Emerald - Birthstone of May

A look at Emeralds in vintage and antique rings & jewellery

"A Livelier Emerald Twinkles in the Grass" (Tennyson - Poet Laureate 1880-1892)

In true Tennyson fashion let's wax poetic about Emeralds, one of the rarest and most beautiful of gemstones, and the place they've held in Vintage and Antique jewellery. (Not to mention their place in the hearts of modern brides!)

The Beryl species' most precious Gem is also the Birthstone of May, and with its lush green hues it captures all the natural Spring shades of Green.  Emerald rings are historically tied to Ancient Greek and Roman goddesses of Love and passion.  What woman wouldn't love a ring whose history places her among the likes of Venus or Aphrodite?

Not enough to convince you that a Vintage piece of Emerald jewellery makes a great gift for not only May birthdays, but also for that special someone? 

Cleopatra started the trend of Famous Beautiful women decked out in Emerald jewelry in Ancient Egypt.  During the Victorian Era (1835-1900) it became popular to wear your birthstone as the center stone of your engagement ring.  Before May "Two-Four" became the 'official party holiday' it was officially a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday.  As a May baby Queen Victoria happily sported a particularly unique serpent and Emerald ring as her engagement band.  

Following in the footsteps of these Great Queens Elizabeth Taylor brought the rare and beautiful Emerald back to popularity during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Emeralds boast a rich and unique backstory that is perfectly framed by a vintage setting carrying a story of its own.

Vintage Emerald rings can be found in many cuts but one of the most popular ones takes its name from the stone itself: the Emerald cut (pictured above). The Emerald cut was in fact created for the Emerald stone as the carved edges helped to strengthen the stone's profile and durability by providing less exposed edges in the setting.  Because a stone's natural imperfections are more visible in this cut Vintage Emerald cut Emeralds (yes that is the technical name!) were traditionally chosen for their clarity and tend towards higher quality stones.

These beautiful green stones are made all the more interesting for their flaws. It is rare to find an Emerald without a natural inclusion visible to the eye. These inclusions make the Emerald a more delicate stone less durable than Diamonds or Sapphires. It's exactlythese flaws and temperaments that make Emeralds so Unique and valuable!

If this blog about Emeralds left you Green with envy, or inspired by thoughts of Love and loyalty symbolized in the form of a 'Lively green' Vintage Emerald ring, come on down to Cynthia Findlay on King or shop online.  We've got a vast selection of Vintage Emerald Rings and jewelley that makes a perfect gift for that Someone special!