May Birthstone

“Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.”

A symbol for rebirth, the Emerald is believed to supply its owner with foresight and abundant good fortune. Its traditional association with love and fertility make it a perfect stone for mothers and wives; however, today Emeralds are also known to represent wealth and wisdom. As if that’s not enough, the soothing, green hues are easy on the eye, effectively relieving stress and strain. In a world surrounded by artificial light and computer screens, we could all take a moment and get lost in a lush, green Emerald.

Originally mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C., this ancient gemstone later appeared in Columbia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. Favored by Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Henry II, Perfect Emeralds are considered to be amongst the rarest gemstones. Michael Barin never settles for anything less than perfect, so you know he’s turning these beautiful stones into one-of-a-kind works of art that will dazzle for a lifetime. 

Aquamarine

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

— Charles Dickens

     The birthstone of March, aquamarine, is a perfect reminded that spring is just around the corner. The cool blue tones of this stone embody the brisk, March winds as described by Charles Dickens. When set in some warm 18 Karat Yellow Gold, aquamarine takes on an ethereal quality reminiscent of summertime.

     Aquamarine was named by the Romans, who combined “aqua,” meaning water, and “mare,” meaning sea, because the stone reminded them of the color of the Mediterranean.  Legend says that the stone originated from the jewel treasure chests of sirens that washed ashore from the depths of the sea, ultimately making the stone sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. This powerful association with water made the stone a sailors’ gem, safeguarding them from peril and sea monsters.  

     Embodying the spirit of the ocean, Aquamarine radiates calm and peace to its owner. Gaze into the stone and you will be transported to serene ocean waters and vibrant, blue skies.