Symbolising rebirth and renewal, capturing hearts and minds through the ages, Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May.

With its rich green colours suggesting soothing, lush green gardens, legend has it that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, whilst it was also once believed that emerald could cure diseases such as cholera and malaria.

Taking its name from “smaragdos”, ancient Greek for a green gem, Roman author Pliny the Elder, who died in the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, wrote in his encyclopaedic Natural History that “nothing greens greener” and also that the May birthstone had therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green colour comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude” - which has since been proven by science, with the colour green relieving stress and eye strain.

The Colombian Standard

Colombia has been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years, with Colombian emeralds being the standard by which all others are measured. With three mining sites being particularly noteworthy: Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez, each locality produces a range of colours but, generally speaking, darker tones of pure green emeralds come from Muzo, lighter in tone and slightly bluish green emeralds are associated with Chivor, and yellowish green emeralds are unearthed in Coscuez.

The May birthstone is also found in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, with one of the most productive sites being the sophisticated Belmont mine., as well Capoeirana - a rugged region worked largely by independent miners and small-scale operations - Zambia, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Specifications

• Mineral: Beryl
• Chemistry: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
• Color: Vibrant green
• Refractive Index: 1.577 to 1.583
• Birefringence: 0.005 to 0.009
• Specific Gravity: 2.72
• Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8.0

Also given as a gift for 20^th and 35^th wedding anniversaries, at W.Bruford we hold in stock at our Cornfield Road, Eastbourne store a stunning selection of Emerald jewellery perfect for those May birthdays. Often complemented by diamonds, for a little extra sparkle, if you are looking for an emerald pendant, pair of emerald earrings or emerald ring to mark that special occasion, why not pay us a visit today.

Shop Emerald, The May Birthstone, Online HERE

Information Taken From The GIA (Gemological Institute of America)