May Birthstone Emerald

EMERALD: THE MAY BIRTHSTONE

Emerald, the May birthstone, has a rich meaning weaved throughout its alluring charm. This magnificent gemstone, known as "The Eternal Enchantment," embodies the ideals of rebirth, fertility, and love. The emerald's dazzling green tone reflects nature's unlimited beauty and constant growth, encouraging a sense of tranquility and stability in one's life. Aside from its aesthetic value, emerald is thought to improve intuition, wisdom, and spiritual comprehension by functioning as a conduit for profound revelations. This gemstone is related to abundance and success, indicating the possibility of material richness and luxury. Wearing emerald fascinating jewelry is considered to inspire a deep sense of peace, rejuvenation, and an intimate connection with the natural world. Emerald captivates hearts with its enduring resonance, embodying both meaning and splendor.

HISTORY & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

As per the birthstone chart Emeralds is the stone for May. It has left an everlasting impression on human history, with their presence going back to 1500 BC in Egypt. Emeralds, known as Marakatha in Sanskrit (ancient India) and Zamarrud in Persian were extremely valuable. These gemstones were revered by the ancient Egyptians as emblems of fertility, perpetual life, and immortality. The burial of mummies with these vivid green stones indicated a link to eternal existence. Aztec and Inca cultures worshipped emeralds as personifications of nature, worshipping them as embodiments of their gods.

Emeralds have left their indelible mark on human history, with their earliest presence in 1500 BC Egypt. They were known as Marakatha in Sanskrit (ancient India) and Zamarrud in Persian times. Ancient Egyptians held emeralds in the highest regard, considering it as a symbol of fertility, and evergreen or everlasting life. While the Egyptians buried their mummies with these emerald gemstones to signify immortality, other ancient civilizations such as the Aztec and Incas connected it to ‘green mother nature’ - worshipping these very stones as personification of gods.

APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

Emerald birthstones have a distinct and enticing appearance. Their vibrant green color ranges from a deep, rich tone to a lighter, more translucent tint. Emeralds are usually clear or slightly included, showing their inner radiance. Their gleaming surface has a vitreous to greasy shine. Because of their refractive qualities, these gemstones frequently have spectacular brilliance and shine. Emeralds are exceptionally mesmerizing jewels that ooze natural beauty and elegance due to their strong and compelling green color.

Inclusions or unique patterns in the stone add to their grand aesthetic, and are used to verify its authenticity. Also known as ‘jardin’ (garden in French) among jewelry lovers, emeralds classify as birthstones for May-born. They are said to empower the heart chakra of the wearer, bringing youthfulness and visor to the wearer.

Brilliant green and of vitreous luster, Emeralds are the rarest gemstones in the world. Nearly twenty times more rare than diamonds, the ‘green sheen’ of emeralds grants it this unique disposition. Officially classified by global gemstone manufacturers among the only four ‘precious’ gemstones (along with diamond, ruby and sapphire), emeralds come from the beryl family. Unlike other gemstones that show variations in color. Emeralds are only green as a result of vanadium or chromium traces in their chemical composition.

SPIRITUAL & HEALING BENEFITS

• Emotional Balance: Emerald is said to promote emotional balance and inner peace.

• Heart Health: Emeralds are thought to enhance heart health and bring emotional healing to heart issues. Wearing emerald is thought to improve love, compassion, and understanding, encouraging deeper ties in relationships.

• Relaxing Energy: Emerald is supposed to emanate relaxing energy that aids in stress reduction, anxiety reduction, and relaxation.

• Mental Clarity: Wearing emerald is thought to improve mental clarity, and attention, and promote intellectual ability.

• Physical Healing: Emeralds are thought to aid with physical healing, particularly of the eyes, spine, and fertility. Wearing emerald is thought to promote spiritual growth, insight, and connection with higher worlds.

Emerald stone is said to bring foresight to the wearer. Emeralds enhance memory and intuition, with some rare incidents pointing to the ability to foresee the future.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

‘As hard as a diamond, as soft as an emerald.’ These stones require exceptional care and delicate handling, and are susceptible to cracks:

1. Oiling: It is highly recommended to treat emeralds with oil to maintain their luster and protect the structure. While some advise the use of baby oil, emeralds are usually soaked in cedar wood oil. This gets absorbed in cracks or fissures, hiding imperfections and beautifying the sheen. This treatment is reversed if exposed to heat.

2. Handle-with-care: The chemical structure of emeralds cannot withstand strain, and cracks when forcefully collided with hard surfaces. It is highly advisable to encase them in protective storage, and avoid falls or collisions.

Additional Care Instructions:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that can harm the gemstone.

• Before engaging in physical activities remove emerald jewelry.

• To avoid scratches, keep them separate in a soft purse or cushioned jewelry box.

• To avoid excessive wetness, clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.

• Have your emerald jewelry professionally inspected and re-polished on a regular basis.