May Birthstone - Emerald
Irish people have always held a special bond with the Emerald gemstone. The rolling green hills on this “Emerald Isle” amaze both locals and visitors alike. People lucky enough to be born in May, Emerald is your birthstone. It is thought to be the May birthstone because the green colour may symbolise the new spring growth that the month brings. One of the oldest known gemstones, dating back as far as Cleopatra in Egypt, these gemstones have been adored for thousands of years and are considered the “Jewel of Kings”. It is also thought to encourage riches to the wearer as well as sharpened wits, which may be why it is integrated into many pieces of jewellery, especially Irish pieces including Claddagh rings.
Emeralds come from the Beryl family of gemstones (the same family as Aquamarines and Morganites) and get their green colour from the presence of small amounts of Chromium and occasionally Vanadium. It is from this colour that the gemstone was given its name, coming from the Greek word “Smaragdus” simply meaning, green. The most desired colour for these gemstones is a slightly bluish green in a medium dark tone, however it is important to remember that everyone’s taste is different!
Featured Ring Ref: 7213
Emeralds are 7.5 to 8 on Mohs scale of hardness, comparing to diamonds that measure 10 on the scale, which means they do need a little more care. As with diamonds and other gemstones clarity is important when choosing your stone, but inclusions are tolerated more in Emeralds than practically any other gem. Almost every natural emerald has eye-visible characteristics including inclusions. It is these inclusions that mean that the stone needs care, especially with cleaning, our jewellery experts will be able to advise you how best to clean and protect your emerald.
Ref : 8083
With all this in mind, and considering the ancient romans associate the colour green with Venus, the Goddess of Love, Emeralds would make the perfect present for someone (not forgetting it is also the gemstone for twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries!). Whether it is earrings or a pendant the May birthstone is perfectly suited to the celebration of life blooming everywhere.
