May is the month of spring, new beginnings, and blooming flowers. The birthstone for May is the stunning green gemstone, Emerald. People have associated Emerald with love, fertility, and rebirth. They are also known for their vivid green color, which symbolizes growth and renewal. Here, we will explore the significance of emeralds through our May Birthstone Spotlight.
The Rich History of Emerald Gemstones
Emeralds have been highly valued gemstones for thousands of years, and their association with the month of May dates back to ancient times.
The ancient Greeks believed that emeralds were a gift from the goddess Venus, who was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. They believed that wearing emeralds would enhance fertility and bring good luck. The ancient Egyptians also valued emeralds highly, and they believed that the gemstone symbolizes fertility and rebirth.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors discovered large deposits of emeralds in what is now Colombia. The Spanish took control of the gemstone mines and began exporting the gemstones to Europe, where emeralds were highly prized by European royalty. Soon it was the most sought after gem and became a symbol of wealth and power.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers officially recognized emerald as the birthstone for May. Today, people still highly value emeralds for their rarity and deep green color, and they remain a prized gemstone. The gemstones are still associated with love, fertility, and rebirth and are often given as gifts for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.
The Properties of Emerald
Today, emeralds remains highly valued and sought after by jewelry lovers. People often use emeralds in engagement rings and other special occasion jewelry, such as cocktail rings. Additionally, many believe that the green gemstone possesses healing properties, such as soothing the eyes and reducing stress. May birthstone jewelry comes in many different forms, from classic solitaire rings to more unique designs.
The gemstone emerald primarily consists of the mineral beryl, which contains both beryllium and aluminum and belongs to the silicate mineral family.
What gives emerald its distinctive green color is the presence of trace amounts of chromium and vanadium in the crystal structure of the beryl. The more chromium and vanadium present in the beryl, the deeper and more vibrant the green color of the emerald.
Miners usually extract emeralds from igneous and metamorphic rocks such as granites, pegmatites, and schists. The largest producers of emeralds are Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. However there are alternative options to securing an emerald gemstone without mining.
The Advantage of Lab Created Emerald Gemstones
In a laboratory setting, scientists create lab-grown emeralds, which are synthetic or man-made emeralds. Lab-created emeralds are a product of advanced technology and a controlled environment, in contrast to natural emeralds mined from the earth. Despite being man-made, lab-created emeralds share the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural emeralds.
The production of lab-created emeralds involves different methods, such as the hydrothermal method and the flux method. To grow crystals, the hydrothermal method uses a heated solution of beryllium, aluminum, and other chemicals under high pressure and temperature. On the other hand, the flux method entails melting the raw materials together in a crucible and gradually cooling them to form crystals.
Lab-created emeralds offer the advantage of being producible in large quantities and diverse sizes and shapes, making them more affordable and accessible than natural emeralds. Additionally, lab-created emeralds are more consistent in color and clarity than natural emeralds, which can vary widely in these characteristics.
However, some people may prefer natural emeralds due to their rarity and unique inclusions, which can add to their individuality and value. Ultimately, the choice between a lab-created or natural emerald comes down to personal preference and budget.
Top 5 Emerald Jewelry Gifts
Now that you know the history and symbolism of the remarkable emerald gemstone here are some top emerald jewelry styles that are worth considering:
These 14k gold stud earrings are a stunning way to showcase the natural beauty of genuine emerald gemstones. 3mm round emeralds are carefully bezel set in the center of each earring, creating a simple yet elegant design. The emeralds are a rich, deep green color that is sure to catch the eye and add a pop of color to any outfit. The 14k gold setting provides a secure way to display the gemstones, adding a touch of luxury to the earrings. These stud earrings are perfect for someone who wants a classic and timeless piece of jewelry for every day wear.
This limited edition 14k yellow gold tennis bracelet is an exquisite piece of jewelry showcasing the beauty of lab-created emeralds. The bracelet features stunning emeralds, each cut and polished to create a dazzling display of color and light. Lab-created emeralds are a rich green color that is reminiscent of the natural beauty of real emeralds, but with a clarity that is unparalleled. The craftsmen set each gemstone in a classic prong setting that maximizes the amount of light passing through the emerald. This setting enhances the beauty of the emerald, highlighting its features.
A stunning piece of jewelry that showcases the beauty of lab-created emerald gemstones. The pendant features a unique and eye-catching hexagonal design that is sure to turn heads. Craftsmen meticulously cut and polish the lab-created emerald gemstone to highlight its stunning display of color and light. The lab-created emerald outshines natural emeralds in clarity and brilliance while retaining the rich green color that emeralds are famous for.
An emerald and diamond engagement ring can be a unique choice for those who want a non-traditional engagement ring. Artisans set the cushion cut emerald center stone in a pavé knife edge lotus basket, enhancing the ring’s sophistication. The setting brings out the beauty of the emerald, making it a perfect centerpiece for the ring. The basket setting allows light to pass through the emerald, enhancing its natural beauty and creating a stunning visual effect. Craftsmen make the band of the ring from high-quality 14k white gold, providing a durable setting for the emerald. The use of this premium material ensures that the band will last for a long time, while also complementing the emerald’s beauty.
This emerald pear cage band is a unique piece of jewelry that features a 1.02 carat pear-shaped emerald set between 14k gold bands. The emerald is carefully cut and polished to create a dazzling display of color and light. With a rich green hue that is reminiscent of the natural beauty of emeralds. The pear-shaped design adds a touch of elegance to the ring, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Lindsey Leigh Jewelry has a stunning birthstone collection full of one of a kind designs you won’t want to miss out on!
Overall, emerald jewelry can be a beautiful and timeless addition to any collection. The deep green color of emeralds can complement a wide range of styles and outfits, making it a versatile gemstone. Whether you prefer a classic look or glamorous statement piece, there is an emerald jewelry piece out there for you.
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