May Birthstone: Emerald

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia.

From the former collection of princess Salimah Aga Khan, Van Cleef & Arpels Indian-style yellow gold, melon carved emeralds, diamond necklace, 1970 (Click photo to enlarge).

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18kt yellow gold, diamond and carved emerald ring

Emerald and diamond ‘Camellia’ brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels, circa 1975 (Click photo to enlarge).

Centering a rectangular carved emerald with baguette, single, triangular and fancy-shaped diamond shoulders, completed by a plain mount; estimated total diamond weight: 2.70 carats; mounted in platinum; size 5 1/4

Antique Indian melon carved emerald necklace (Privat collection) (Click photo to enlarge).

 

The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.

by Jean Amr