Birthstones May: Emerald

King Polykrates of Samos used to wear an opulent ring, as a symbol of his wealth and good fortune. It contained a big emerald, most precious gemstone of the ancient world. Emerald derives from the old French “ésmeraud”, from the Greek “smaragdos”, meaning “green”. The gems were believed to hae healing qualities, especially for the eyes. (Emperor Nero looked at the gladiator games through an emerald lens.) To this day, emerald green is associated with calmness and stress relief. King Polykrates was very attached to his ring, but one day, he had an epiphany. What if his good fortune was suddenly reversed? Maybe it would be wise to let go of what he valued most… So, he threw his ring into the ocean. Only to find it again, some days later, inside a fish on his plate. This much luck could only mean one thing: disaster was imminent. And so it was, as he died a horrible death. But his love for emeralds lives on. And as its colour reflects spring growth, it’s the perfect stone for the birthstone of May.

Roman ring with emerald

Ancient ring with emerald