May. That lovely time when Spring is well underway and you can feel the warmth of summer building. Everything is coming to life and the world is green. The traditional stone of May birthdays is Emerald, and it works for both a Taurus and Gemini.
Did you know that the May birthstone, emerald, was one of Queen Cleopatra’s favourite gems? It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
Emeralds are the rarest gemstones and are typically mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia. A fine emerald is a truly breathtaking sight, and this member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional “Big Four” gems, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. I’m glad it’s my birthstone!
If emerald isn’t up your alley then an alternative May birthstone is Agate. It’s one of my favourites because it not only comes in a rainbow of colours but it displays some extraordinarily beautiful markings. Each stone is unique, and they are incredibly tactile. It’s also far more affordable so is perfect for everyday wear.