Emerald, derived from the word “smaragdus,” means, quite literally, “green” in Greek. While emeralds are always in style, they are having their moment right now from the runway and Hollywood’s red carpets to engagement rings and every day fashion.

The oldest emeralds date back almost three billion years. However, they were first mined in Egypt around 1500BC, where it was believed that emeralds stood for fertility and rebirth. Mummies were often buried with them, symbolizing eternal youth. As May’s birthstone, the emerald is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune and youth.

Unlike diamonds, where clarity plays a significant role in valuing a stone, inclusions are expected in emeralds. The inclusions are formed of gases, other minerals and crystals, and liquids that emeralds take on during the crystallization process and are often viewed as desirable features. Emerald clarity refers to what the stone looks like on the inside and is usually assessed with the naked eye, rather than under magnification. Due to their inherent inclusions, emeralds are often treated with oils or resins to enhance their clarity and improve their quality and grade.

While inclusions can add to an emerald’s overall aesthetic, they do make them more susceptible to cracking if knocked against a hard surface or subjected to extreme temperature change. Most emeralds are, therefore, treated by filling cracks with oil to prevent chipping. An emerald should never be cleaned with chemicals or an ultrasound machine; simply use warm water to rinse away any dirt, allow to dry and then rub with a soft cloth. If you feel warm water is not cleaning well enough, consider a professional cleaning.

“Emeralds have always been fascinating to me because of the variety of deep green colors that are available. Additionally, I have been enchanted by the internal world of the emerald. Viewed through high power magnification its inclusions are beautiful and inspiring; when viewed up close we see what we call three phase inclusions. These inclusions have gas, liquid, and solid substances in them and add such beauty and interest to the gem,” he said. “When I am looking inside an emerald I feel as if I am getting a glimpse of the magnificent creative history and power of our world. A fine quality emerald is truly a treasure to own and is a beautiful piece of the amazing world we live in.”