Emerald: May’s Birthstone, Facts and Folklore

When purchasing jewelry as a gift, you may wantenhance love and contentment. Emeralds are
to consider buying jewelry that includes a person'straditionally thought to enhance the clairvoyance
birthstone.  For this month, the month of May,of their wearers. Mummies were often buried
emerald is the birthstone of choice.  As stunningwith emeralds and the gems were popular in
as this popular, precious stone is, there is much toancient Rome, but some think that many of the
consider when purchasing it.  You may be in thestones called emeralds in ancient times were
market for a loose emerald stone, emerald ring,actually peridot.  . They have graced Crown
emerald anniversary band,  emerald diamond ring,Jewels and embellished the thrones of some of
three stone emerald ring, emerald bracelet,the oldest dynasties in history.  In ancient times
emerald necklace, whatever your choice, there isemeralds held a real fascination for the people. 
much to look for and consider. Learn aboutEmeralds were, in fact, considered to be a cure
emeralds  and buy with confidence.  The 4c'sfor many diseases.  As a result of such claims,
cut, clarity,  color and carat., apply to emeraldsemeralds were greatly sought after and a
as well as diamonds, and to all gemstones. profitable trade was established between Egypt
There is also much folklore and history thatand nations as far away as India. The Egyptian
surrounds the emerald stone. monopoly on the world supply of emeralds lasted
 right up until the Sixteenth Century, C E.
Emeralds, belonging to the beryl family most Cleopatra valued her lustrous emeralds so
often found in different shades of green.greatly that the ancient mines in Egypt are now
Depending on the presence of minerals, chromiumcalled Cleopatra's Mines -- there they discovered
and vanadium, the emerald's color can range fromemeralds of breathtaking size and beauty. From
a grassy green to yellowish or bluish green.  mines in the Egyptian desert, not far from the
The finest quality emerald bears a "lime jello”Nile River, emeralds made their way to all parts of
color.  Color is the most important factor whenthe 'known world'... The finest emeralds are found
determining its' price.  In fact, smaller emeraldsin Colombia; other sources are Russia, Zimbabwe,
with richer, better color, command a higher priceand Australia. In ancient times emeralds were
than bigger stones with a weaker color.  When itbelieved to improve low I Q and poor eyesight.
comes to cut, the precision and delicacy of theEmeralds have an interesting legacy of violence,
cut determines the price of the stone.  Emeraldsromance, and controversy. Scholars wore
can be cut in a variety of ways including theemeralds to strengthen their memory and
traditional "emerald cut"  as well as rounds, ovals,become more eloquent. Unlike diamonds and
squares and cabuchons.  Heavily flawed stonesrubies, there is no abundance of emeralds, and
are most frequently given cabuchon cuts.  As farthat is probably the reason why these mystical
as clarity goes, (clearness of the stone) unlikepagan green gems are more expensive than any
diamonds,  emeralds, almost always haveother jewel. And, carat for carat, they are the
inclusions and are rarely flawless.   In fact,most expensive gems in the world. Why such a
emerald connoisseurs will not purchase an emeraldhigh price? A large part of the reason is that
unless they can see the inclusions because theyemeralds are rare gems.
assume they are fake or laboratory created.   
Emeralds are measured in carat.   Emeralds withBuying emerald jewelry for the May birthday girl,
the best color and few inclusions become verymakes it that much more personal and special. 
expensive, as they are so rare. The emerald, so brilliant,  beautiful and steeped in
 history and folklore, will make the perfect gift, as
Emeralds have a fascinating history.  Traditionally,long as you know what your buying, so you get
emeralds are worn to promote healing andthe best quality for your money.