Agates and Emeralds celebrate the month of May….
Agates are the Ayurvedic birthstone that celebrates the month of May and Emeralds are the primary gemstones according to our present day calendar system. For those who may be interested; listed below are other schools of thought and the corresponding gemstones for the month of May. I will focus on Agates and Emeralds for this blog.
Modern Calendar System: Emeralds
- Adopted by “Jewellers of America” in 1912
Mystical Birthstone: Sapphire
Tibetan origin that date back over a thousand years.
Ayurvedic Birthstone: Agates
Date back to Indian Medicine and beliefs from 1500 BC.
Zodiac or Star Signs:
Zodiac Taurus Sign: April 21 - May 21: Garnet
Zodiac Gemini Sign: May 22 - June 21: Emerald
Planetary Stones: Ancient beliefs associated specific gemstones with the planets. It was thought that wearing the stone associated with the ruling planets at your time of birth would offer positive effects in your life.
Taurus: Venus - Aventurine and Emerald
Gemini: Mercury - Tiger Eye
Banded Agate amphoriskos (perfume bottle)
Agates are found world wide and have been highly valued since ancient times. Found in a wide range of colours from red, yellow, black, green to violet; many having beautiful natural designs. In all of recorded history, agates are the first stones ever mentioned in an ancient document. Archaeological digs have found agates in early human settlements and tombs dating back to the 6th millennium BC.
Agates were often used to make stone blades and arrow tips, as well as being made into beads and as pendants for jewelry. Highly valued by ancient civilizations, agates were believed to render the wearer invisible. In many legends agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes and to soothe the mind.
White Agate with banding. Botswana Grey Agate
Mithridates; King of Pontus, had an enormous collection of thousands of agate bowls. This was one way of displaying one’s wealth and at the same time, protecting one’s kingdom from enemies. During the Renaissance, seeking out the finest crafted agate bowls became almost competitive among European royalty. Most major museums, including the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum have spectacular examples of fine agate.
Tree Agate Moss Agate
Far to the southeast of modern-day Cairo in the midst of a bleak desert lies a place called by the Romans; Mons Smaragdus, or Emerald Mountain. It was from the mines in this region that most of the worlds first emeralds were produced, until the 16th century when the Spanish began to export emeralds from Columbia and flooded the market with these incredible stones. These beautiful green gemstones are considered more valuable than diamonds by many.
The ancient Egyptians thought that the green of emeralds was a symbol of the green renewal of the earth during the springtime, and so attributed to the gem symbolism relating to fertility, rebirth, and ease of childbirth.
The Moghul Emerald is the largest inscribed emerald in the world.
The Moghul Emerald
The rulers of India were passionate about the green gem which was supposed to bring good luck. One of the most unique artifacts from India is the exquisite Moghul Emerald dating from 1695 that is worth millions: it features a Shi'a prayer inscription on the front and a floral motif on the reverse side
Despite its fragility, the rich green hue of the emerald ensures the ongoing desirability and value of the gem. Emeralds hold a special place in our culture, not only as the birthstone for May, but also as the traditional 55th wedding anniversary gift. It would seem that the world's 4000 year love affair with emeralds has only just begun.
Emerald with Sea Shell Emerald with gold twisted wire.
Enjoy May and the renewal of nature's colours abounding....
Jacqueline and Tashi
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