Learn About Gems : Emerald

Emerald is the recommended stone to give for a twentieth or thirty-fifth wedding anniversary and is May's birthstone. It is the green variety of the mineral beryl and one of the most highly prized of all the gems. The name Emerald is from the Greek "smaragdos" (green stone), through the Latin "smaragdus" to Middle English "esmeralde." Aside from being the birthstone for May, it was historically believed to bestow on its wearer faithfulness and unchanging love. According to legend, the wearing of emerald not only cured a wide range of ailments, including low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility, but also enabled the wearer to predict the future. As a revealer of truth, this gem was an enemy of all enchantments and conjurations. It was therefore greatly feared by magicians, who found all their arts of no avail if an Emerald were in their vicinity when they began to weave their spells. However those caught by Cupid's bow found the gemstone useful in learning the truth or falsehood behind the oaths of their lovers. The Emerald has also been worn or utilized in magic for protection. The stone was bound to the left arm with string to guard travelers. They were given to "possessed" persons to exorcise the evil entity within them. Emeralds were employed as an antidote for poisons and for poisoned wounds. To gaze into an Emerald was said to increase sight and relieve eye strain.

Although a hard stone, emerald will chip easily, since it tends to be somewhat brittle, so special care should be given in wearing and handling. Since natural Emerald can contain liquid and gas inclusions, jewelers use care as this gemstone needs to be kept away from any high heat. Because of emerald's popularity and value, imitations are abundant. Glass (manufactured complete with "flaws"), doublets or triplets such as "aquamarine emeralds" and "Soude' emeralds," which are clever imitations made by inserting layers of green glass (or, more frequently, a green cementing agent) between pieces of aquamarine or quartz "crystal" are often encountered. Also, fine synthetic emeralds have been produced for many years with nearly the same physical and optical properties (color, hardness, brilliance) as genuine emerald. Careful examination by a qualified Gemologist can usually identify the origin as natural or synthetic. Techniques to enhance color and reduce the visibility of flaws are also frequently used. A common practice is to boil the emerald in oil (sometimes tinted green) with the use of a vacuum to force the oil into the openings. Oiling is an enhancement that goes back to early Greek times. This is a widely accepted trade practice, when colorless oils are used and it is properly disclosed, since it is actually good for the stone in light of its fragile nature. Oiling hides some of the whitish flaws, which are actually microscopic cracks, filling the cracks so they be come less visible. The oil becomes an integral part of the emerald, unless it is subjected to some type of degreasing procedure. The development and use of the ultrasonic cleaner has brought to light the extensiveness of this practice. Never clean emeralds in an ultrasonic cleaner or use a steam cleaner.

Some Wonderful Emerald Jewelry from WhiteFire
	Emerald Cut Engagement Ring Emerald cut engagement ring is channel and bead set with sparkly round brilliants and is also bar set with two lively baguette diamonds. ($4995)		Chatham Emerald Diamond Ring Chatham emerald diamond ring, this design is truly a classic style for a May birthstone celebration. ($515)
	Gold Simulated Emerald Earrings Bezel set, yellow gold simulated emerald earrings with lever back styling a perfect birthstone gift for a May birthday! ($175)		Oval Emerald Diamond Ring Oval emerald diamond ring will be the light of her eye! The ring has an antique filigree design with one stunning, prong set oval emerald in center weighing 0.65ct. ($3500)

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