One of the most sought-after and highly valued gemstones, emerald is the birthstone of May. As the green variety of beryl, emerald gains its stunning color from trace amounts of chromium embedded in its crystals.
Cleopatra was enamored with the deep green of this precious stone, sending thousands into mines around the Red Sea in search of deposits. To this day, these excavation sites are known as the “Cleopatra Mines.”
Regarded as holy by the Aztecs and Incas of South America, emerald is also mentioned in ancient Hindu texts as possessing healing properties. Its green color is emblematic of this renewal of spring, which is appropriate for those born in this colorful month.