Emeralds are the perfect gemstone for the month of May with their rich, vivid color and radiating beauty—reminiscent of spring. However there are more to emeralds than their seeming claim to fame as May’s birthstone. This gemstone has been a popular choice for pendants, engagement rings, bracelets and more for as long as we can remember!
It’s a well-known fact that emeralds have been around for centuries, captivating millions with their unique beauty. Emeralds continue to be the prized gemstone of many—beloved for their rich color and gorgeous green allure. Here are a few surprising facts that may surprise you about May’s simply enchanting birthstone:
- Emeralds are among the rarest of all gemstones: an emerald is even harder to find than a diamond!
- Emeralds and aquamarines have a lot in common: both are from the same mineral family—the Beryl family.
- Emeralds come in many colors: they range in color from deep greens to faint, opaque green hues. Green stones from the Emerald family that have been deemed too pale to classify as emeralds are referred to as “Green Beryls”.
- The deeper the green, the more valuable the emerald: the most valuable emeralds posses a vivid green color, and in some cases even a blueish hue!
- Unlike diamonds—imperfections in emeralds can improve the stone’s value: emeralds contain internal fractures called inclusions, which create an appealing pattern that generally increases the stone’s value instead of detracting from it!
- Emeralds are larger than diamonds: compared carat to carat, a 2ct emerald is larger than a 2ct diamond, due to the emerald’s less dense composition.
- An emerald’s clarity can be evaluated with the naked eye: unlike diamond clarity, which must be evaluated at 10x magnification.
- Emeralds are synonymous with royalty and romance: as they have been admired by emperors and kings for centuries.
- Emeralds are an ancient symbol of eternal youth: in Ancient Egypt, mummies were often buried with an emerald around their neck, as they believe the gemstone was a symbol of eternal youth.
- Emeralds have mystical powers: in ancient times, emeralds were believed to posses mystical power that could give the wearer the ability to foresee the future and see the truth. It was also believed that emeralds would protect the wearer against evil and even cure diseases like malaria and cholera!
Without a doubt, this beloved gemstone and historic symbol of love, youth and rebirth is here to stay! This spring, make your friends green with envy with a new piece of enchanting emerald jewelry—check out our collection of enchanting emerald jewelry, like this Stunning 3.77 ct Emerald Diamond & Platinum Ring on our website, and stop by one of our two locations today to find the spring jewelry of your dreams!
Source: brilliantearth.com
