Bulgari Emerald Suite previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor

Emeralds are one of the most prized colored gemstones due to their unique characteristics and rare qualities.  I am captivated by their mysterious deep green color and rich history. It is one of the most significant jewels of our time. Fine Emeralds are so rare they may rival or exceed the carat-for-carat value of the Diamond.  Legend states that Emeralds were one of the four precious stones given to God by King Solomon, giving him power over all creation.  Emeralds have been a fascination in many cultures for over six thousand years and were mined in Egypt as early as 300 B.C.  Emerald was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. She adored the gemstone so much the first emerald mines in Egypt were named after her.   

I can't help reflecting upon the similarities of the royalty of Elizabeth Taylor's life as she starred in the 1963 Hollywood blockbuster Cleopatra, through which she met Richard Burton and eventually made him husband number five.  The depiction of her onscreen queen versus her offscreen queen personae has captivated us all for decades.  If there ever was a “royal” American, Elizabeth Taylor would be the queen.   The tumultuous saga of Taylor and Burton's love affair gave the world its peek at this legendary Bulgari emerald suite (as pictured above) amongst other important jewelry in her vast and unrivaled collection. 

The name Emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” via the Old French word “esmeralde.”  It translates to “green gemstone.”   In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love.  The magnificent green of the Emerald has long been associated with harmony, love of nature and an elemental joie de vivre. It makes the Emerald the perfect birthstone for May as we welcome springtime.

Enjoy your Birthstone!  May it bring you all these qualities and more.

You've probably heard that only another diamond can scratch a diamond, and this is true. They are the hardest material on earth - 58 times harder than anything else in nature! The hardness of the diamond makes it well-suited for every day wear.  It is durable, resists scratching and retains a high polish.  These factors make diamonds the perfect choice for the jewelry you wear today, as well as your heirlooms of tomorrow.

If you've ever ogled a friend's gleaming diamond, you are most likely enjoying the spectacular display of light that flashes spectral colors, which is just one of the many features of the diamond.  The brilliance, sparkle, intensity, and various imperfections (which are the stone's unique personality!) are also important to the rarity and value of each diamond.

Diamonds are a fascinating and complicated gem; a "Stone of Invincibility" that has been believed to bring victory, superior strength, fortitude and courage to its wearer.  I really like that diamonds are also said to hold great spiritual powers, enhance inner vision, stimulate creativity, imagination and open the mind to new possibilities.

Enjoy your birthstone! May it bring you all these qualities and more.