Emerald,

Modern Emerald
and
Diamond Earrings

the birthstone for May, is the green variety of beryl.  Symbolizing intelligence, loyalty and balance this gemstone has been adorned by the elite, royalty and celebrities of today.  Emeralds are also the stone of Venus, goddess of love and represents love in all its forms.  Wearing an emerald is believed to reveal the truth or falseness of a lover’s oath as well as make one an eloquent speaker. 

Ancient Egypt had the first known emerald mines, dating back to 330 BC and continuing into the 1700s. Cleopatra had an affinity towards emeralds and were used in her royal jewelry and adornments. Historically, emeralds were also mined in India and Austria.  However, the oldest emeralds are aged 2.97 billion years old and are from South Africa.  Today emeralds are found in Colombia, Zambia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Pakistan, Russia and Zimbabwe.