It is May birth stone and the anniversary gemstone for the twentieth year of marriage. Having a hardness of 7.5 - 8, this green variety of Beryl derives it’s name from the Greek word “smaragdus” meaning green. These May birth stones have been prized since the beginning of recorded time and its legacy is as eternal as the stone itself.
The first emerald mines were opened in Egypt although the exact dates are not known. Mummies in ancient Egypt were often buried with an emerald on their necks carved with the symbol for foliage, to symbolize eternal youth.
It was recorded that Nero would watch the gladiator games through flat emerald crystals.
Pliny, the Roman scholar, was the first to suggest emerald was a family member of beryl. It was not until the early 19th century that science proved him right. The Romans dedicated the emerald to their goddess of love and beauty, Venus.
It is said that Cleopatra was always adorned in Emeralds and had amassed an astounding collection of this amazing gem, her most treasured jewelry.
