Emerald: May's Magnificent Birthstone - Care & Facts

At Skatells Jewelers, we celebrate May birthdays with the enchanting beauty of emeralds. This lush green gemstone has captivated hearts for centuries, and we're excited to share some fascinating facts and essential care tips to help you treasure your emerald pieces for generations.

The Allure of Emeralds

Emeralds are one of the most coveted gemstones in the world, prized for their rich green color that symbolizes rebirth and renewal. As May's birthstone, emeralds make the perfect gift for those born in this vibrant spring month.

Fascinating Emerald Facts

1. Ancient Origins: Emeralds were first mined in Egypt as early as 1500 BCE, where they were a favorite of Cleopatra.
2. Colombian Treasures: Colombia produces the world's finest emeralds, known for their exceptional clarity and intense color. Other significant sources include Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
3. Natural Inclusions: Unlike other gemstones where inclusions reduce value, emeralds typically contain natural internal features called "jardin" (garden in French). These distinctive patterns are considered part of the stone's character and unique fingerprint.
4. Rarer Than Diamonds: High-quality emeralds are actually rarer than diamonds, making them especially precious.
5. Historical Significance: The Mogul Emperors of India inscribed sacred texts onto emeralds worn as talismans, while Spanish conquistadors discovered large emeralds being worshiped by the Incas.
6. Healing Properties: Throughout history, emeralds have been believed to enhance memory, intelligence, and promote truthfulness. Some ancient cultures considered them stones of protection and used them to ward off evil spirits.

Caring for Your Emerald Jewelry

Emeralds rank 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them relatively durable but requiring special care to maintain their beauty:

Do's:

• Clean gently: Use a soft brush and mild soap in warm water to clean your emerald jewelry.
• Dry thoroughly: Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth after cleaning.
• Store properly: Keep emerald pieces in individual soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratches.
• Visit us for inspections: Bring your emerald jewelry to Skatells Jewelers annually for professional cleaning and to check settings.
• Remove before activities: Take off emerald jewelry before gardening, cleaning, exercising, or swimming.

Don'ts:

• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: These can damage emeralds, especially those with internal fissures.
• Keep away from heat: Extreme temperature changes can cause internal stress in emeralds.
• Limit chemical exposure: Remove emerald jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray.
• Skip harsh cleaners: Never use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals on emeralds.
• Protect from impacts: While durable, emeralds can chip or crack if struck forcefully.

Finding Your Perfect Emerald at Skatells Jewelers

Whether you're searching for a birthstone gift, a special occasion piece, or a treasured addition to your collection, our expert jewelers at Skatells can help you select the perfect emerald.

Our May showcase features an exquisite selection of emerald rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets in various settings to complement every style and budget. We also offer custom design services to create a one-of-a-kind emerald piece that tells your unique story.

Visit Skatells Jewelers this May to explore the mesmerizing world of emeralds and discover why these magnificent green gems have captivated hearts for centuries. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer all your emerald questions and help you find or care for your perfect emerald treasure.

Celebrate May birthdays with the timeless elegance of emeralds – nature's symbol of growth, renewal, and everlasting love.