About EmeraldsLove and fertility The ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds symbolized fertility. Romans dedicated emeralds to Venus, the goddess of love. Emeralds are the birthstone for May. Color and pedigreeEmeralds range from light to dark green, often with a bit of blue. Colombia, Brazil and Zambia are major sources. Another source for emeralds is the laboratory. Many beautiful emeralds are lab-created, producing beautiful stones with the same optical, physical and chemical properties as a natural emerald. Taking it homeEmerald rates a 7 1/2 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Emeralds need more gentle care. They can resist scratches, but not chipping and breaking. Clean emerald jewelry with cotton swabs or a lint-free cloth. An occasional dip in mild soapy detergent and water is OK, but don’t soak or scrub them. Avoid liquid cleaners and never use ultrasonic cleaners. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on emeralds. About Sterling SilverSterling silver isn’t just for the table anymoreSilversmithing is an ancient art that, like crafting gold, dates back to the Egyptian empires. Throughout history, silver has been valued for its luster and utility, and was particularly prized by native people in Mexico, Peru, and the American West. Like gold, silver is so soft it often needs to be alloyed, usually with copper. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on sterling silver. | 
