May is for Emeralds

The birthstone for May is the emerald. Emeralds are known for their vibrant green color and are associated with qualities such as love, rebirth, and good fortune. They have been valued for centuries for their beauty and rarity. If you were born in May, you are lucky to call emerald your traditional birthstone. Keep reading to check some of the pieces I have fabricated using beautiful emeralds.

You must have heard, emeralds have a rich history that spans thousands of years. Here are some tidbits of the origin and historical significance of emeralds:

1. Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green due to the presence of chromium and sometimes vanadium. They are formed in hydrothermal veins, which are created when hot water carrying mineral-rich substances flows through cracks in the Earth's crust. How cool is that! The specific geological conditions required for emerald formation are relatively rare, making emeralds a precious and valuable gemstone. 

2. Emeralds have been prized for their beauty and rarity since ancient times. The earliest known emerald mines date back to at least 330 BC in Egypt, where they were highly regarded by pharaohs and nobility. The Cleopatra Mines in Egypt were particularly famous for their emeralds.

3. Emeralds were also revered by Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs and the Incas. The Inca civilization held emeralds in high esteem and considered them to be sacred stones, associating them with fertility and the power of nature.

4. Colombian Emeralds: Colombia is widely recognized as a significant source of some of the finest emeralds in the world. The country has been a prominent producer of emeralds for centuries, with the Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez mines being notable sources. Colombian emeralds are esteemed for their deep green color, exceptional clarity, and high-quality. I can't miss remembering the iconic "Romancing the Stone" movie with Michael Douglas, Katherine Turner and funny Danny DeVito who go after "El Corazón" (if you haven't watched it, I highly recommend!

5. Apart from Colombia, emeralds are also found in various other countries such as Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Russia. Each location produces emeralds with distinctive characteristics, including variations in color, clarity, and size.

6. Emeralds have held significant cultural and historical importance throughout the ages. They were believed to possess mystical and healing properties by ancient civilizations. Emeralds were associated with love, fertility, and rebirth. They were often used as talismans or incorporated into jewelry worn by royalty and influential figures.

Today, emeralds continue to be highly sought after and valued for their vibrant green color, rarity, and historical significance. They are treasured gemstones used in jewelry, and their beauty and symbolism endure across different cultures and traditions.