Birthstones
Traditionally, a special stone, a birthstone, has been
selected to celebrate each month of the calendar year. Please click on the months below to view
information on each of the months' birthstones. The birthstones described here are for the
stones most commonly accepted in the United States as the birthstone of the month.
If you are interested in purchasing a gem, feel free to e-mail
us or call us on our toll free
number, 800-659-4367. We will gladly describe and quote price on a specific
gemstone. Our sales staff and goldsmiths can assist you in designing and constructing
a custom piece, and turn your gem into a treasured family heirloom.
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E M E R A L D |::| Mohs' Hardness 7.5 - 8
Desired even in Biblical times, the emerald is one of the oldest known gemstones. This green member of the beryl gem family has been
found in ancient tombs, royal treasuries, and even in sunken sailing ships. The most prized stones are usually associated with the
Muzo mine in Columbia, but extremely fine gems also come from Zambia in Africa, and from a few specific mines in Brazil.
The finest Colombian stones typically have a slight bluish cast to their color, while the Zambian stones are noted for their clarity, or
minimal amount of inclusions. Virtually all emeralds have some inclusions, and gemologists agree that if the emerald under observation
is inclusion free, it's likelihood of being genuine is highly suspect.
While emeralds are relatively hard and durable, they are somewhat brittle and can be damaged with hard impact.
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