Emerald is the Modern and Traditional birthstone for May.  This gem is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.

EMERALD
The King of Green

Emerald, with its rich green reflecting the colors of spring,
has been treasured for thousands of years as an emblem of
rebirth and enduring love. The favorite of Pharaohs, prized by
the Mogul rulers of India, and coveted by the royal houses of
Europe, no other green gemstone can rival the emerald’s luxuriant green hue, entrancing beauty and eternal popularity.

EMERALD
Emerald is translucent to transparent. It is generally
thought of as green in color. But look closer, and you’ll
discover subtle but important differences in tones and
hues. Some of the world’s finest emeralds are described as
slightly bluish green in color and medium in tone. Pure
green emeralds are also highly desirable. Emerald is part of
the mineral family called beryl. If a gem is too light in tone
it is no longer considered an emerald, but is referred to as
green beryl. Common in many emeralds are a wide variety
of internal characteristics or inclusions, often described
collectively as a garden. Many feel that this garden adds
interest and individuality to an emerald. Emeralds without
these internal features are very rare and valuable.

BIRTHSTONE
Emerald is the birthstone for May.

ORIGINS
Current key sources for emerald include Colombia, Brazil,
Pakistan, Africa and Russia.

TREATMENTS
Almost all emeralds are routinely enhanced to improve
their appearance. Both natural and manmade fillers are
commonly introduced into the fissures in emerald to reduce
their visibility. Often referred to as oiling or infilling, similar
enhancements have been done on emeralds for thousands
of years. These types of enhancements are not considered
stable, as fillers will come out over time or when exposed
to high heat.

CARE
Care should be excised when both wearing and cleaning
emerald jewelry. The internal features found in most
emeralds make them very susceptible to sharp blows and
sudden temperature changes. Never clean an emerald with
an ultrasonic cleaning machine or a steam cleaner. You
should not clean emeralds with strong detergents or most
commercial jewelry cleaners. The safest and best way to
clean a piece of jewelry containing emeralds is with
lukewarm water, a very mild soap and a soft brush. Be sure
to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.