The Emerald is known for it's lovely rich green color. The Emerald is the promise of new life, flourishing, and of prosperity and increase. How fitting in the month of May when all is in bloom with new life. The perfect stone to reflect Springtime in all it's glory.

The most prized and sought after Emerald is pure green or slightly bluish green. Emeralds are often characterized by a garden "jardin" (French for "garden") of included crystals trapped within. Under a microscope, you can see the inclusions which create graceful, branch-like patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear Emerald is very rare and esteemed highly by royalty as well as the ancients.

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th, and 55th years of marriage. Emerald was first discovered and mined in the deserts of Egypt near the Red Sea in what were known as Cleopatra's Mines. Egyptian Emerald that is mined today is mostly small and dark stones. These Emerald gemstones are found mainly in Colombia and it's neighboring country Brazil. In African countries: Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are other sources of Emerald. Emerald is a member of the Beryl mineral family, along with Aquamarine, Golden Beryl, Goshenite, Bixbite and Morganite [Morganite is fast becoming known as the "Pink Emerald"].