Known as the gem of spring, Emerald is the perfect choice as the birthstone for the month of May. Favoured by royalty since the time of Cleopatra, the most prized Emeralds come from Columbia and are famed for their clarity and depth of colour.
Cleopatra can’t be wrong
Emerald, from “smaragdus” the ancient Greek word for green, is the gem of spring and the perfect choice as the birthstone for May. A favourite amongst royals since the time of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, their most recent dazzling showcase was in the stunning Greville Koshnik Emerald Tiara worn by Princess Beatrice on her wedding day in 2018. Its central Emerald, weighing in at a stonking 93.70 carats, is a perfect example of the depth of colour and clarity of stones that characterise the finest gem quality.
The arrival of laboratory made emeralds
Of course, Emeralds of this quality are extremely rare and out of the price range of most of us. More widely available are those that contain more inclusions – the tiny specs and ‘flaws’ that are associated with this gemstone, and are often darker and more opaque than those that would require a small fortune to purchase. As an alternative, many choose laboratory created emeralds or crystals that recreate nature’s creativity under controlled conditions and simulate the gorgeous deep clarity of the natural stone.
A striking addition to your jewellery wardrobe
Irrespective of gemstone grade quality, wearing rich Emerald green makes a striking addition to any wardrobe – and when accompanied by other gems such as diamonds or crystals, their strength of colour is further showcased by the lightening flash from the other gems.
Legend has it that Emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon that endowed the King with power over all creation. Little wonder then that when they are worn as an accompaniment for any outfit today, their rarity, strength of colour and sheer beauty make the wearer stand a little taller.