Birthstone Color: Deep Green
Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth. And the
intense brilliant green of the Emerald, May’s birthstone, is as refreshing to
the eyes as a spring garden after a rain. Within it’s depths are often
tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French call "jardin," or
garden, because of their resemblance to foliage.
The Egyptians were known to
engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to
bury these jewels with their dead. The ancient Romans associated this
gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of
love and beauty.
The Ancient Egyptians mined Emeralds in the eastern
desert region 2,000 years before Cleopatra’s birth, braving extreme heat,
scorpions and snakes to search for the beautiful crystals. During
Cleopatra’s reign, she claimed the Emerald mines as her own, as this was her
favorite gem. She often wore lavish Emerald jewelry, and it is said that
she bestowed visiting dignitaries with large Emeralds carved with her likeness
when they departed Egypt.
In the sixteenth century, the Spanish Conquistadors were
amazed to find the native people wearing Emeralds larger and more magnificent
than any they had ever seen. Although the natives attempted to hide their
Emerald mines, the Spaniards soon discovered and conquered most of them.
But it took twenty years before they found the abundant mining operation held
by the Muzo Indians, and another thirty years to overtake this aggressive
tribe.
The Muzo mine was in the area known today as Colombia, and it
remains the source of the most prized Emerald specimens. Other sources of
Emeralds are Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and
Russia.
Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings
wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship
would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting
love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or
anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.