Emerald

The source of many legends and mysteries, the emerald was gathered in Cleopatra's Mines near the Red Sea, worshipped by the Incas and Aztecs, and treasured by the maharajahs of India. Its rich green color makes it a fitting birthstone for the month of May. Emerald also celebrates the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries.

The state gemstone of North Carolina is found in many locations around the world. The conquistadors brought emeralds of astonishing size to Europe from their explorations of South America. The Bank of Bogota in Columbia still houses impressive specimens of up to 1796 carats. Perhaps the most astonishing emerald artwork is found in Vienna: a vase carved from a single gemstone of over 2200 carats.