Malee – Emerald and Mother of Pearl

Emerald is the green to bluish green variety of the mineral beryl, with its colour linked to chromium.

Birthstone

May

Hardness

7.5–8 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Emerald has only fair to good toughness, so it needs more care in wear than ruby or sapphire; protect it from hard knocks.

Care

Clean gently with warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can weaken stones that already have fractures, and steam, which can draw out the oils or resins used to fill them.

Meaning and tradition

Emerald's green has long been linked with rebirth and spring. In folklore it was believed to let its owner foresee the future, reveal whether a lover's promise was true, and make the wearer an eloquent speaker; it is the gem for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Pearls are formed by molluscs, which coat a nucleus or irritant with layers of nacre. Natural pearls form without human help, while cultured pearls are grown with human intervention.

Birthstone

June

Hardness

2.5–4.5 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Pearls are very soft and easily scratched, so rings and bracelets need protective settings or occasional wear; necklaces and earrings are easiest to enjoy.

Care

Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and cosmetics, and wipe them with a very soft cloth after each wear. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners; for an occasional deeper clean use warm, soapy water and let strung pearls dry completely before wearing.

Meaning and tradition

In European tradition pearls symbolised modesty, purity and chastity, and many cultures linked their round shape with the moon. In ancient Chinese folklore pearls were believed to guard against fire and fire-breathing dragons.