The emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for May. Revered for its rich color and captivating beauty, the emerald has been prized for centuries. This article will explore the emerald’s association with the month of May, its appearance in contemporary jewelry, and available options for purchase, drawing solely from the provided sources.
History and Lore
The provided sources do not detail the historical origins or ancient lore surrounding the emerald. However, the consistent association of the emerald with May in modern birthstone lists, as highlighted by multiple sources, establishes its current cultural significance. The sources indicate a long-standing tradition of gifting birthstone jewelry, with the emerald being a popular choice for those born in May. The emphasis on emeralds as a personalized gift suggests a continuation of the gemstone’s symbolic value, even if the historical roots of that symbolism are not detailed within these materials.
Gemological Properties and Appearance
The sources offer limited information regarding the gemological properties of emeralds. However, they do specify that emeralds are available in a “Round” cut and can weigh up to “45.0 ct” as seen in a necklace. The sources also mention “Natural AAAA quality Emerald Necklaces” and “Rare Colombian and Brazilian Emeralds,” indicating a grading system and geographical origins for the stone. The description of the emerald as a vibrant green gemstone is consistent throughout the provided materials. The availability of lab-created emeralds alongside natural stones is also noted, offering consumers a range of options.
Emeralds in Contemporary Jewelry
The sources showcase a variety of emerald jewelry available for purchase. Necklaces are prominently featured, including beaded necklaces with round emeralds set in 14k gold. Pendants with pear-shaped, lab-created emeralds and white sapphire accents are also available. The sources also list emerald rings and bracelets. Retailers mentioned include Shopbop, KAY Jewelers, Zales, Anthropologie, and Amazon. Price points vary significantly, ranging from $19.90 for an Amazon Essentials necklace to $3743.25 for a KAY Jewelers ring. This wide price range reflects differences in gemstone quality, metal type, and design complexity.
The sources highlight the availability of emerald jewelry in various settings, including sterling silver and 18K vanilla gold. The inclusion of lab-created emeralds alongside natural stones suggests a growing market for affordable alternatives. The mention of GIA certification as an option for some emerald jewelry indicates a commitment to quality and authenticity by certain retailers.
Purchasing Options and Retailers
Several retailers are identified as sources for emerald jewelry. Shopbop offers a May Emerald Beaded Necklace, while KAY Jewelers features a range of emerald rings and bracelets. Zales provides options including pear-shaped pendants and bolo bracelets. Anthropologie and Amazon also offer emerald jewelry, with Amazon providing more affordable options. The sources indicate that these retailers offer free shipping and returns, enhancing the customer experience. The presence of multiple retailers suggests a competitive market for emerald jewelry.
Emerald Quality and Certification
The sources mention “Natural AAAA quality Emeralds,” indicating a grading system for assessing the quality of natural emeralds. The “AAAA” designation suggests a high level of quality, though the specific criteria for this grading are not detailed in the provided materials. The availability of GIA certification for some emerald jewelry is also noted, providing consumers with an independent assessment of the gemstone’s authenticity and quality. This certification can be particularly valuable for higher-priced items.
Table of Emerald Jewelry Options (Based on Sources)
| Retailer | Jewelry Type | Price Range | Gemstone Type | Metal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopbop | Necklace | Sold Out | Round Emerald | 14k Gold |
| KAY Jewelers | Ring, Bracelet | $199.99 - $3743.25 | Emerald | Sterling Silver, 18K Gold |
| Zales | Pendant, Bolo Bracelet, Ring | $90.30 - $169 | Lab-Created Emerald | Sterling Silver |
| Anthropologie | Bracelet | $28 | Emerald | Not Specified |
| Amazon | Necklace | $19.90 - $20.90 | Lab-Created Blue Sapphire | Sterling Silver |
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific guidance on the care and cleaning of emeralds. However, given that emeralds are generally known to be relatively soft gemstones, it can be inferred that they require careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. Further research beyond these sources would be necessary to provide detailed care instructions.
Conclusion
The emerald stands as a captivating birthstone for May, celebrated for its vibrant green hue and timeless beauty. The sources demonstrate the availability of a wide range of emerald jewelry options, from affordable lab-created pieces to high-quality natural stones with GIA certification. Retailers such as Shopbop, KAY Jewelers, Zales, Anthropologie, and Amazon offer diverse selections to suit various preferences and budgets. While the provided materials do not delve into the historical lore or detailed gemological properties of emeralds, they clearly establish the gemstone’s enduring appeal and its significance as a cherished birthstone.