History and Symbolism Behind the May Birthstone — Emerald

A kind heart accompanied by an earnest mind defines the woman born in May. With Taurus as their ruling sun sign, they are a powerhouse of motivation and a delight to be around. The impressive persona that a May-born woman bears, she deserves a birthstone just as warm to resonate with her compassionate personality. Dear readers, allow us to present to you the very magnificent — Emerald.

What makes Emerald Special as the May Birthstone?

Derived from the word “smaragdus,” which translates to “green” in Greek, emerald is associated with spring and summer, the seasons that usher revival of life. Ruled by mercury, emerald, with its intense and enchanting green hue, is the perfect emblematic gem for those who marked their cosmic arrival in May. The precious gem signifies reincarnation. As a birthstone, emerald is believed to enrich the May-born with foresight, bless them with everlasting youth, and shower them with good fortune.

The Enthralling History of the Emerald Gemstone

The mysterious green crystal was first mined in 330 BC; the oldest emeralds are estimated to be 2.97 billion years old. With time, it became known as emerald and struck as an instant favorite of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, where the gem was mined since its discovery. The queen cherished the emerald so dearly that she claimed absolute ownership of all the emerald mines in her land throughout her reign. The Egyptians used the gem in embellished jewelry as well as ornate burials. It was common to bury tons of emeralds with monarchs to offer protection.

While Egyptians generously indulged with their emeralds, the Muzo Indians of Colombia kept their rich emerald mines hidden from the world for the longest time. The Spanish could reach these mines after only a twenty-year-long ordeal.

The gem has been looked upon with great reverence by different cultures and communities over the eons. According to the ancient Romans, the emerald symbolized Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love. People in the Middle Ages started to believe that the emerald could predict the future. Interestingly, it graduated as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ for the early Christians.

For its intense and gorgeous green color, the emerald has been a gem treasured by the royal and the rich for centuries. A rock often encrusted on statement jewelry pieces meant to be flashed at significant events, the spectacular emerald is just as at home in a humble pair of earrings as in an extravagant bangle.

While being resolute, a May-born lady is also reassuring and cordial. She loves with an open heart and sends bursts of kindness to the universe, and becomes elated upon receiving over pouring affection. The compassionate and confident queen is a reservoir of hope — no wonder the color of prosperity and abundance is the color of her birthstone. If you are lucky enough to have a May-born in your life, get her a birthstone jewelry piece by Gabriel & Co.; our eclectic collection of emeralds will be grateful to be gracing her infinite aura.