The gemstone of the month of May

May, a month of colors and scents, of lush trees and unexpected rains. The month of pink and green, of mild temperatures and the first summer clothes. The precious stone of the month of May, which characterizes this wonderful month, is also one of the most appreciated in jewelry: it is the emerald , with an intense green that reminds us of the shades of meadows and plants that we encounter on our walks.

The gemstone of May: Emerald

We have already talked about this beautiful gem in this post. The Emerald, in fact, from the Greek "smaragdos" (green precious stone) is one of the most important gems in the world of jewelry, which stands out for its bright green shade. Its particular color comes from the combination of chromium, vanadium and iron inside it which, depending on the quantities, color the gem with different shades of green. Today we discover some more curiosities about this wonderful stone that characterizes the month of May!

Types of Emerald

Each emerald is a unique stone, whose color varies based on the inclusions that may be inside it. Emeralds are in fact defined as real "gardens", Jardin; based on the different inclusions. Many emeralds, for example, can have a yellow undertone, but also wonderful black shades, which give the emerald a starry appearance.

The Emerald Chalk

The Chalk emerald comes from Colombia and its original weight was 38.4 carats. It has an extraordinary transparency that makes it a beautiful velvety green. It is said that it belonged to the Maharaja of Baroda (India) and that he used it as a gem in an emerald and diamond necklace. However, it became famous when the famous jeweler Harry Winston set it in a beautiful ring that was donated by the Chalk family to the Museum of Natural History in Washington. Now it can be admired publicly, mounted on a splendid gold and platinum ring.

The Duchess of Angoulême's tiara

Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Bourbon was born in Versailles in 1778, the eldest daughter of Louis XVI of France and Queen Marie Antoinette. She later married the Duke of Angouleme, from whom the tiara takes its name. And that says it all!

The emerald we are talking about is the one that was set in a magnificent tiara, whose history is definitely fascinating. The tiara was commissioned by the Duke of Angoulême as a gift for his wife Maria Teresa, in 1820. The Duchess, ten years later, was exiled, leaving the tiara and many other jewels in France, without taking them with her. Many jewels were donated to auction, including the beautiful tiara, after the advent of the Third Republic. The emerald was found in 1960 in a company specialized in antiques in Wales. It was exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, until the Louvre in Paris managed to conclude a long negotiation to return the gem to its country of origin. Now the wonderful tiara, with 40 emeralds, is in Paris, admirable by all.

The Emerald Mogul

The long and ancient Indian tradition regarding jewels and precious stones is not limited to exports, but is linked to symbolic and archaic meanings that are still full of charm today. The Mogul emerald dates back to the end of the 17th century. It was mined in Colombia and sold in India. Its peculiarity is the engraving on both sides, carried out by skilled craftsmen of the past. On one side, an Islamic prayer written in Arabic characters; on the other a wonderful floral engraving. It is thought that the wonderful emerald belonged to an official of the Indian court. After being auctioned and sold for more than 2 million dollars, it is now located at the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha, Qatar.

In short: the Emerald is definitely a gem with an ancient charm, which marries best with the bright colors of nature, with the crisp and gentle climate of the month that brings Spring to its peak. The Emerald is definitely one of the precious stones that I like the most. And you?
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