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Green Without Envy: The Meaning Behind the May Birthstone

Plus, a special discount to shop emeralds and more, just for BTO readers!
Picture of Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

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Emerald is the most lush, verdant green of all the gems. The May birthstone takes its place as one of only four precious gemstones in the world (accompanied only by rubies, sapphires, and diamonds).  

Emeralds are a green variety of beryl, which measures between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. They vary widely in color and quality through trace minerals in the stone that produce the cleanest and purest green, with the most valuable stones coming from Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.

Emeralds have been revered throughout history and around the globe as a stone of royalty and a symbol of truth and unconditional love.

The honored status of this gem dates back thousands of years: a favorite of the Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra, highly prized by the Incas and Aztecs, and a legendary jewel in Indian tales of wealthy cities and grand temples. It was also well-known to ancient Greeks and Romans, who associated it with the goddess Venus, the purveyor of love and hope.

As a “stone of successful love,” emerald opens and nurtures the heart and is a great stone for maintaining balance in partnerships. A revealer of truth, it assists with cutting through illusion, and is thought to support intuition, foresight, and the revelation of future events. Energetically, emerald is related to the heart chakra, as well as the physical heart. Its soothing quality is thought to provide healing to all levels of the being, inspiring compassion, patience, and unity, and infusing the spirit with freshness and vitality.

Introducing a special offer for Breathe Together readers: enjoy 10% off all Indriya jewelry purchases with the code BREATHELOVE – check out the selection of May birthstone pieces now! 

Lotus + Emerald Earrings, $42
Picture of Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Highlighting the beauty of natural gemstones in a simple way is the main vision of Indriya Jewelry. Inspiration is found in natural textures, clean lines, and bursts of color. Refined and elegant with a subtle eclectic touch, each piece can stand on its own, adding the perfect singular accent to any ensemble, deserving of the tagline “Power pieces for the eclectic minimalist.” Combined with each gemstone’s own unique signature, all items are energized with the love and attention that only comes from being handmade. Breathe readers, enjoy 10% OFF all Indriya Jewelry purchases with code BREATHELOVE, and be sure to tag your pieces with #indriyajewelry!

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