The emerald is a stone that has always brightened the eyes of its beholders for centuries. This stone is a great symbol for spring and the promise of a beautiful day.
Throughout the ages the emerald has always had a uniqueness about it that separates it from all the other stones. Dating back over two thousand years before the birth of Queen Cleopatra, the emerald was coveted by the Ancient Egyptians.
Dozens of emeralds were found with the dead royalty of Egypt. When Cleopatra came to power she claimed all of the emerald mines for herself; they became her favorite gem, and she worn them all the time. She even gave dignitaries an emerald carved with her likeness as a parting gift when they left Egypt.
The Ancient Greeks wore emeralds for the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Ancient Romans associated the emerald with their own goddess of love and faith, Venus.
People once believed that the emerald was able to heal the eyes if gazed upon. A Roman Emperor, Nero, was said to have made eyeglasses out of emeralds so he could watch the gladiators and keep his eyesight in good condition.
It was also believed that emeralds were able to heal a number of things such as fever, epileptic seizures and bleeding, as well as prevent panic attacks. Once people thought that when worn, an emerald restored peace of mind, and if worn it could enhance someone’s clairvoyance.
Emeralds have brightened the eyes of people throughout the world for thousands of years, so anyone born in the month of May should look at their stone with the thought of a great spring.
“Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.”