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Emerald: May"s Gemstone

The emerald is known as the Queen of Gems, and the gem of queens. The most prized is pure green or slightly bluish green. Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the ñstepî or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.

The ancients held the emerald in great esteem, believing they sharpened the wearer"s eyesight and mind. The earliest engravers kept emeralds on their work tables to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes. Travelers relied on emeralds as protection against the hazards and perils of long journeys. The green gem was also said to give its owner the power to predict the future.

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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This website is dedicated to the memory of Dana Holm Howard (1953-2000).