The emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, is widely recognized as the birthstone for May. Representing renewal and springtime, it has captivated civilizations for millennia. Beyond the traditional emerald, variations like emerald quartz are also associated with the month of May, offering a range of options for those seeking birthstone jewelry. This article will explore the history, sources, gemological properties, and symbolism of both emeralds and emerald quartz, as presented in available resources.
History and Lore
The emerald’s history is rich and spans numerous cultures. While the provided sources do not detail ancient origins, they firmly establish the emerald as the traditional May birthstone. Modern jewelry retailers consistently associate emerald with the month of May, offering a variety of emerald-set jewelry, including stud and hoop earrings. The sources highlight the enduring appeal of the gemstone as a celebratory token, particularly for birthdays.
Notably, emerald quartz is presented as a viable alternative, specifically in the context of sterling silver birthstone jewelry. This suggests a more recent association, offering a more accessible price point while still representing the May birthstone. The sources do not elaborate on the historical use of emerald quartz, implying it is a contemporary interpretation.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of emeralds or emerald quartz. They do not specify mining locations beyond the general indication that gemstones are “ethically sourced” and that some pieces are “handmade in Bath, England” and “Made in Canada.” The sources do not provide information on the geological processes involved in the creation of either gemstone.
Gemological Properties
The sources offer limited but specific gemological details. Emeralds, when featured in jewelry, are described as “genuine” and “rose-cut,” with a size of 4mm. These are specifically related to the stones used by ALOA Jewelry. The available materials do not provide information on the chemical composition, refractive index, or hardness of either emerald or emerald quartz.
The sources do indicate that both emeralds and emerald quartz are available for use in sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid 14K gold settings. This suggests a degree of durability suitable for jewelry making. The variety of metal options indicates that the gemstones can withstand the processes involved in jewelry fabrication.
A table summarizing the available gemological properties is presented below:
| Property | Emerald (ALOA Jewelry) | Emerald Quartz (Implied) |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Rose-cut | Not specified |
| Size | 4mm | Not specified |
| Material | Genuine Emerald | Quartz with Emerald hue |
| Metal Settings | Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, 14K Gold | Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, 14K Gold |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not explicitly detail the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with emeralds or emerald quartz. However, the association of emerald with May inherently links it to themes of renewal, growth, and springtime. The use of the gemstone in celebratory jewelry, particularly for birthdays, suggests a positive and auspicious symbolism.
The sources do not offer any information regarding the perceived powers or healing properties of either gemstone.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care and cleaning instructions for emeralds or emerald quartz. However, given that the jewelry is often made with sterling silver, standard silver cleaning practices would likely be applicable. These include avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, and gently polishing with a soft cloth. The durability of the gemstones within the various metal settings suggests that they are reasonably robust, but caution should still be exercised to prevent scratches or damage.
Available Options and Styles
The provided sources showcase a range of styles for May birthstone earrings. Nancy Wallis Designs offers “Tiny Dot” birthstone earrings, suggesting a minimalist aesthetic. Honey Willow presents emerald set silver hoops, 1.5cm in diameter, with the option to wear them with or without the birthstones. ALOA Jewelry offers emerald stud earrings, while Luceir.com features emerald quartz bezel set stud earrings. These options demonstrate the versatility of both emerald and emerald quartz in jewelry design.
The sources also indicate a variety of price points, with earrings ranging from $29.00 CAD to £120.00 GBP and $45.00 USD. This suggests that both emerald and emerald quartz are available to suit different budgets.
Birthstone Listing
The sources provide a comprehensive list of birthstones by month, as presented by ALOA Jewelry:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Clear Quartz
- May: Emerald
- June: Moonstone
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Citrine
- December: Topaz
This listing reinforces the established association of emerald with the month of May.
Conclusion
The emerald remains the quintessential May birthstone, steeped in history and symbolism. However, the emergence of emerald quartz as a representation of the month offers a more accessible and contemporary alternative. While the provided sources offer limited detail regarding the geological origins and specific gemological properties of these stones, they clearly demonstrate their enduring appeal as symbols of renewal, growth, and celebration. The variety of styles and price points available ensures that both emerald and emerald quartz can be enjoyed by a wide range of individuals seeking a meaningful and beautiful birthstone jewelry piece.