Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Emeralds (Taurus)




The Taurus Birthstone and for 20th, 35th and 55th Wedding Anniversary jewelry

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

What are Emeralds?
What exactly are Emeralds? Learn about the gem before you buy Emerald jewelry. The definition of an Emerald is as follows:

  • The word Emerald is derived from the Greek word "Smaragdos" which means "green stone" reflecting the color of the emerald. A precious stone of a rich green color, a variety of beryl that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
  • By weight the emerald is the most valuable gemstone in the world
  • Emeralds are graded according to color, clarity and shape. The grades are usually referred to as Commercial, Good, Fine, and Extra Fine. Each grade represents a range of qualities
  • The Emerald is a member of the Beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) family
  • The crystal structure of the emerald is hexagonal. Elements of chromium in the crystal produce the color, whilst inclusions in the stone create what is called the jardin, or garden, of the emerald.

The Colors of Emeralds
Emeralds come in a wide range of natural colors and shades of green. Color is mainly caused by the gemstones's selective absorption of certain wavelengths of light called the body color. In gemstones, color consists of three components:

  • Hue - the first impression of the color
  • Tone - the lightness or darkness of color ranging from light to medium to dark
  • Saturation - the intensity of a gemstone's color which is measured from dull to strong to vivid

Birthstone Facts and Information about Emeralds
The following list provides Birthstone facts and information about the Emerald:

  • The Emerald is the birthstone of the month of May
  • It is also the Wedding anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage
  • Zodiac Sign: Taurus
  • Taurus dates: April 20 - May 20
  • Taurus - The Second Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Bull
  • Ruling Planet of Taurus: Venus
  • Alternate Birthstones of Taurus: Sapphires, Garnet, Agate and Diamonds

Symbolism, Significance and Properties of Emeralds
The properties with which the Emerald is associated are as follows:

  • Loyalty, faithfulness and friendship
  • Memory, clairvoyance and faith

Healing Properties of the Emerald
The healing properties of the Taurus birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to:

  • Eyes, fertility, the spine and headaches
  • To enhance mental capabilities

Emeralds Jewelry
Emeralds jewelry is extremely popular especially for those nearest and dearest. The tradition of giving gifts of jewelry containing these stones dates back thousands of years. The gemstone, or birthstone Emerald is believed to conduct the energies of the planet Venus with which it is sympathetic and that wearing jewelry containing the gemstone will focus the energies of the planet and sign through the gem. Learn about the gemstone before you buy Emerald jewelry. All different types of jewelry containing Emeralds are available including:

  • Emerald rings
  • Emerald bracelets
  • Emerald pendants
  • Emerald earrings
  • Emerald necklaces