May Birthstone | Where Are Emerald Birthstones Found? - GIA

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Emerald Birthstone Meaning & History

From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has enchanted royalty. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments. The legendary Crown of the Andes, fashioned in colonial South America, is one example of how the Spanish revered the May birthstone. According to lore, its largest stone—now called the Atahualpa emerald—was taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The emerald and gold treasures recovered from the sunken 17th century Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha represent a small fraction of the colonial riches sent to Spain from the New World.

The Crown of the Andes boasts the May birthstone with a 24 carat emerald center stone and 442 additional emeralds set in the intricately crafted golden headpiece. The Crown of the Andes boasts an impressive 24 ct emerald center stone and 442 additional emeralds set in the intricately crafted golden headpiece. Photo: the Metropolitan Museum of Art The May birthstone is the focal point of a gold rosary necklace with a cross made of seven emeralds, recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck. An emerald cross and gold rosary recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck. Courtesy: Eileen Weatherbee. Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA

The word “emerald” comes from smaragdos, ancient Greek for a green gem. Roman author Pliny the Elder, who died in the 79 CE eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, wrote in his encyclopedic Natural History that “nothing greens greener.” He also stated that the May birthstone had therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Science now proves this belief: The color green relieves stress and eye strain.

The green birthstone was also thought to have magical powers. By placing it under the tongue, one could see into the future. Some believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises.

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