Which gemstone is associated with your birth month? What powers does it have? How can you best harness its energy? Tatler’s expert Joyce Tsang helps demystify birthstones and their properties
Emeralds have long been valued for their radiant colour and durability, but the precious verdant gemstone has also been a symbol of rebirth and new life for centuries for Chinese, Persian and Indian cultures.This gem originates deep within the earth, and are formed under extreme heat and pressure over millions of years. The most prized emeralds are found in ancient geological deposits in Egypt, China, Brazil, and Colombia. Emeralds come in vibrant shades ranging from teal and forest green to olive. The most prized emeralds have a saturated, radioactive glow when exposed to indirect light.
Throughout Egyptian, French and British history, emeralds have been a favourite of royalty, celebrities, and those seeking status and prestige. In the East, however, the gem is loved for the way it embodies grace. In Hong Kong, emeralds are thought to ensure wellness and ward off negativity, and are often worn as charms of fortune. In Singapore and Malaysia, the stones represent status, patience, wisdom and noble reign. Meanwhile, in China, emeralds are believed to attract wealth and foster nobility. In the Philippines, they are linked to faith and devotion. And in Indonesia, the stone signifies longevity, fertility and harmony, and emeralds adorn prayer beads and talismans alike, and are used in rituals.
Whether on the throne or in a temple, emeralds are held as tokens of longevity, luck, wisdom and life force itself. For those born in May, emeralds represent rebirth, new beginnings, and a radiant future full of possibilities. We turn to our specialist Joyce Tsang, creator of crystal business Stone and Star, to decipher the prized emerald’s secret powers.
In case you missed it: Birthstone guide for April: How diamonds can help promote clarity, strength and everlasting love
Energy influence
Emeralds are known as the stone of “successful love” because of its ability to provide domestic bliss and instil sensitivity and loyalty in both the wearer and others. It promotes compassion, passion, and love in relationships, while also creating a sense of belonging and emotional security. The stone encourages patience and understanding, and brings balance and equilibrium to all areas of life. Additionally, it has a soothing and calming effect, promoting fortune, prosperity, and good luck. It activates the heart chakra and can aid in quieting overactive emotions. The stone enhances mental capacity by combining intelligence with discernment, allowing for the best course of action to become clear to its wearer. It also encourages strength and courage in challenging situations and is said to bring beneficial consequences to legal affairs.