Emeralds, those wonderfully yummy green gemstones, have long been a symbol of wealth, passion, and success. As the birthstone for May, these rare gems have captured hearts past and present… and will continue for years to come. Read on as we explore the fascinating world of emeralds. We’ll look into historical info, the shades of color, and a few interesting facts you may not know. Which celebrities share birthdays in May? Let’s find out!

Emeralds are known for their rich green color and varied hues and can range from translucent to fully saturated and vivid. The color is determined by the presence of trace elements, such as chromium and vanadium. Pale green emeralds are often found in Brazil and are sometimes called “green beryl.” Medium green emeralds with a bluish tint are known as “Colombian emeralds” and are highly prized. And the highly sought after, deep green emeralds with a hint of yellow are “Zambian emeralds.”

You may be interested to know, some emeralds exhibit a phenomenon called “color zoning.” This is where different shades of green are visible within the same stone; it’s caused by variations in trace elements during the crystal’s formation.

If you have questions about emerald jewelry or custom designs, please be in touch. We regularly design rings, earrings, and other jewelry to celebrate important events. Remember to bookmark this page so you always have this handy!

Emeralds have been prized for millennia, with records of their use dating back to around 330 BC. The name “emerald” is derived from the ancient Greek word “smaragdos,” meaning “green gem.” The most famous emerald lover in history was undoubtedly Cleopatra, who adorned herself with emerald jewelry and even had emerald mines in Egypt named after her. Emeralds have been found in various parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan. The Muzo mine in Colombia is particularly famous for producing some of the finest emeralds in the world, known for their deep green color and high clarity.

May is a month filled with talented and influential individuals, many of whom have made significant contributions to various fields. Here are just a few of the many celebrities born in May:

• Tim McGraw – May 1
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – May 2
• Adele – May 5
• George Clooney – May 6
• Audrey Hepburn – May 4
• Stevie Wonder – May 13
• Cate Blanchett – May 14
• Janet Jackson – May 16

1. The largest cut emerald in the world is the Bahia Emerald. Weighing in at 752 POUNDS! This massive gem is about the size of a mini-fridge and weighs as much as TWO Sumo wrestlers, according to Wired magazine. Worth was discovered in Brazil in 2001 and has been the subject of numerous legal battles over ownership. It’s value is somewhere between $100 (according to a packing slip from 2005) and $925 million. The story about this Ginormous Green Gem reads like a thriller… a caper, full of shady underworld figures and the intrigue of a curse. Bookmark this page so you have this post AND the link to the Wired article.

2. Now that we’ve covered all the juicy stuff, let’s get back to emeralds you can actually wear! Did you know emeralds are appreciated for their inclusions? Yep, they are! Unlike diamonds, which are prized for their clarity, emeralds are often valued for their unique inclusions, known as “jardin” (French for “garden”). These inclusions can create a beautiful, mosaic-like pattern within the stone.

3. Emeralds were used for centuries in medicine. In ancient Egypt, Emeralds were believed to have healing properties and were used to treat various ailments, including fever and inflammation.

4. Emeralds are the birthstone for May, as well as the gemstone for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Did you know, they are also associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus? Now you do!

Here at Jewel Box Morgan Hill, we love emerald jewelry. You’ll find our favorite vintage and contemporary designs on display, with a little something to suit every taste. Looking for something you don’t see? Make sure to ask! Our collection includes:

• Exquisite emerald pendants and necklaces
• Huggie, button, and drop-style emerald earrings
• Elegant emerald stud earrings with or without diamond halo frames
• Elegant emerald line bracelets and birthstone bangles