The emerald, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant green hue, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for May. Revered for centuries, it symbolizes rebirth, good fortune, and youthfulness. This article delves into the history, characteristics, and significance of the emerald, drawing upon available information to provide a comprehensive overview of this captivating gem.
History and Lore
The emerald’s history is rich with symbolism and lore. Across cultures, the gem has been associated with various positive attributes. Sources indicate the emerald is a symbol of fertility and wealth, and is believed to possess magical qualities capable of preventing illness. This belief in the emerald’s protective powers dates back centuries, contributing to its enduring appeal. The gem is also linked to concepts of rebirth and renewal, aligning with the springtime month of May for which it is the designated birthstone.
Modern interpretations continue to embrace the emerald’s symbolism, making it a popular choice for meaningful jewelry, particularly as a personalized gift celebrating connection and unique stories. The “Toi et Moi” style, featuring two birthstones, highlights this sentiment, symbolizing two souls connected.
Gemological Properties
The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. While a detailed chemical formula or specific refractive index is not provided in the available sources, the consistent description of its color – a rich, vibrant green – is a defining characteristic.
The sources focus primarily on the emerald’s presentation in jewelry. Pendants featuring emeralds range in size, from approximately 3.5mm to 6x4mm in emerald-cut stones, alongside round-cut cubic zirconia (CZ) stones in some designs. The carat weight of featured emeralds varies, with examples including 1/2 cts stones.
The sources highlight the use of different metals in emerald jewelry. Options include 18-karat yellow gold, 14-karat yellow gold, sterling silver, and 18ct Gold Vermeil (gold layered over sterling silver). The quality of the silver used is specified as .925 sterling silver, composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals for durability. Gold Vermeil features a gold layer at least 2.5 microns thick, ensuring a luxurious and durable finish.
Sources and Craftsmanship
The sources showcase a variety of jewelry makers and retailers offering emerald birthstone necklaces. These include Sarah & Sebastian, Birthstone, Caitlyn Minimalist, La Côte Club, Honeywillow, Astley Clarke, and Seoidin. These businesses emphasize handcrafted designs and quality materials.
Seoidin, an Irish company, incorporates the emerald into its classic ‘Fí’ woven gold surround design, reflecting the beauty of the Irish landscape. La Côte Club emphasizes hypoallergenic materials and original designs, stamped for authenticity. Astley Clarke offers emerald pendants crafted in 18ct Gold Vermeil, while Sarah & Sebastian utilizes 18-karat gold.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The emerald is deeply rooted in symbolism. Beyond its association with fertility and wealth, it is believed to grant the wearer foresight, good fortune, and youthfulness. This belief is particularly prominent in the description provided by Seoidin, which positions the emerald as a symbol of rebirth. The gem’s rich green color further reinforces its connection to growth and renewal, making it a fitting birthstone for May, a month associated with springtime and new beginnings.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of emerald jewelry requires careful attention. The sources recommend removing jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising to protect it from damage. Contact with perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning products should also be avoided. Regular cleaning with a soft, dry cloth is advised, and a polishing cloth can be used to maintain shine, though over-polishing of gold vermeil is discouraged to preserve the plating. Specific guidance on cleaning the emerald itself is not provided, but general gemstone care principles would apply.
Purchasing and Market Variations
The provided sources offer a range of price points for emerald birthstone necklaces. A 1/2 cts Green Emerald Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold is listed at $440.00. Other necklaces, featuring varying materials and designs, are available from different retailers. The availability of express making and shipping options suggests a demand for timely delivery, particularly for gift-giving occasions. Several retailers offer free shipping on orders exceeding a certain value, incentivizing larger purchases.
Gold Variations and Quality
The sources detail the quality of gold used in the necklaces. 18-karat yellow gold is used by Sarah & Sebastian, while 14-karat yellow gold is featured in the Birthstone pendant. Gold Vermeil, used by Astley Clarke, consists of 18k solid gold layered over sterling silver to a thickness of at least 2.5 microns, offering a durable and luxurious finish. Sterling silver pieces are made with .925 genuine sterling silver, signifying authenticity and quality.
Conclusion
The emerald remains a captivating and highly valued gemstone, steeped in history, symbolism, and beauty. As the birthstone for May, it represents rebirth, good fortune, and enduring youthfulness. The variety of designs and materials showcased in the available sources demonstrates the versatility of the emerald and its continued appeal in contemporary jewelry. From handcrafted pieces inspired by Irish landscapes to elegant pendants in gold vermeil, the emerald continues to be a cherished gem for those born in May and for anyone seeking a touch of timeless elegance.