Emeralds are a bold green variety of beryl which are mostly mined in Africa, South America, and Central Asia. Beryl is a type of gemstone naturally comprised of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. Other well-known beryl gemstone varieties include aquamarine and morganite. Emerald, the green variety of Beryl, is so rich and evergreen that they are often associated with lush landscapes and forests. Its deep green hue combined with its durability and rarity mean an emerald is one of the most famous and valuable gemstones on the market today. Rich green emeralds are the most desirable and valuable. Bold green emeralds can often be found with fascinating ‘birthmarks’ - which are inclusions in the gemstone. Because birthmarks are expected on the rich green emeralds, the value does not decrease unlike inclusions in other gemstones. Emeralds range from 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Emeralds with inclusions are often more brittle and may be more prone to breakage.

May Birthstone
Emerald is the birthstone for May, it is also the gem of the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.