Emerald

Colour: Emerald Green - colour of life, nature & opulence

Name derivation: Derived from French "Esmeralda” meaning simply "green gemstone"

Symbolism: Said to bring good luck, spiritual and physical well-being

Gemstone family: Beryl

Anniversary: 55th wedding anniversary

Birthstone: May

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 6.0 (soft & brittle structure)

Geography: The finest come from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe (Sandawana)

Famous Emeralds: Mogul Emerald (circa 1695) weighs 217.80 carats, approximately10 cm high and auctioned off at Christie’s of London for US$2.2 million

Inclusions: Fine inclusions do not diminish the value. An Emerald of deep, vivid green with inclusions will be valued higher than an inclusion-free stone of paler colour and is considered an identifying characteristic of a naturally grown Emerald

Cleaning procedure: Must not be cleaned ultrasonically. Do not clean it in a steam cleaner. Do not scrub.

Value factors:Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone