Happy May Day!

Happy May 1st!

Happy birthday, little Nora Lorraine!

Early this morning, my cousin Shaila gave birth to beautiful baby Nora! I can't wait to go to Chicago this weekend to meet the newest member of our family! So today, I have babies, birthdays, and May days on the brain. What better way to celebrate all of these things (and the promise of April showers giving way to May flowers) than by shining a spotlight on emerald, the May birthstone?

Emerald always reminds me of the whimsical land of Oz, the regal green buildings glittering in the distance as Dorothy and crew skipped down that yellow brick road. Emeralds indeed have a regal history: They were adorned by Indian maharajas and Cleopatra alike.

Emeralds are thought to protect the wearer from evil and bring wisdom by strengthening memory and intelligence (why do you think the Wizard was such a fan?). 

Here are three of my favorite May projects from the pages of BeadStyle magazine.

Chrysoprase cuff bracelet

May 2008, BeadStyle magazine
by Naomi Fujimoto

Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this fashionable memory-wire bracelet. For an affordable, mellow alternative to emeralds, start with a strand of green chrysoprase. Pair gemstone nuggets with sunny gold and yellow tones like olive or lemon jade. Bright green and yellow are key colors for spring, so you may want to make this cuff even if you're not a Taurus.

Carved emerald necklace and bracelet

May 2007, BeadStyle magazine

by Naomi Fujimoto

Try a new take on the classic May birthstone: a big pendant surrounded by carved emerald beads. String bicone crystals to match the pendant's shapely petals and spacers to echo the beads' texture. Add a quick bracelet for extra greenery.

Three-strand silver and crystal bracelet

May 2005, BeadStyle magazine

by Kathie Scrimgeour 

While you can make this multistrand bracelet with any focal bead, an 8mm crystal in a rich green color provides perfect balance, because the crystal and the spacers above and below are equal in length. Though the cube adds contrast, a bicone or round crystal would be equally appealing. 







For other fun facts about emeralds, check out our gemstone spotlight!