05/01/2026
Did you know…?
The history of the birthstone can be traced back to
biblical times and the Book of Exodus. Beginning
with the Breastplate of Aaron — a priestly breastplate
adorned with 12 gemstones each representing one
of the 12 tribes of Israel — early Christians collected
all 12 gemstones to wear at the same time believing
in the powers or protection held by each stone.
This evolved to wearing just one of the 12 stones a
month. Eventually leading to the modern tradition
of today — one gemstone to represent each birth
month.
-www.gemsociety.org
May—Emerald 💚
Things to know and fun facts:
Emeralds have captivated humanity for over 5,000 years, with some of the earliest known mining dating back to around 330 B.C. Revered as one of the four precious stones said to have been gifted by God to King Solomon, these vibrant gems have long been symbols of wisdom and divine favor. They were cherished by powerful figures such as Cleopatra, who adorned herself with emerald jewelry and placed them in burial chambers as emblems of eternal life and protection. In India, Mughal emperors like Shah Jahan elevated their significance even further, engraving sacred texts onto emeralds to serve as powerful talismans. Across cultures and centuries, emeralds have been treasured as stones of hope, rebirth, and renewal—timeless in both beauty and meaning.
Color- Intense Green
Top Sources- Colombia ( #1), Zambia, Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Egypt
Durability- ranks 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale; durable but susceptible to fractures due to natural inclusions often called ‘jardin’ (French word for garden)
Care- should be cleaned with warm, soapy water
and a soft bristle toothbrush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals
Cultural Significance- Originating from the Ancient Greek word ‘smaragdos’ meaning green gem Emeralds have been known for their religious and healing properties across many cultures. Historically, it was believed
that wearing an Emerald provided relief from stress and eye strain. Science now proves this true. From Egyptian Pharaohs to Mughal Emperors, Emeralds have captivated royalty around the world adoring their precious jewelry. Today this gem can be associated with the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
