Gemstones are one of this world's great miracles. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Although I love them all, emeralds, especially, are very dear to me.

Besides displaying my favorite color, these wonderful green stones also represent, in my opinion, what being human is all about. I'll explain . . . .

Emeralds are one of the few gemstones where flaws and imperfections are tolerable and considered part of their natural beauty. A natural emerald is created over the course of many years under intense geothermal pressure, and the inclusions are a shorthand diary of that stone's birth pains and growth history.

Because of these imperfections they are especially unique. You can easily tell a natural emerald from a synthetic one because the genuine stone has these flaws. Emeralds are one of the most difficult gems to cut and although they boast a hardness of 7.5, they tend to be brittle, and if handled improperly, will chip or break. A perfect, flawless emerald is almost impossible to find.

A few years ago, many positive but frightening changes took over my life, demanding a great deal of courage from me. As a reminder of my bravery I've decided to reward myself with a gorgeous emerald ring, a natural one of course.

Now, every time I wear my beautiful ring, it reminds me of many of my own qualities. Because, like a natural emerald, I only became the person I am now after experiencing intense pressure, allowing me to grow. Just like my genuine emerald, I am unique, colorful, bright, valuable (just because I exist) intense, stunningly set, and gently flawed.

We all share these great qualities and also carry those little flaws that contribute to making us so unique. And although we differ in size, shape and color, we are all constantly seeking to fit into our best setting.

The emerald is the zodiacal gem for those born under the sign of Taurus, and is the May birthstone. Naturally, everyone looks good in emerald jewelry, so there's no need to feel left out if you were, like me, born in some other month.

If you feel passionately about this gem like I do, and still don't own an uniquely crafted natural emerald, please do yourself a favor and begin your hunt for this treasure now.

And like I did, you just might find that especial gem you'll simply fall in love with.