The emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, holds a prominent place in the world of colored stones and is recognized as the birthstone for May. Revered for its captivating color and historical significance, the emerald has adorned royalty and captivated gem enthusiasts for centuries. This article will explore the emerald’s characteristics, historical context, and current market presence, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
While a comprehensive historical account is limited by the provided sources, the emerald’s enduring appeal is evident across cultures. Novica references ancient traditions where gemstones held symbolic meaning, noting that in ancient Peru, necklaces featured pendants representing human, animal, and divine figures. Though not specifically about emeralds, this illustrates a long-standing human connection to gemstones and their perceived power. Similarly, the use of natural stones in Central American jewelry suggests a historical appreciation for colored gems. The sources do not detail specific lore surrounding emeralds themselves, but the general reverence for gemstones in various ancient cultures implies a similar regard for the emerald.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources provide limited information regarding the geological formation of emeralds. However, one source specifically mentions that a tri-color tourmaline, displaying green, red, and white bands, originates from the Aracuai area of Brazil. While this refers to tourmaline, it establishes Brazil as a source of colored gemstones. The same source details a 12.25-carat emerald cut tri-color tourmaline, indicating that emerald cuts are a common style for this type of gem. The sources do not provide details on the specific geological processes involved in emerald formation or other significant mining locations.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited gemological data. One source details a 45-carat round emerald used in a 14k gold necklace, indicating that significant-sized emeralds are utilized in jewelry. The same source states the necklace length is between 16.5-17.25 inches. Another source describes a tri-color tourmaline with dimensions of 15.94mm L x 10.97mm W x 7.62mm D and a weight of 12.25 carats. This provides a sense of scale for larger gemstones. The tri-color tourmaline is described as “relatively clean for a large, well colored stone,” suggesting clarity is a factor in evaluating quality. The price per carat for this particular stone is listed as $140/ct.
The sources do not provide information on the emerald’s chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other standard gemological properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources offer limited insight into the symbolism associated with emeralds. Novica references the Andean Chakana, a staggered cross symbolizing the relationship between humankind and the cosmos, and the Balinese Ongkara symbol representing oneness and spirituality. While these symbols are not directly linked to emeralds, they demonstrate a broader cultural tradition of imbuing jewelry with meaning. The mention of animal figures and bird feathers holding special significance in Central America further reinforces this idea. The sources do not explicitly state any specific metaphysical beliefs associated with emeralds.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific advice on the care and cleaning of emeralds. However, Novica mentions that earrings are tested for safety and suggests rhodium-plated earrings for those with sensitive skin, as rhodium is hypoallergenic. This implies a general concern for material safety and skin sensitivity when selecting jewelry. Without further information on emerald’s specific properties, detailed care instructions cannot be provided.
Market Value and Availability
The sources provide some indication of the market value of emerald jewelry. A lab-created emerald and white sapphire cascading teardrop pendant is listed for $169. A May emerald beaded necklace is listed as sold out, but previously retailed for an unspecified price. The tri-color tourmaline is priced at $140 per carat. A Le Vian Couture turquoise ring with diamonds and 18K vanilla gold is listed at $3743.25 (originally $5347.50). These price points demonstrate a wide range in cost, dependent on the gemstone, setting, and accompanying materials. The “sold out” status of the emerald necklace suggests demand for this type of jewelry. Amazon and Anthropologie offer sapphire necklaces at $19.90 and $28 respectively, providing a price comparison for other birthstone jewelry.
Emerald in Modern Jewelry
Good Morning America features a selection of birthstone jewelry, including emerald pieces. Shopbop previously offered a May emerald beaded necklace made with a 45.0 ct round emerald set in 14k gold with a ring clasp. This indicates that emeralds are frequently used in necklaces and are often paired with precious metals like gold. The availability of emerald jewelry through various retailers, as highlighted in the sources, demonstrates its continued popularity and accessibility to consumers.
Summary of Gemstone Offerings by Retailer
The following table summarizes the birthstone jewelry offerings from the retailers mentioned in the sources:
| Retailer | Gemstone(s) Offered | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| KAY Jewelers | Garnet, Amethyst, Turquoise | $99.99 - $3743.25 |
| Zales | Garnet, Amethyst, Emerald | $90.30 - $169.00 |
| Anthropologie | Sapphire | $28.00 |
| Amazon | Sapphire | $19.90 - $20.90 |
| Shopbop | Emerald | Previously Available |
| Novica | (Various) | Not Specified |
Conclusion
The emerald, as a May birthstone, represents a captivating blend of color, history, and enduring appeal. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they demonstrate the emerald’s presence in both ancient symbolism and modern jewelry markets. Its vibrant green hue and association with various cultures contribute to its continued desirability. Further research, utilizing more comprehensive gemological resources, would be necessary to provide a more detailed and complete understanding of this remarkable gemstone.