Glamorous Emeralds For May

Emerald is the green to bluish green variety of mineral species called beryl, and is the most famous member of the beryl family, along with aquamarine. Emeralds rich green color is the perfect birthstone for the month of May, where it represents the rebirth of nature after the long winter.

Emerald is one of those gemstones that has fascinated and captivated people since the dawn of time. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt dating from at least 330 BC into the 1700s. Cleopatra had a famous passion for emeralds and used them in her adornments.

Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when sixteenth-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spanish, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.

Emeralds, while still a relatively hard gem, is not particularly durable. Many emeralds contain fractures under the service and are prone to cracking during the lapidary process. In order to enhance the beauty of the stones, and minimize the appearance of fractures…emeralds will be treated with substances from essential oils to waxes or resins. These treatments have varying amounts of stability in a stone, so care should always be used with emeralds if the treatment is not known. Most qualified gemologists should be able to detect any treatments given to the gemstone.

***Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia.