The pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal towers high up into the sky with a commanding view of the plain. I named my gold necklace with a bead of aquamarine, emerald or pearl - running along a fine gold chain: Pelota after this popular Mayan sport.

Emeralds are the most precious gemstone in the beryl crystal group, famed for their spectacular green hues, unlocked by the traces of chromium within their six rayed radial structure. While many stones will feature inclusions, the finest emeralds are remarkably transparent. Honouring the Goddess Venus in Ancient Roman times, these protective gemstones are a prominent symbol for fertility, health, and wealth. Historically, the finest emeralds were found in Columbia and India, where one Maharaja was weighed in emeralds.

Today, they enrapture world-over and are the birthstone for the month of May, bringing to mind the essence of rebirth and growth, as leaves grow more plentiful, and the natural world is abundant with new life.