May Birthday? Wear Emeralds and Your Friends will be Green with Envy

Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth. And the intense brilliant green of the emerald, May’s birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain. The Egyptians were known to engrave emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead. The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

The emerald is a member of the beryl family of minerals. The green crystals grow slowly within metamorphic rocks and are restricted in size by the rock, making large emeralds rare and costly. Although this gemstone is relatively hard and durable, it must be protected from blows because the inclusions found within make it susceptible to breaking.

Some people believe that wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of emeralds for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Check out my pale emerald necklace above with a 925 sterling lotus flower dipped in 24k gold. It sold last weekend at The Young Designers Market!