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| Bulgari Emerald Suite previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor |
Happy Birthday to all that share this month, Emerald is your birthstone.
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.
