Birthstones are a long-standing tradition in Western culture. The birthstone for May is the emerald. If you or a loved one has a May birthday, take a look at some of the below interesting facts.
What Does the Emerald Symbolize?

The Greeks believed that the intense beauty of the emerald was derived from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. The emerald was also used to protect a significant other from unfaithfulness, and it still symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness, and friendship. Because it is green, it is often also associated with life and nature.

Where Do Emeralds Come From?

Most emeralds are found in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Starting in about 330 B.C., they were mined in Egypt and considered rare gems reserved for royalty. When they began trade, the Greeks called them smaragdus, which means green.

What Powers Do Emeralds Have?

The ancients believed emeralds held powers such as restoring eyesight, which is why ancient statues sometimes feature emeralds as eyes. Some still believe that emeralds protect the skeletal system, flesh, skin, cardiovascular system, and intestines. For metaphysical believers, it is said that the emerald also has the power to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts, and that it has the ability to stabilize and to soothe. This is one of the reasons why emeralds are said to symbolize good fortune and foresight: it’s calming and balancing nature allows one to control his or her emotions well enough to have foresight and improve kindness.

What Does Giving an Emerald Symbolize?

If you choose to give the gift of an emerald (as possibly a birthday present for someone with a May birthday), you are traditionally giving the gift of youth, good fortune, and foresight. While the gift of an emerald is common in gemstone bracelets, emeralds are also a great gemstone for rings, earrings, and necklaces. They’re often accompanied by diamonds to bring out the rich color in the emerald, though some sets may place an emerald alongside another gemstones for more color.

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