Since at least 4000 BCE, emeralds have captured the eyes and the hearts of human beings. A type of beryl displaying a bright and luminous green tone, emeralds are often associated with fruitfulness, fecundity and the flowering of the earth. Considered by ancient cultures to be the sacred stone to Isis, or sometimes Venus, the emerald has long been believed to be a lover’s amulet with the stone’s natural delicacy being highly sensitive to relationships and infidelity – sometimes shattering or breaking when brought near an unfaithful partner.
Emerald and Ruby Bead Necklace
Too, the emerald was thought to possess incredible therapeutic powers: it improved memory, increased one’s wittiness and eloquence in speaking, was an antidote to all poisons, and the soft green color soothed strained or distressed eyes. The ancient writer Pliny thought that the emerald’s verdancy, so similar to the peaceful sight of fertile meadows and hills, made it the only gemstone that could be looked at without causing strain or harm to the eye.
Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Indeed, a special trait of emeralds is the usual presence of inclusions, called the jardin of the stone, which resemble branches. Jardin is French for “garden” and seeing the foliate flaws of an emerald is akin to gazing into a luscious garden in the midst of its finest bloom. It’s no surprise then that emerald is the birthstone for the month of May – a month in which spring exerts itself fully and the earth is truly reborn into a wonder of verdure and flora.
Emerald and Diamond Ring
May is also the month of the Taurus. The Zodiacal bull is a usually serene earth sign with a marked taste for domesticity and the material world. Even as these bulls are interested in luxury and comfort, they are one of the most generous, loyal and nurturing of all the signs. Relationships, both romantic and familial, are vitally important to the Taurus and the metaphysical aspects of the sign are strongly related to the revitalizing prowess of the natural world. Indeed, the bull itself is an ancient symbol of life, fertility, and growth – often representing both masculine and feminine forces. Those born under the sign of the Taurus animate the world and the people who surround them.
Emerald and Diamond Earrings in Platinum
As the emerald is sacred to the goddess Venus, so is the Taurus ruled by the planetary Venus. Where the Taurus is renowned for its loyalty, the emerald has a legendary attribute of distinguishing whether or not a lover or partner has been faithful. Like the fragile emotional connection between new lovers, an emerald is delicate and sensitive, requiring the sort of tender care and nurture that is an intrinsic aspect of the Taurus personality. Too, for both the emerald and the Taurus, an inherent vitality and liveliness is sure to charm all those who are fortunate enough to encounter the gem or the Zodiac sign.
Art Deco Carved Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Yet, one doesn’t have to be a Taurus to indulge in the charismatic color of the emerald. Whatever time of the year you choose to wear your emeralds, the bright and instantaneously recognizable gemstone is guaranteed to add a fresh, verdant flair to your style – reminding us even in the depths of winter that the burgeoning vibrancy of spring is just around the corner.
