Emerald - May's Birthstone

Emeralds are quite the unique gem. The green gem's name derived from the Old French: Esmeraude which originated in Greek: σμάραγδος (smaragdos) which translates to 'green gem'.


Emerald's green colour is caused by small amounts of chromium and iron but unlike other gemstones with the same components, emeralds almost always are included and flawed. These flaws are not looked at negatively as in the emerald they are considered to be a part of their character. Diamonds and most gemstones are usually inspected under a loupe (hand-held magnifier under a power of ten) however, emeralds are inspected by the naked eye. The ability to see inclusions can assure the owner of the purchase of a natural stone. Emeralds score a 7.5 out of 10 on the Moh's Hardness Scale and are not considered to be a strong gem due to it's high inclusions.


There are many myths associated with the emerald. It was once believed to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure fever and ease anxiety. The Ancient Romans dedicated emeralds to the goddess Venus because the gem was said to symbolize the reproductive forces of nature. 

Beautiful 1950's cluster style diamond ring with  a unique single row of emeralds. Gorgeous.

     

It was believed that emeralds had the ability to foretell the future...