Emerald
Emerald is the May birthstone. This enchanting gemstone is the perfect color for spring and has captured hearts through the ages. While the emerald celebrates those born in May, it's also the designated gift for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Let's explore this lush and rich green gemstone through our Skeie’s Jewelers collection.
About
The Spanish were also associated with the emerald. The legendary Crown of the Andes was fashioned in colonial South America. The word "emerald" is derived from the word “smaragdos”, ancient Greek for a green gem. The emerald was believed to have mystical and healing properties, including relieving stress and eye strain.
Emeralds are found in many different countries, but notably, Colombia has been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years, and Colombian emeralds are the standard by which all others are measured. The May birthstone can also be found in Zambia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The oldest Emeralds can be traced back 2.97 billion years in South Africa.
Emeralds are characterized by a rich, saturated green color. If a stone is lighter in color, it can be known as green beryl, as there is a certain color that the stone is no longer considered an emerald. The green beryl is not as expensive as its counterpart.
The emerald birthstone requires some special care as it falls under a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it is a fairly tough stone, but not as hard as other stones. Avoid exposure to heat, changes in air pressure, and harsh chemicals. Never put an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner. The safest way to clean emeralds is to gently clean them with a soft brush and warm, soapy water. T Given the rich green hues, it's inevitable that we would fall under the emerald spell. Now you can treat yourself – or a loved one – to an emerald that captures the season's vitality at Skeie's Jewelers. Shop this beautiful gemstone here.
