Emerald - May's Birthstone - Facts and Folklore
By Wendy M. Rabbani
When purchasing jewelry as a gift, you may want to consider buying jewelry that includes a person's birthstone. For this month, the month of May, emerald is the birthstone of choice. As stunning as this popular, precious stone is, there is much to consider when purchasing it. You may be in the market for a loose emerald stone, emerald ring, emerald anniversary band, emerald diamond ring, three stone emerald ring, emerald bracelet, emerald necklace, whatever your choice, there is much to look for and consider. Learn about emeralds and buy with confidence. The 4c's cut, clarity, color and carat., apply to emeralds as well as diamonds, and to all gemstones. There is also much folklore and history that surrounds the emerald stone.
Emeralds, belonging to the beryl family most often found in different shades of green. Depending on the presence of minerals, chromium and vanadium, the emerald's color can range from a grassy green to yellowish or bluish green. The finest quality emerald bears a "lime jello" color. Color is the most important factor when determining its' price. In fact, smaller emeralds with richer, better color, command a higher price than bigger stones with a weaker color. When it comes to cut, the precision and delicacy of the cut determines the price of the stone.
Emeralds can be cut in a variety of ways including the traditional "emerald cut" as well as rounds, ovals, squares and cabuchons. Heavily flawed stones are most frequently given cabuchon cuts. As far as clarity goes, (clearness of the stone) unlike diamonds, emeralds, almost always have inclusions and are rarely flawless. In fact, emerald connoisseurs will not purchase an emerald unless they can see the inclusions because they assume they are fake or laboratory created. Emeralds are measured in carat. Emeralds with the best color and few inclusions become very expensive, as they are so rare.
Emeralds have a fascinating history. Traditionally, emeralds are worn to promote healing and enhance love and contentment. Emeralds are traditionally thought to enhance the clairvoyance of their wearers. Mummies were often buried with emeralds and the gems were popular in ancient Rome, but some think that many of the stones called emeralds in ancient times were actually peridot. . They have graced Crown Jewels and embellished the thrones of some of the oldest dynasties in history. In ancient times emeralds held a real fascination for the people. Emeralds were, in fact, considered to be a cure for many diseases. As a result of such claims, emeralds were greatly sought after and a profitable trade was established between Egypt and nations as far away as India.
The Egyptian monopoly on the world supply of emeralds lasted right up until the Sixteenth Century, C E. Cleopatra valued her lustrous emeralds so greatly that the ancient mines in Egypt are now called Cleopatra's Mines -- there they discovered emeralds of breathtaking size and beauty. From mines in the Egyptian desert, not far from the Nile River, emeralds made their way to all parts of the 'known world'... The finest emeralds are found in Colombia; other sources are Russia, Zimbabwe, and Australia.
In ancient times emeralds were believed to improve low I Q and poor eyesight. Emeralds have an interesting legacy of violence, romance, and controversy. Scholars wore emeralds to strengthen their memory and become more eloquent. Unlike diamonds and rubies, there is no abundance of emeralds, and that is probably the reason why these mystical pagan green gems are more expensive than any other jewel. And, carat for carat, they are the most expensive gems in the world. Why such a high price? A large part of the reason is that emeralds are rare gems.
Buying emerald jewelry for the May birthday girl, makes it that much more personal and special. The emerald, so brilliant, beautiful and steeped in history and folklore, will make the perfect gift, as long as you know what your buying, so you get the best quality for your money.
Wendy M. Rabbani
JewelryNest, an online jewelry store where you'll find all handcrafted high fashion designer jewelry, without the high fashion designer prices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_M._Rabbani
http://EzineArticles.com/?Emerald---Mays-Birthstone---Facts-and-Folklore&id=2329347
 |
 1.82CT SOLID 18K YELLOW GOLD NATURAL EMERALD DIAMOND RING $790.00 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $790.00 |
 Emerald from Colombia, 0.31-CTS, Oval, 5.02 x 4.04 x 2.31 mm $39.00 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $39.00 |
 FANTASTIC GEM !NATURAL! COLOUMBIAN EMERALD 2.63CTS. $349.99 Time Remaining: 36m Buy It Now for only: $349.99 |
 1.46 Cts DAZZLING NATURAL RARE GREEN COLOMBIAN EMERALD GEM $199.99 Time Remaining: 37m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 9.45Cts.Huge NAtural Green Emerald Pear Shape Gemstone $3,600.00 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $3,600.00 |
 116ct Natural Oval Shape Faceted Emeraude Smaragd Green Emerald Loose Gemstone $19.99 Time Remaining: 48m |
 12.9 CT Unheated Natural Zambian AAA Emerald Brilliant Luster Lot-Untreated 8 Pc $190.00 Time Remaining: 51m Buy It Now for only: $190.00 |
 170ct Natural Museum Size Emeraude Smaragd Green Faceted Emerald Loose Gemstone $24.99 Time Remaining: 1h 13m |
 Emerald from Colombia, 0.37-CTS, Oval, 5.42 x 4.00 x 2.49 mm $35.00 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Emerald from Colombia, 0.29-CTS, Oval, 4.80 x 3.86 x 2.25 mm $58.00 Time Remaining: 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $58.00 |
 5.65 Cts. Natural Green Color Oval Cut Emerald Zambia $4,000.00 Time Remaining: 1h 21m Buy It Now for only: $4,000.00 |
 4.10 Cts. Natural Green Color Oval Cut Emerald Zambia $1,500.00 Time Remaining: 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $1,500.00 |
 INCREDIBLE CRYSTAL 2.53 Cts.NR PEAR CUT COLUMBIAN GREEN EMERALD $799.99 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $799.99 |
 226ct Natural Museum Size Emeraude Smaragd Green Emerald Loose Gemstone $19.99 Time Remaining: 1h 39m |
 Emerald from Colombia, 0.42-CTS, Oval, 5.08 x 4.08 x 3.08 mm $74.00 Time Remaining: 1h 56m Buy It Now for only: $74.00 |
 252ct Natural Pear Shape Emeraude Smaragd Green Faceted Emerald Loose Gemstone $11.16 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 3m |
 BOLD & BREATH TAKING DESIRE QUALITY 17.09 Cts.NR! AAA GREEN COLOR EMERALD !! $49,999.99 Time Remaining: 2h 19m Buy It Now for only: $49,999.99 |
 FREE LAB CERTIFICATE 10245carat BIGGEST NATURAL EMERALD LOOSE GEMSTONE $399.00 Time Remaining: 2h 34m Buy It Now for only: $399.00 |
 681.00 CTS RARE HUGE HAND CARVED NATURAL BRAZILIAN EMERALD EARTH MINED GEM $29.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2h 35m |
 767.00 CTS RARE HUGE HAND CARVED NATURAL BRAZILIAN EMERALD EARTH MINED GEM $29.99 Time Remaining: 2h 37m |
 28.4 Carats Genuine Emerald, Ruby, Sappphire Beads (small size) $19.95 Time Remaining: 2h 37m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 2730.00 CTS BIGGEST CERTIFIED RARE MUSEUM SIZE MASTER CARVED NATURAL EMERALD $99.00 Time Remaining: 2h 39m |
 FREE LABORATORY 56025ct LARGEST WORLD BIGGEST NATURAL EMERALD ~GORGEOUS STONE $25,000.00 Time Remaining: 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $25,000.00 |
 827.50 CTS RARE HUGE FINEST GREEN CERTIFIED NATURAL EMERALD ~ FREE CERTIFICATE $89.99 Time Remaining: 2h 44m |
 0.42ct Colombian Emerald Oval Cut Fine Rich Top Green $85.00 Time Remaining: 2h 46m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 |
 Charming Certified Natural 74.50 Ct Brazilian Green Emerald Loose Gemstone $12.73 Time Remaining: 2h 54m |
 266 CTS FINEST TOP GREEN RARE HUGE UNIQUE NATURAL BRAZILIAN EMERALD ~ SELENEGEMS $39.99 Time Remaining: 2h 55m |
 0.56ct Colombian Emerald Fine Emerald Cut Rich Green $129.99 Time Remaining: 2h 58m Buy It Now for only: $129.99 |
 FANTASTIC & GOOD 2.55CTS !NR! GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT $299.99 Time Remaining: 3h Buy It Now for only: $299.99 |
 Emerald from Colombia, 0.39-CTS, Oval, 4.98 x 4.01 x 3.20 mm $44.00 Time Remaining: 3h 3m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 |
 6.62CTS HUGE SIZE WONDERFUL GREEN NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD $1,169.10 Time Remaining: 3h 4m Buy It Now for only: $1,169.10 |
 262.95 ct Lab Certified Carved Brazilian Earthmined Carved Emerald Gemstone $39.49 Time Remaining: 3h 10m |
 217 CTS STUNNING GREEN RARE HUGE UNIQUE NATURAL BRAZILIAN EMERALD ~ SELENEGEMS $15.79 Time Remaining: 3h 14m |
 2.40CT SOLID 14K YELLOW GOLD NATURAL SPARKLY EMERALD EARRINGS $820.00 Time Remaining: 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $820.00 |
 200 CTS NATURAL BRAZILIAN GREEN EMERALD OCTAGON CUT FACETED GEMSTONE $49.99 Time Remaining: 3h 19m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 Wonderful Bright 0.50ct Gem Colombian Emerald 4 x 4.5 EC Superb Gemstone $269.10 Time Remaining: 3h 30m Buy It Now for only: $269.10 |
 1.57ctw 2 Ovals 7 x 5mm NO OIL Gem Colombian Emeralds $517.50 Time Remaining: 3h 41m Buy It Now for only: $517.50 |
 FREE CERTIFICATE 780 CARAT HUGE BRAZILIAN DARK GREEN EMERALD OVAL GEMSTONE $94.99 Time Remaining: 3h 42m Buy It Now for only: $94.99 |
 FREE CERTIFICATES 900 ct /9 STONES WHOLESALE LOT NATURAL BRAZILIAN EMERALD NR $199.99 Time Remaining: 3h 42m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 1084ct Natural Museum Size Engraved carving Oval Shape Green Emerald Gemstone $199.99 Time Remaining: 3h 43m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 1ct 8x6mm Oval Brazilian Emerald Loose Single Gemstone - Gems TV *FREE SHIPPING* $279.95 Time Remaining: 3h 46m Buy It Now for only: $279.95 |
 Untreated 4.90ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $29.23 Time Remaining: 4h 3m Buy It Now for only: $29.23 |
 Untreated 4.48ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $29.44 Time Remaining: 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $29.44 |
 0.71ct NATURAL UNHEATED UNTREATED EMERALD FINE OVAL CUT TOP QUALITY GREEN LUSTER $24.99 Time Remaining: 4h 9m |
 0.64CT NATURAL UNHEATED UNTREATED EMERALD FINE PEAR CUT "RARE VS CLARITY" LUSTER $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 13m |
 natural columbian green emerald 33.5ct. $34.95 Time Remaining: 4h 18m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 1.11CT ULTIMATE COLLECTION NATURAL UNHEATED UNTREATED EMERALD FINE OVAL ZAMBIAN $24.99 Time Remaining: 4h 19m |
 BRAZILIAN EARTH MINED EMERALD 1.03 CARAT BRIGHT ELECTRIC GREEN $206.00 Time Remaining: 4h 21m Buy It Now for only: $206.00 |
 Untreated 9.06ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $38.45 Time Remaining: 4h 27m Buy It Now for only: $38.45 |
 0.53CT NATURAL UNTREATED EMERALD ROUND CUT DIAMOND LUSTER MATCHING PAIR $13.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 27m |
 .15CT RAREST GEM TRANSLUCENT UTAH RED EMERALD BIXBITE $179.99 Time Remaining: 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 .13CT RAREST GEM TRANSLUCENT UTAH RED EMERALD BIXBITE $199.99 Time Remaining: 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 Untreated 5.59ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Crystal Gem, ZAMBIA $41.14 Time Remaining: 4h 30m Buy It Now for only: $41.14 |
 Untreated 5.67ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Crystal Gem, ZAMBIA $47.50 Time Remaining: 4h 33m Buy It Now for only: $47.50 |
 1.16CT NATURAL EARTH MINED ZAMBIAN EMERALD PERFECT OCTAGON CUT OPEN GREEN LUSTER $24.99 Time Remaining: 4h 42m |
 1.65CT STUNNING TOP NATURAL COLOMBIA EMERALD OVAL $169.99 Time Remaining: 4h 49m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 Untreated 14.31ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $52.61 Time Remaining: 4h 51m Buy It Now for only: $52.61 |
 0.81ct SUPER FIRE GREEN NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD NO HEAT NO TREAT LONG PEAR CUT $12.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 4m |
 ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL POLISHED ROUGH COLOMBIAN EMERALD EARRINGS $99.00 Time Remaining: 5h 9m Buy It Now for only: $110.00 |
 2.05CT NATURAL NATURAL UNHEATED UNTREATED EMERALD FINE OVAL CUT GOOD GREEN FIRE $39.99 Time Remaining: 5h 11m |
 Untreated 19.43ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $67.44 Time Remaining: 5h 15m Buy It Now for only: $67.44 |
 1.65 cts 100% NATURAL UNTREATED QUALITY ZAMBIAN EMERALD GEMSTONE $49.90 Time Remaining: 5h 22m Buy It Now for only: $49.90 |
 Untreated 22.35ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $74.33 Time Remaining: 5h 24m Buy It Now for only: $74.33 |
 0.55CT AMAZING DIAMOND FIRE NATURAL EMERALD ROUND 4.2MM PAIR FOR EARRING $10.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 27m |
 2.36CT NATURAL UNTREATED COLOMBIAN EARTH MINED EMERALD OVAL TOP AAAAA COLOR FIRE $64.99 Time Remaining: 5h 35m |
 0.89CT SUPER GREEN EXCLUSIVE GRADE COLLECTION NATURAL EMERALD AAAAA COLOR & FIRE $59.99 Time Remaining: 5h 35m |
 0.67CT SUPER FIRE EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION NATURAL EARTH MINED ZAMBIAN EMERALD OVAL $39.99 Time Remaining: 5h 37m |
 Untreated 32.53ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $101.81 Time Remaining: 5h 39m Buy It Now for only: $101.81 |
 Untreated 68.69ct Natural Green Emerald Facet Rough Gem, ZAMBIA $199.46 Time Remaining: 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $199.46 |
 1.04 CTS BRIGHT NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD CUT $332.80 Time Remaining: 6h Buy It Now for only: $332.80 |
 1.69 CTS BRIGHT NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD CUT $472.00 Time Remaining: 6h Buy It Now for only: $472.00 |
 1.73 CTS BRIGHT NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD CUT $484.00 Time Remaining: 6h Buy It Now for only: $484.00 |
 2.76cts BRIGHT NATURAL COLOMBIAN EMERALD PEAR $1,104.00 Time Remaining: 6h Buy It Now for only: $1,104.00 |
 Loose Colombian Emerald Emerald Cut 5.84cts $840.00 Time Remaining: 6h 14m Buy It Now for only: $840.00 |
 Loose Natural Colombian Emerald Pear Shape 0.70 $280.00 Time Remaining: 6h 14m Buy It Now for only: $280.00 |
 BIG SIZE 9.76ct 16x12mm, Untreated Calibrated Loose Natural Emerald Oval Zambian $293.00 Time Remaining: 6h 16m Buy It Now for only: $293.00 |
 BIG SIZE 8.04ct 15x11.5mm, Untreated Loose Natural Green Emerald Oval, Zambian ! $161.00 Time Remaining: 6h 16m Buy It Now for only: $161.00 |
 BIG SIZE 5.24ct 12.4x9.9mm, Untreated Loose Natural Green Emerald Oval, Zambian $131.00 Time Remaining: 6h 16m Buy It Now for only: $131.00 |
 $4K LARGE NATURAL*17.41CT*COLUMBIAN EMERALD CUT EMERALD 21x12X8mmSOLD IN THE US $29.99 Time Remaining: 6h 25m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 $4K LARGE NATURAL*20.71CT*COLUMBIAN EMERALD CUT EMERALD 25x15X8mmSOLD IN THE US $31.99 Time Remaining: 6h 28m Buy It Now for only: $31.99 |
 $4K LARGE NATURAL*22.63CT*COLUMBIAN TRILLION CUT EMERALD 18x18X11mmSOLD IN US $29.99 Time Remaining: 6h 32m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 1.04Ct Tremendous!! AAA Unheated Natural ZAMBIAN EMERALD Untreated ~Octagon $19.99 Time Remaining: 6h 38m |
 1.23Ct Stunning!! AAA ZAMBIAN EMERALD Natural Unheated Untreated ~Nice Oval $19.99 Time Remaining: 6h 42m |
 5.49Ct AAA Superb Untreat Unheat Nice Natural Zambian EMERALD Necklace Set $74.99 Time Remaining: 6h 45m |
 2.44Ct Marvelous! AAA++ COLOR Green Natural ZAMBIAN Untreated EMERALD ~ OVAL $44.99 Time Remaining: 6h 48m |
 TOP GRADE NATUAL GEM 91p/4x3mm/15CT.TOP RICH GREEN COLUMBIAN EMERALD OVAL LOT $99.99 Time Remaining: 6h 49m |
 0.65 CT EXCELLENT LAB ROUND SHAPE BIRON EMERALD $71.99 Time Remaining: 6h 52m Buy It Now for only: $71.99 |
 145.20 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD PEAR CUT GEMSTONE-46 $18.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 208.10 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-81 $27.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 249.20 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-19 $32.00 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 100.40 Ct. Precious Red Ruby Gemstone Lot-113 $11.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 254.20 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-17 $31.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 309.60 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD PEAR CUT GEMSTONE-16 $40.00 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 27.25 Cts. Amazing RARE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD PEAR BRAZILIAN GEMSTONE-171 $15.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 255.50 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-14 $32.50 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 234 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-13 $29.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 231.30 Cts. HUGE NATURAL ROYAL GREEN EMERALD OVAL CUT GEMSTONE-56 $27.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 113.40 Ct. Precious Red Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Green Emerald Gemstone Lot-110 $13.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m |
 0.50 CT EXCELLENT LAB MADE ROUND BIRON EMERALD $71.99 Time Remaining: 6h 56m Buy It Now for only: $71.99 |
 0.70 CT LOVELY OVAL CUT LAB GREEN BIRON EMERALD $79.99 Time Remaining: 6h 57m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
