses its emerald title and becomes a different form of beryl.

The most lovely emeralds are most regularly found in Colombia. They are known to have a deep grass green coloring with a highlight of blue. Emeralds are certain to please anyone as a gift.