Emerald Chivor Colombia	Emerald Muzo Colombia	Emerald Brazil	Star Emerald Cabochon

May’s birthstone, emerald belongs to the beryl family, with minute traces of chromium and vanadium giving this gemstone the "green fire". Colombian emeralds are known for their vivid green color, while Brazilian emeralds are known for their variety of color, ranging from light green to fine medium dark green.  The "green fire" was so mesmerizing and highly valued in the courts of Europe that the Spanish Conquistadors went on a bloody campaign to find the location of the emerald mines in South America. In 1557, the campaign finally ended with the discovery of the spectacular Muzo and Chivor mines in present day Colombia - still the world's major source.  Today Brazil and Zambia produce large quantities of fine emeralds; however, many still consider Colombian emeralds to be of the highest quality. Very fine emeralds, though in small quantity, are also produced in Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

It is quite rare to find emeralds of fine quality over one carat in size, for large emeralds sometimes contain eye-visible inclusions, known as "jardin" or the "garden". With hardness close to 8 on the Moh's scale, emeralds are quite durable. However, ultrasonic and steam cleaning could damage the stone, causing fractures. Therefore, only professional jewelers should clean emeralds.

Intense medium green emeralds command the highest value. The purity of the green color is crucial to the value and the beauty of the stone, with blue or yellow overtones diminishing its value.  Clarity and transparency are also very important characteristics when evaluating the value of emeralds. When viewing face up position, very fine quality emeralds should enable the viewer to see the back facet. The brightness of the gemstone, which is determined by the cutting and the number of inclusions, is also another important factor.