Emerald, May’s Birthstone: A Dive Into History and Significance in Jewelry

Emeralds are truly a gemstone of unparalleled beauty and value. From ancient times to the present day, people have been captivated by their rich green hue and striking clarity. But what makes emeralds so special, and how can you ensure that you're choosing and caring for them in the best possible way? In this post, we'll touch on the fascinating history and cultural significance of emeralds, delve into the different types of emeralds available, offer expert advice on how to select and care for your emerald jewelry, and even consider the ethical and environmental implications of lab-grown emeralds. Whether you're a May baby looking to embrace your birthstone or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of emerald jewelry, this post will provide all the information you need to fully appreciate these remarkable gems.

The Significance of Emeralds

Emeralds have been treasured for their beauty and significance for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with fertility and rebirth and were used in jewelry and amulets. Similarly, the Inca people of South America believed in the healing powers of emeralds and used them in religious ceremonies.

During the Renaissance period, emeralds gained popularity among European royalty and wealthy individuals. Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was known for her love of emeralds, and Roman Emperor Nero supposedly watched gladiator fights through emerald lenses.

Emeralds have also played a significant role in popular culture. One famous example is the Emerald City in "The Wizard of Oz," which symbolized power and grandeur. In modern times, emeralds are associated with elegance, sophistication, and luxury, and are commonly used in engagement rings and as birthstones for May.

Throughout history, emeralds have been valued not just for their beauty, but for their cultural and historical significance. From ancient Egypt to modern times, emeralds have held a special place in human culture and continue to captivate people today. One exceptional example of this is the Mogul Mughal Emerald, a rare tabular emerald that features engraved Arabic scripts and Shi'a prayers on one side, and a beautiful, intricate floral carving on the other. Though the exact year of its origin is uncertain, experts have dated inscriptions on the gemstone going back to 1107 AD. This remarkable piece is a testament to the enduring allure of emeralds throughout the ages.

 

Types of Emeralds

Emeralds are found all over the world, each area producing stones with unique “fingerprints” that can tell the story of where that particular stone is from. Below are a 3 emerald producing countries (link to Emerald mine Blog) that are often seen in the jewelry industry.

1. Colombian emeralds: While some people may consider Colombian emeralds to be the best in the world, this is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, there's no denying that Colombian emeralds are highly sought after and have been prized for centuries for their beauty and rarity. While Columbian emeralds can exhibit colors ranging from yellow-green, bluish-green, and green with hints of brown, the most prized color of all, is the deep green that inspired the name "emerald green". This jaw-dropping color is caused by a relatively high levels of the trace element Chromium, and low levels of iron. This leads some purists to claim that unlike emeralds coming from regions that get their color mainly (or completely) from vanadium and/or iron, “Columbian emeralds are a stone all their own”. 
   
   
2. Brazilian emeralds: These emeralds are known for their light green color, which is often tinged with yellow. They are not as transparent as Colombian emeralds and often have inclusions. However, they are still highly prized for their unique beauty.
   
   
3. Zambian emeralds: These emeralds are known for their bluish-green color, which is slightly darker than Colombian emeralds. They are highly transparent and often have fewer inclusions than Brazilian emeralds.

*It’s important to note, that regions other than Columbia can produce emeralds with chromium, and that the amount of chromium, vanadium and iron can vary mine by mine, and stone by stone.

No matter what type of emerald you choose, it's important to consider factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight when making your selection. These factors will affect the value and overall appearance of the emerald.

Buying Emerald Jewelry 

When purchasing emerald jewelry, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you're getting a high-quality piece that will last for years to come. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Color: Look for emeralds with a deep, vivid green color, as these are typically the most valuable. Preferences vary from person to person, but in general, stones that are too light or dark, have a strong yellowish or bluish tint, or appear dull, have a lower value.
2. Clarity: Emeralds often have inclusions, which are internal flaws or blemishes. While some inclusions are acceptable and can even add character to the stone, too many can make the stone appear cloudy or dull. Look for emeralds with minimal inclusions that don't affect their overall beauty.
   
   
3. Cut: The cut of an emerald can greatly affect its overall appearance. Look for stones with a symmetrical, well-proportioned cut that maximizes their color.
   
   
4. Carat weight: Like other gemstones, emeralds are priced based on their weight. Larger emeralds are rarer and more valuable than smaller ones, so expect to pay a premium for a larger stone.
   
   
5. Certification: To ensure that you're getting a genuine, high-quality emerald, look for jewelry that comes with a certification from a reputable gemological institute, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or an appraisal from a reputable source such as Purple Creek.

In addition to these factors, it's important to be aware of common tricks that dishonest sellers may use to pass off low-quality or fake emeralds as genuine. For example, some may use colored glass or other materials to simulate an emerald's green color. Treatments are also used to make an emerald more desirable, while some of these are common, and accepted in the industry as long as they are disclosed (such as oiling), others can fall in more of a grey area (using green-colored oil to intensify color, or adding a plastic-like material to hide surface-reaching inclusions).  To avoid falling victim to these scams, always buy from a reputable seller and have the piece certified by a third-party gemological institute, to check for authenticity and treatments.

By keeping these factors in mind when shopping for emerald jewelry, you can ensure that you're getting a piece that is not only beautiful but also a worthwhile investment that can be passed from generation to generation. Check out our selection of authenticated jewelry.

Caring for Emeralds

Emeralds are a stunning gemstone choice, and proper care is essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. Here are some best practices for cleaning and caring for emerald jewelry, and what to avoid to extend the life of your pieces.

Preventing damage

• Remove your emerald jewelry When performing physical activities such as gardening, weightlifting, etc. Emeralds are delicate, and hard knocks and dings can cause chips or even fractures. 
  
  
• Avoid exposing your emerald jewelry to certain chemicals, such as those commonly found in household cleaners and even pool water.
  
  
• Be aware that when moving to and from areas with large temperature differences (such as the freezer section at a grocery store), the “thermal shock” can cause microscopic cracks and fractures that can compromise the long-term integrity of the stone.
  
  
• If in doubt, trust your gut, and err on the side of caution.

 

Cleaning

• Use a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water to gently scrub your emerald jewelry, be careful not to scrub the stone too hard.
  
  
• Rinse the emerald thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue, and dry it carefully using a soft cloth or by letting it air dry on a clean towel.
  
  
• Emeralds are sensitive to vibrations and sudden changes in temperature, so never use tools like an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer. 
  
  
• If your emerald has been oiled, avoid exposing it to excess heat, as this can cause inclusions to “magically” appear as the oil becomes runny and flows out of surface reaching inclusions. 
  
  
• Cleaning your emerald jewelry every few months or after wearing it frequently will keep it looking its best!

 

Storing

• Store your emerald jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and dings.

 

Special considerations for emerald rings

• Rings receive more wear and tear than other jewelry pieces, be sure to have your emerald rings checked by a jeweler regularly for signs of damage or wear.
  
  
• By following these best practices for cleaning and caring for emerald jewelry, you can ensure that your gemstone will continue to shine and sparkle for years to come.

 

Lab-Grown Emeralds 

With advances in technology, lab-grown emeralds are now increasingly common in the market. These emeralds are created in a laboratory under controlled conditions that replicate the natural process of crystal formation.

Comparing lab-grown emeralds and natural emeralds:
While they are not naturally occurring, Lab-grown emeralds are chemically and physically identical to natural emeralds, but their formation differs significantly. Natural emeralds are formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years, while lab-grown emeralds are made in a matter of weeks to months. With more people purchasing emeralds than ever before, lab-grown emeralds can fill the void if the supply of natural high-quality emeralds is ever lacking. 

Advantages and disadvantages of lab-grown emeralds:
One of the biggest advantages of lab-grown emeralds is their affordability, the large volume of stones that can be made in a short period of time allows manufactures to reduce the price, making them a viable option for those looking for an emerald without the high price tag.

Since the stones are being grown under precise laboratory conditions, the manufactures also boast that they can produce stones with minimal inclusions (if any), making large, clean emeralds obtainable by anyone.

The main downside of lab-grown emeralds is that you lose the romance of rarity and the unique characteristics/inclusions that make each natural emerald one-of-a-kind. And some don’t feel the strong sentimental connection that lends a piece to being passed down as a family heirloom for generations.

Whether you prefer the consistent quality, color and “cleanness” of lab-grown emeralds, or the romance, rarity and character of natural emeralds. Ultimately, there is no wrong choice, and the best emerald is the one that calls to you.

Ethical and environmental implications of lab-grown emeralds:
One of the main ethical concerns associated with natural emeralds is that they are often mined in developing countries, where labor laws may be less stringent and workers may be subjected to hazardous working conditions. In contrast, lab-grown emeralds are produced in a controlled environment, free from the risks and issues associated with mining.

There is always the risk of unscrupulous sellers not properly disclosing the origin of the stones they sell, this can lead to someone being misled into thinking they are getting a natural stone of high value, when they actually receive a still beautiful, but much less valuable stone. Knowledge and disclosure are EVERYTHING, make sure you buy from a reputable company (like Purple Creek), with knowledgeable gemologists, expert authenticators, and a strong core focus on ethics and transparency.  

Furthermore, the process of mining natural emeralds can have significant environmental impacts, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Lab-grown emeralds have a much smaller environmental footprint and can be produced with significantly less energy and water usage.

While lab-grown emeralds may not have the same unique characteristics as natural emeralds, they offer an ethical and environmentally responsible alternative for those who want to enjoy the beauty of emerald jewelry without contributing to the negative impacts associated with mining natural gemstones.

 

 

In conclusion, emeralds are a stunning and highly sought-after gemstone that have been cherished for centuries for their unique beauty and symbolism. From their rich history in jewelry and fashion to their significance as May’s birthstone and anniversary gifts, emeralds have captivated people throughout the ages.

When it comes to buying emerald jewelry, it is important to consider factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, and to be aware of common pitfalls such as fake, treated, or low-quality stones. Learning how to and taking the time to properly care for your emeralds is the best way to ensure the longevity and beauty of your pieces for generations to come.

Additionally, the rise of lab-grown emeralds has presented new options for consumers, and is worth looking into if price, uniformity, and/or ethical and environmental implications weigh heavily on your mind.

Overall, whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to commemorate a special occasion or simply to add to your collection, emerald jewelry is a timeless and stunning choice. Consider working with Purple Creek, to help you choose the best stone and setting for your needs, and be captivated by the beauty and significance of emeralds for years to come.