Emerald Birthstone for May and Cancer

Amongst the most valuable of gemstones, emeralds are traditionally a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime, and have also long been used as good luck charms. Some believe that emeralds protect wearers from danger on long journeys, as well as bless owners with the gifts of eloquence and wisdom. The traditional gemstone for the zodiac signs of Taurus (calm and affectionate) and Cancer (romantic and nurturing), the emerald is associated with the 55th wedding anniversary, and is also used as a 20th and 35th anniversary stone. A member of the ‘beryl’ family of gemstones, which also includes aquamarines, emeralds are created when chromium combines with various impurities. In antiquity, emeralds were mined by the Egyptians, but today Colombia is the biggest producer of emeralds, and Columbian stones are generally accepted as the most valuable in the market place. Stones with a blueish tint are the most highly prized and, as with diamonds, the value of an emerald depends on cut, colour, clarity and carat (weight).