May’s Gemstone: Why Emeralds Are So Special?

Emeralds are one of the world's most cherished gems. They have captured hearts across generations with their striking green hue. These amazing stones have been treasured by cultures worldwide for their beauty and rarity. Those celebrating birthdays can proudly claim this beautiful gem as their birthstone jewellery. With a colour that mirrors the lushness of new growth, emeralds perfectly symbolize fresh starts and renewal. Join us as we uncover what makes these green treasures so extraordinary and why they continue to be such thoughtful and meaningful gifts.

Emeralds have a long and interesting past. It goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians mined emeralds as early as 3500 BCE. Cleopatra loved emerald gemstone jewellery and claimed all emerald mines in Egypt as her own. 
In many old cultures, emeralds stood for truth and love. The Romans saw emeralds as a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. They thought these green gems could help with fertility and wealth. Keep in mind that emeralds were also used as gifts between royal families to show peace and goodwill.

The deep green colour of emeralds sets them apart from other gemstones. This colour comes from small amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium in the stone. The best emeralds have a pure green to a slightly bluish-green colour. The more vivid and bright the green is, the more valuable the emerald stands.
Unlike many other gems, emeralds often have tiny marks inside called inclusions. Jewellers call these natural marks "jardin," the French word for garden. These small features make each emerald unique, like a fingerprint. Some people even prefer emeralds with these natural patterns, as they show the gem's real character. Emerald rings are cherished for their colour and meaning.

Various meanings have been accredited to emeralds. Some of the few common ones are-

Emeralds are often known to signify affection, love and emotional balance. They showcase deep loyalty/connections in romantic relationships.

The amazing green colour of the emerald can be linked with regeneration. It is often looked at as symbol of fresh starts.

Emeralds are thought to enhance intuition plus give you mental clarity. They are connected with spiritual enlightenment.

Many cultures think that emeralds have healing properties. They are supposed to provide protection from negative energies.

Some emeralds have gained fame for their size and beauty. The Mogul Emerald, weighing 217.80 carats, dates to 1695. This huge gem is carved with prayers on one side and flower designs on the other. The Chalk Emerald, a 37-carat ring, now sits in the Smithsonian Museum.
The Crown of the Andes, made in the 1500s, holds around 450 emeralds with a total weight of 1,523 carats. The Patricia Emerald, found in Colombia in 1920, weighs 632 carats and remains uncut. These famous stones show why custom birthstone rings with emeralds are so valued.

Colombia produces one of the best emeralds and birthstone jewellery in the world. The three main mining areas there are Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. Colombian emeralds are known for their pure green colour with hints of blue. They often have fewer inclusions than emeralds from other places.
Moreover keep in mind that Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe also produce good-quality emeralds. Each location creates stones with slightly different colours and traits. Zambian emeralds often have a deeper bluish-green tone compared to Colombian ones. Recently, emeralds have been found in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Russia too.

Today, emerald gemstone jewellery remains very popular. Designers create everything from simple emerald earring styles to complex statement pieces. The green colour of emeralds works well with both gold and silver settings. It also pairs nicely with diamonds and other coloured gems.
An emerald necklace makes a great gift for birthdays or the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Understand that many people choose emeralds for engagement rings, too, wanting something unique and meaningful. The rich green colour stands out from the more common diamond rings.

Gemstone jewellery with emeralds suits many styles and occasions. Small emerald studs work for everyday wear, while larger emerald drops make perfect special event jewellery. Emerald rings range from simple bands with small stones to large statement pieces for special occasions.
Custom birthstone rings featuring emeralds have become increasingly popular. These personalized pieces allow people to create meaningful jewellery that represents their birth month. From vintage-inspired designs to modern styles, custom rings offer a unique way in which you can showcase the beauty of emeralds.

Emeralds need special care to keep their beauty. Make sure you avoid cleaning them with harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Also, rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Store emerald jewellery away from harder gems like diamonds that might scratch them. You can keep them in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box. Make sure you remove emerald rings when doing rough work or when using harsh cleaning products.

To sign off
Emeralds hold a special place in the world of gemstones. Their rich history, unique colour, and natural beauty make them treasured additions to any jewellery collection. Whether you're looking for birthstone jewellery for a birthday or simply love the lush green colour, emeralds offer timeless appeal. 
From earrings to necklaces to custom birthstone rings, emerald jewellery makes a statement that's both personal and elegant. The next time you see that flash of green in a jewellery store window, you'll know why emeralds have captured hearts for thousands of years.

FAQs

Real emeralds have slight imperfections called inclusions. They feel cool to the touch, scratch glass, and don't change colour under different lighting. A gemologist can verify authenticity with proper testing.

Clean emeralds with soap and warm water using a soft brush. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or strong chemicals. Keep them away from harder gems to avoid scratching. Take rings off prior to rough activity.

Emeralds are essentially distinctive engagement rings because of their green hue. Because it is not as hard as a diamond, emerald rings, if well maintained, will last for centuries. Customized birthstone rings featuring emeralds are symbolic expressions of love.