Every month has its own special gemstone and it is popular to give jewellery with the correct gemstone in it appropriate to the month the recipient was born.  May has the beautiful green Emerald for its Birthstone.

Back in the Victorian Era the famous Jewellery Tiffany published a poem about the birthstones of the year Mays entry is:

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
 

I am not sure that this would sell Emeralds to a young girl today!

Ring with Emeralds

The Emerald is the green form of the Beryl class of Gemstones – the darker and clearer the green colour the more valuable the gemstone.

Emerald Jewellery:

Whilst Emeralds can be found in all types of jewellery, they do seem to be particularly popular in both rings and earrings . AntiquesAvenue has a lovely selection of vintage rings : Emerald and gold rings for you to take a look at. Remember emeralds can be very expensive but with their bright green colour a small and less expensive one can make quite an impact.

Care of Emeralds:

Your emeralds need to be treated with care, they are quite a soft gemstone and have often been “oiled” to fill in natural fissures and flaws in the stone. This oil can leak if the stone is put in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaning machine and some strong jewellery cleaners may also force the oil out. I would stick to cleaning your emerald jewellery with a damp cloth  – dont soak it and it should remain lovely.

The Emerald in Folk Lore

As with all gemstones the emerald has many properties attributed to it. It is the gemstone associated with Memory and faith and is attributed with healing properties for the eyes and headaches giving enhanced mental capabilities. These folk lore associations may not actually be true but they have persisted down the years.