May Gemstone
As the birthstone for those born in May, the Emerald represents:
- Love
- Success
Emeralds are fascinating gemstones. Emerald green is considered the most beautiful, deepest and most brilliant green imaginable. Inclusions are allowed, and nevertheless, in top qualities fine Emeralds are even more valuable than Diamonds.
The name Emerald was derived from French "esmeraude" which in turn goes back via Latin to the Greek root "smaragdos", simply meaning "green gemstone".
South America is where the best Emeralds are still being found today. Many centuries ago in the Veda, the ancient sacred writings of Hinduism, there was information written on the valuable green gemstones and their healing power: "Emeralds promise good luck", or "The Emerald enhances your well-being".
One of the largest Emeralds in the world is the "Mogul Emerald". It goes back to the year 1695, weighs 217.80 carats and is about 10 cm high. One side is inscribed with prayers, on the other side there are engraved opulent flower ornaments. The legendary Emerald was auctioned off at Christie's of London for 2.2 million US dollars to an anonymous buyer.
Emeralds have been coveted ever since ancient times. Some of the most famous Emeralds can therefore be admired in museums and collections. For example, The New York Museum of Natural History not only shows a cup from pure Emerald which was owned by Emperor Jehangir, but also a Colombian Emerald crystal weighing 632 carats.