May Birthstone: The Emerald

April 21, 2011 | By admin | Reply More

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald…Revelation 4:1-3

Biblical Significance. In addition to this heavenly vision that incorporates this precious, deep green stone, the emerald appears throughout the Bible, often in the decoration and adornment of items of great holiness. In the book of Exodus, the emerald is one of the stones adorning the priestly garments for ministering in the temple. It represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was placed on the breastpiece of judgment with the name of the tribe inscribed upon it (see Exod. 28:18 and 39:11).

In Revelation 21:19, emerald is found in the heavenly city—it is one of the stones that decorates the foundation wall of the new Jerusalem.

While Colombia is the primary purveyor of the emerald today, this exotic gem has been revered by the people of ancient India, Egypt and the Incas and Aztecs of Latin America for thousands of years. The Egyptian emerald mines of antiquity were known as “Cleopatra’s Mines.”

The Stone. Emeralds are part of the beryl family of stones and their hardness is measured at 7.5-8 on the mohs scale. However, emeralds are not usually quite so hard as this, given that most of them contain a number of small fissures known as “inclusions.” While inclusions are often seen as a flaw, in emeralds, these tiny, nearly invisible fissures contribute to the emerald’s deep intoxicating green color. Flawless emeralds are actually much lighter in color and not as beautifully rich.

The Cut. Because of the natural shape and composition of emeralds found in nature, jewelers have found that an emerald is best shaped and cut into an octagonal rectangle, or cabochon, rather than faceted. This shape has become known as the distinctive “emerald cut.”

The Color. Green symbolizes life and new-growth, so it makes sense that the emerald is the jewel that adorns the month of May, when the spring season is in full-swing. Take a look at our favorite emerald selections to celebrate a May birthday:

The Emerald and Diamond Flower Pendant in 10K White Gold (shown below) is a precious gift for a lady of any age. A charming nod to spring, the five-petaled emerald flower contains a diamond center and diamond-studded stem that loops to hold onto its white gold chain. The five marquise-cut emeralds total 1.5 carats.

Bold simplicity describes this Emerald Gemstone Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold (shown above left). With no extra adornments or decoration to detract from its beauty and radiance, this ring features a high-quality quality round cut emerald in the carat weight of your choice: 0.4 carats, 0.55 carats or 1.00 carat. This ring is also available in 14k yellow gold.

For a traditional, classic emerald stone with its classic, characteristic emerald cut, these 2.31 Carat Emerald and Diamond Earrings in 14K White Gold (above right) are an elegant option. The generous, rectangular-shaped emeralds are set in 14k white gold and each crowned with a round white diamond. A special gift for a very special May birthday.

Emerald Engagement Rings

Though the colorless diamond is the most common stone for an engagement ring, many women choose a vibrantly colored gemstone. The emerald is a luxurious and bold selection—not to mention an excellent value.

The Antique-Style Emerald Wedding Ring Set shown here blends a traditional setting with a radiant 4.5mm emerald. Set in 14k white gold, this ring is certain to delight and enchant a bride.