May is here and it's all about the emerald.

May's birthstone, the emerald, is a captivating green gemstone renowned for its rich history and symbolic significance. Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl and are celebrated for their vibrant green hue, which symbolizes vitality, health, and wealth. 

Emeralds have been cherished across various cultures for centuries. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with fertility and rebirth, with Queen Cleopatra famously adorning herself with emerald jewellery. The ancient Greeks and Romans linked emeralds to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing they enhanced fertility . In medieval Europe, emeralds were considered protective talismans, often set in crowns and religious ornaments . Today, emeralds are believed to promote loyalty, new beginnings, and peace .

The earliest recorded emerald mining dates back to 330 BC in Egypt. The famed Crown of the Andes, crafted in colonial South America, features a 24-carat emerald at its centre, highlighting the gemstone's esteemed status among royalty . Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder praised emeralds for their soothing green colour, which he believed alleviated eye strain—a sentiment supported by modern science.

The earliest recorded emerald mining dates back to 330 BC in Egypt. The famed Crown of the Andes, crafted in colonial South America, features a 24-carat emerald at its center, highlighting the gemstone's esteemed status among royalty . Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder praised emeralds for their soothing green colour, which he believed alleviated eye strain—a sentiment supported by modern science.