The Emerald is May

Who first beholds the light of day

In Spring’s sweet flowery month of May

And wears an Emerald all her life

Shall be a loved and happy wife

 

The Emerald is one of the most beautiful green stones in Nature!!! And, the birthstone for May!

The month of May is very hectic for me. First, we celebrate Mother’s day! Then, I have two very important birthdays: my mother and my daughter! One thing that I can say about both is that they are loyal, kind, respectful, faithful, and I trust both for advice. Their birthdays are a day apart. Maybe this is why they are so similar. They both deserve the Emerald as their birthstone. Some of the characteristics I admire in them are also attributed to this green stone.

Emerald, the Stone

The color of the Emerald is regal, elegant, and beautiful. The deeper and more vivid the color green, the more valuable the gemstone. They may contain inclusions (trapped material inside the mineral while it is forming). Although inclusions may bring down the value of many stones, it does not devalue Emeralds as much. Inclusions are somewhat expected.

The first known Emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC into the 1700s. Cleopatra was passionate for the stone, and used it in her royal adornments.

Ever wonder why Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle? The poet William Drennan referred to Ireland this way in his poem “When Erin First Rose.” He calls her “…The Em’rald of Europe…” and describes her as “…the green island…”. Read the poem here. It’s pretty cool!

Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile

The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle.

It’s also the gem of the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

 

Emerald’s Symbolism

The Emerald is a symbol of love and associated with Venus, the goddess of love in mythology. The stone also symbolizes youth and rebirth. Maybe that is what also connects the stone to May; Spring is in full force!

Wearing Emeralds gives good fortune as well as the ability to see the future. Ancient legends also claim that it gives the wearer the ability to find the truth. They held special powers that protected the wearer from evil spells.

Because of these, the Emerald was known as the“The Jewel of Kings.” Cleopatra was known to love the stone and often gave it away as gifts. Other royals used the them to test for poison and would have servants put one in their mouth to test their food and drink.

Emeralds Healing Ability

The color green of the Emerald is known to relieve stress and eye strain. People would gaze into it to receive the effect. Jewelers, in particular, would keep one in their work place and gaze upon it when feeling tired and fatigued. It was also used to cure fevers and stomach ailments as well as to stop bleeding. 

Another interesting bit. If a person remained chaste and wore an Emerald, they would be rewarded with greater speech ability and a healthier body.

But, here is my favorite!

It was once believed that a mother who wears Emeralds keeps her child safe from complications during childbirth.

Is the Emerald your birthstone? Let me know. Post your favorite Emerald jewelry here or on one of my social pages!

So, What Do You Think?

Leave me a comment!