May's Mystical Birthstone
Emerald, the birthstone of May, holds a timeless allure steeped in symbolism of rebirth and vitality. Its lush green hue, synonymous with spring, has long been cherished and admired. From the poetic imagery of Ireland as "the Emerald Isle" to the radiant beauty of the gem itself, emerald has captivated hearts and minds across cultures and centuries.
A Timeless Gem of Myth, Healing, and Celebration
The rich variations of emerald green evoke visions of tranquil, verdant gardens. Legend has attributed mystical properties to emeralds, believing them to enhance intelligence and cure ailments like cholera and malaria. Today, emerald is a cherished gemstone gifted for significant milestones such as the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
The image below features a selection of our stunning emerald earrings. Our yellow gold emerald and diamond bubble earrings are perfect for everyday wear, while our emerald and diamond drops may be ideal for a formal event. Our vintage style cluster earrings with milgrain border and a yellow gold rim are sure to dazzle, while our cushion shaped yellow gold drops add a level of contemporary sophistication to any outfit.
History, Royalty & Creating Magic
The Emerald has a storied history, captivating royalty from Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors like Cleopatra, known for her fondness for emerald adornments. The legendary Crown of the Andes, adorned with a stunning 24-carat emerald centre stone and 442 additional emeralds, reflects the enduring reverence for this May birthstone.
The word "emerald" originates from the ancient Greek "smaragdos," signifying a green gem. Roman author Pliny the Elder extolled emerald's soothing qualities, believed to relieve eye strain and fatigue. Throughout history, emerald was also credited with magical properties, believed to grant foresight and eloquence.
Below are a few of our favourite emerald pendants, all of which are available here at Wongs, We have a cushion shaped emerald & diamond pendant which matches the earrings above! We also offer many contemporary pieces such the swirling pendant with emerald centre and diamond set bail, or something a little simpler such as the double oval pendant with single emerald accent. We have styles and budgets to suit all tastes.
Why not create something Bespoke?
Looking to create something unique, like a custom emerald ring or bespoke gemstone earrings? Get in touch with us to chat about your ideas - we offer free consultations in-store and will guide you through different design options. All of our bespoke pieces are crafted in the Wongs workshop, where the magic happens.
Looking after your Emerald Birthstone
The Emerald, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, requires careful handling to preserve its beauty. It is commonly treated to enhance colour and clarity through methods such as oiling. Proper care involves avoiding exposure to heat, pressure changes, and harsh chemicals, with cleaning recommended using gentle methods to prevent damage to filled fractures. If you love the beauty of an emerald but don't agree with mining, why not consider our lab grown collection? These gems are practically indistinguishable to their natural counterparts but are more affordable and sustainable.
Emerald’s vibrant green hues and timeless symbolism of life and renewal make it a cherished choice for generations past, present, and future. Whether you're treating yourself or gifting a loved one, this enchanting gemstone beautifully captures the spirit of spring and the enduring beauty of nature - bringing every story it touches to life.
