The emerald is the most precious gemstone in the beryl family, and is related to the aquamarine. The rich green hue of emerald is a result of tiny amounts of chromium and vanadium; however, you don’t need to understand the chemical makeup of this stone to appreciate its striking beauty. The word emerald means “green gemstone,” a simple but fitting description of the defining feature of this gem.

This year the emerald is enjoying special honor as it’s the inspiration for and namesake of Pantone’s color of the year. This company, which produces professional color standards for the design industries, described this color as “a lively, radiant, lush green,” “radiant,” “jewel-toned” and “balanced yet sophisticated”—all attributes that make this gem a perfect pick for the season.

A Pantone press release aptly described the ability of the emerald to represent life and rebirth:

“Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life … It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity—no other color conveys regeneration more than green.”

There are plenty of ways to wear this vibrant gemstone, and the wide range of emerald rings in Apples of Gold’s collection testifies to this stone’s versatility. If traditional styles catch your eye, you can opt for a traditional solitaire style or three stone ring, or try a glamorous adaptation of one of these styles such as the 14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Regal Channel Ring. Like all emerald and diamond rings, this piece uses the contrast between rich green glimmer and the matchless colorless sparkle of diamonds to create a look that catches eyes in an instant. An oval-shaped emerald, 7mm high, is the star of this ring, and it’s accented by two round, prong-set diamonds and six smaller channel-set diamonds that glitter from the gleaming 14K white gold band.

The emerald is no newcomer to the world of gemstones. As far back as 3000 B.C. the Egyptians mined the emerald and this gem is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It’s one of the four classic precious gemstones (along with the diamond, the sapphire and the ruby), and as such it’s a timelessly beautiful pick.

While an emerald probably isn’t the first stone that pops into you heard when you consider popping the question, it’s an excellent pick for representing a love that’s alive and that’s always growing. In addition, emerald engagement rings serve as pictures of lasting love because they feature a gemstone that never goes out of style.

The Vintage Style Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring is a stunning example of the way that an emerald can provide the perfect colorful touch to styles inspired by the past. A 5mm round emerald sits in center of lavishly-adorned 14k white gold band, accented by 64 small diamonds that are arranged in glamorous fashion and offset by milgrain edges.

The timeless green glimmer of emerald makes this gemstone equally-suited for minimalistic modern styles such as the Tension Set Emerald Engagement Ring. This contemporary 14K white gold solitaire ring displays a 6.5mm round emerald in striking fashion as it holds this gemstone with a tension setting that hugs it from the top and bottom.

The enduring beauty of the emerald allows this stone to perform perfectly in styles from any era. Vintage looks are excellent ways to showcase the emerald, and this is demonstrated in striking fashion by the Enchanted Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold. This Victorian-inspired ring places a 4.5mm round emerald in the center of a meticulously-crafted motif of swirls and openwork. This eye-catching ring is also available with a coordinating wedding band as part of the Antique-Style Emerald Wedding Ring Set. Or, select the ring or the set in sterling silver; they’re just a glimpse of Apples of Gold’s collection of silver emerald rings.

A pop of green is also a flattering way to adorn your ears, making emerald earrings excellent accents. If you’d prefer a simple, classic look try the Emerald Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold. Each piece in this timeless pair holds a round emerald in your choice of size (4mm, 5mm or 6mm) in a timeless basket setting of 14K white gold. Similar studs are available in settings of 14K yellow gold or platinum; no matter which metal you choose, these earring make much-appreciated gifts or excellent additions to any jewelry collection.

If you’d rather a more contemporary look, don’t miss the Rough-Cut Oval Emerald Earrings in Sterling Silver. This pair dangles two 14mm-high rough-cut faceted emeralds from the wearer’s ears as they catch eyes from within frames of sterling silver. Fishhook-style posts make this an easy-on, easy-off style with plenty of cool personality.

An emerald pendant is an excellent way to brighten your face and add a splash of color to your look. The Emerald and Diamond Flower Pendant in 10K White Gold takes advantage of the emerald’s ability to represent new life. Five marquise-shaped emeralds work together to form the petals of a lively flower in this unique pendant, while a curving line of channel-set diamonds sweeps upward to form a bale that holds this piece to an 18” chain.

There’s no better time than the present to wear an emerald! Try an emerald ring, pendant or pair of earrings to showcase this month’s birthstone, the color of the year and a stunning splash of green sparkle.

Emeralds glimmer with the color of life and vibrancy. The word emerald literally means “green gemstone”; thus it’s no surprise that this stone displays a vibrant green glimmer unlike that of any other gem. While this color is the result of traces of chromium, its resemblance to a lush field of grass after a summer rain allows it to represent love that’s full of life and that’s always growing.

The 1 Carat Art Deco Emerald Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold capitalizes on the emerald’s ability to communicate life with a lively floral motif. This ring is inspired by the Art Deco Period, but the vibrant gemstone that it holds makes it a lovely choice for modern women. A brilliant emerald is revealed as the gleaming 14K white gold petals of a lotus flower open in graceful fashion. This striking flower is perfectly complemented by the carved swirls and leaves that adorn that band that holds it. If you prefer, this lovely ring is also available as part of a coordinating bridal jewelry set.

Emeralds never go out of style. The emerald has proven its ability to win eyes and hearts for thousands of years and its appeal shows no signs of waning. Civilizations around the globe, from Africa to South America, have favored this gem, and the Egyptians mined them as early as 3000 B.C. Throughout its long history, the emerald has proven its ability to dazzle no matter what’s trending at any given time.

Three-stone rings and solitaires are timeless looks, and when they’re adorned with emeralds, they take on a trend-defying vibrancy that makes them perpetually fresh and stylish picks. The Three Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold is an excellent example. This classically beautiful ring features a round 4mm emerald that provides a shot of green sparkle as it sits elegantly between two smaller round diamonds.

Emeralds are unexpected picks for wedding jewelry, allowing them to create symbols of a love that keeps you on your toes. Admittedly, emeralds aren’t traditional picks for popping the question, but their unexpected beauty is part of what allows them express that the love you share is never mundane. The Antique-Style Emerald Wedding Ring Set uses this element of surprise to enliven a Victorian-style engagement ring and wedding band set. The engagement ring is set with a 4.5mm emerald that stands out against a backdrop of swirls and cutouts, while a coordinating wedding band echoes this feminine motif.

Emerald rings may not be expected picks for engagement rings, but their ability to express life-filled love makes them excellent choices. Choose one to express the vibrancy of your bond.

Emerald is making waves in the words of fashion, beauty and interior design, and it all started with a gemstone that’s been loved for thousands of years. A Pantone press release describes this gem: “Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life … It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity—no other color conveys regeneration more than green.”

The vibrant sparkle of emerald enables it to give a fresh look to styles from the past, while its timeless beauty allows it to honor the past with an allure that never goes out of style. For instance, the Enchanted Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold surrounds a brilliant emerald with a Victorian design that’s rich with swirls and tiny cutouts. It’s a design that’s full of feminine charm and contagious life.

If you’d prefer a clean, classic look consider a solitaire or a three-stone style such as the Three Stone Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold.  A 4mm round emerald is hugged by two slightly smaller stones, creating a look that’s unfussy and timelessly beautiful.

Emerald pendants are another lovely way to enjoy the rich color and sparkle of emerald, and Apples of Gold carries a range of styles that will instantly perk up your look. For instance, the Emerald and Diamond Flower Pendant in 10K White Gold creates a glimmering flower from five marquis-cut emeralds, and accents it with a diamond-embellished swirl. It’s a lighthearted nod to the life-filled sparkle of emerald.

Emerald earrings can add an extra touch of this vibrant color that lights up your face and adds sparkle to your eyes, whether you choose a pair that combines diamonds and emeralds or one that features the green gems on their own. Simple stud styles such as the Emerald Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold coordinate readily with any emerald jewelry or are lovely on by themselves. This pair is available with your choice of 4mm, 5mm or 6mm stones, as well as push back or screw back closures.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, confirms that “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate.” There’s no denying the allure of this green gemstone, and there’s no better time than the present to accessorize with jewelry that features its vibrant glimmer.