May Birthstone Beads

May birthstone beads: emerald, the modern stone of the fifth month, and chrysoprase, the apple green alternative from the older lists, so May is the green month either way. Emerald is green beryl, cut here mostly in tiny microfaceted rounds and rondelles and in rough natural nuggets, with the included, mossy look that bead grade emerald has. Chrysoprase is nickel green chalcedony in a brighter, more even apple green, in smooth and microfaceted rounds and nuggets, and it costs a fraction of emerald for a similar color. In metaphysical belief emerald is associated with love, rebirth and foresight, and chrysoprase with hope and new beginnings. The full ranges are on the emerald and chrysoprase pages.