Emerald | May's Birthstone

Emerald ~ May's Birthstone

Most gem historians believe that our ancestors regarded gems as sacred gifts from the heavens and that emeralds specifically carried magical powers. Some legends said that you could see the future if you held an emerald under your tongue. Others stated that emeralds would bring riches, power, strengthen memory and intelligence, reveal the truth and help to avert evil. Other cultures associated the gem with faith, harmony and peace. Emerald history and lore is unique and rich.

The idea of birthstones, specific stones for each month of the year, has also been around for thousands of years. May, the fifth month of the calendar year, has Emerald as its birthstone in Western tradition. It is also the May birthstone for the Arabs and the Hindus. Mercury is the planet that rules the Emerald and other green stones according to Hindu astronomers. Mercury, and therefore Emerald, rules the mind, intelligence and affects a person's ability for public speaking, education, and travel. Other birthstones for instance are Amethyst for February, Pearl or Alexandrite for June, or Turquoise for December.

Who Decided?

Some people theorize that the earliest associations between gemstones and months of the year evolved from the twelve stones mentioned in the Bible, while others attribute the development of the birthstones to the Twelve Apostles. And yet, still other religions have produced quite different beliefs as to the origins of birthstones.

Better means of gem identification, more modern interpretations of various religious writing, and various transformations in world have played into the evolution of the birthstone idea. Finally, in 1912, in an effort to resolve this issue, the American National Retail Jewelers Association decided on a list of birthstones. They added or changed many of the traditional stones to other which were more commercially viable. In 1938, the American Gem Society adopted this list for use by its members. In 1952, a variation of this list was approved by the American national Retail jewelers Association and the American Gem Society. This official Western list of accepted birthstones was established at least partially on the basis of maximizing sales and profit.

However, other groups around the world have issued their own lists. Alternative birthstones lists are based on cultural traditions and religious beliefs that evolved over many hundreds of years. These cultures assign any or all of the following gemstones as May birthstones: Agate, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Garnet, Jade, and Tourmaline.

Emeralds and Modern Science

Like our ancestors over many thousands of years, many people today believe that birthstone jewelry can improve health, confidence, relationships, consciousness and finances. Those who believe in metaphysical principles or those who practice astrology say that the planets and all the stars in our universe emit magnetic and electrical fields, a fact confirmed by modern science. In addition, they say that each planet gives out its own cosmic color and generates a particular energy and influence that radiates throughout the cosmos. The energy properties of heat, magnetism and electricity have an influence on the life of every living creature.

They believe that gemstones which resonate with the planetary energies active at the time of one’s birth, can diminish negativity and enhance positive energy in one’s life. Rather than a single gemstone for your birth month, there may be several that resonate with the specific energies active at the time of your birth.

For ancient Egyptians, the emerald’s color symbolized life itself. The French word 'jardin' (zhar-dan) means garden and it is often used to describe the ‘inclusions’ in emeralds. If you look at an emerald under a microscope, the inclusions appear as luxuriant foliage. Emeralds are one of four precious stones, along with diamonds. Whether you believe that Emerald or another gemstone is the best May birthstone, the history and lore surrounding any gemstone can be fascinating!

Turquoise Jewelry ~ What the World Creates by Hand

The beautiful gemstone, turquoise, has been a favorite throughout the world for centuries. The gem has been used both for its beauty and for the powers it may bestow. It has been prized for its protection from the hazards of life, its connection with deities or its healing properties and whether for artistic, health or religious purposes, an abundance of exquisite ornaments have been produced for more than 1000 years. Turquoise jewelry designs are varied, most often with silver as inlay or with repousse (relief silver). These adornments are unique, powerful and timeless testaments to mankind’s ingenuity and creativity. Turquoise has for centuries, and still is, a prized choice for high quality jewelry.

World Traditions ~ Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise jewelry is considered a good gift because historically the turquoise is thought to bring wealth to the wearer. These powerful talismans of wealth and protection historically have decorated everything from swords to clothing to horse's bridles. The word turquoise means “Turkish Stone” since the stones were first brought to Europe from mines in Turkey. Traditionally, turquoise is well known for its protective qualities and many cultures carry a turquoise stone with them at all times. Whether strung on beads, carved into animal fetishes, or combined with other stones such as onyx, amethyst, or coral, the brilliant sky blue/green of turquoise has been prized around the globe over the centuries.

Jewelry has traditionally been an important part of Tibetan daily dress. It is believed that jewels put people in touch with deities, and protect them from the many hazards of life. Turquoise and coral are considered gifts from the gods, are desired as a sign of the auspicious and are praised as a sacred talisman. The endless knot diagram that surrounds the turquoise in Tibetan pendant symbolizes devotion.

Turquoise Gemstones ~ What to Buy

Turquoise is a form of hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral and has been valued as a gemstone for thousands of years. The best quality turquoise comes from the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Israel, Afghanistan and China. However, some jewelry experts would maintain that the stones with the truest sky blue color come from Northern Iran.

When buying turquoise jewelry it is best to buy it in a setting that will protect the gemstone. This is because turquoise is one of the softer gemstones, with a rating of MOH of 6 on the hardness scale and it can easily be damaged if it suffers a hard impact. The fact that it is so fragile makes it difficult to cut it into facets without breaking. That is why they are usually sold as turquoise beads or cabochons.

Turquoise Healing Properties

Turquoise has also been used for healing. Whether for healing physical problems such as headaches or eye problems or for spiritual healing such as alleviating stress and nervousness, help with problem solving or promoting friendship, turquoise is regarded by many as a beneficial aid. In new age philosophies, turquoise is a symbol of rapid favorable change. It is worn to dissolve prosperity blocks, connect one to his or her higher self and to cure depression. The stone also instills loyalty in partnerships while at the same time dispelling negative emotions such as resentment, possessiveness or jealousy. It is also a symbol of an imaginative and creative mind that is not afraid to explore new ideas.

Turquoise Jewelry Today

Today, turquoise jewelry makes an especially thoughtful gift. Who wouldn’t want to share this handmade, jewelry tradition and the special magic and healing properties of turquoise with cherished family members and friends.

Tibetan turquoise and repoussé silver jewelry can be viewed at Urban Organic Designs.