The May Birthstone - Emerald

The birthstone for May is the Emerald – a gemstone admired for its vivid green colour and timeless beauty. Known as the “green gem,” Emerald has long been associated with rebirth, vitality, and love. For those born in May, it is a truly fitting symbol of spring and renewal.

The May birthstone is the Emerald. Its name originates from the ancient Persian word meaning “green gem,” reflecting its most prized characteristic – a rich, green colour. The finest Emeralds are pure green or bluish-green, with high transparency and an intense depth of colour that makes them highly sought after in fine jewellery.

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as aquamarine, but coloured green by trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Its hardness ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, though inclusions – sometimes referred to as the stone’s “jardin” (French for garden) – make Emeralds more delicate than other gemstones. These inclusions are part of what gives each Emerald its unique character.

Emerald has long been a symbol of love, fertility, wisdom, and protection. Ancient legends claim it could protect against evil, cure diseases, and even grant the power to see the future. Today, Emerald is seen as a gemstone that brings harmony, growth, and renewal, making it a meaningful gift for May birthdays and milestone anniversaries.

Emeralds have been cherished for over 2,000 years. In 330 BC, mines in Egypt were first exploited and became famous due to Cleopatra’s love of Emeralds, which adorned many of her royal treasures. In South America, the Incas valued Emeralds long before the Spanish conquest, using them in jewellery and religious ceremonies. Today, Colombia is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Emeralds, alongside sources in Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.

Emeralds are most striking when set in precious metals such as platinum and white or yellow gold, which highlight their vibrant green tones. They are a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and earrings, offering timeless elegance and deep symbolism. Emeralds are also the traditional gemstone for celebrating the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Explore our handcrafted Emerald jewellery for designs that showcase this beautiful stone.

Emeralds require more care than many other gemstones due to their natural inclusions. To preserve their beauty:

• Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth – avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines.
• Avoid exposure to high heat, as this may damage the stone or treatments.
• Store separately to prevent scratching and protect from knocks.

The May birthstone, Emerald, is a gemstone of vibrant beauty, rich history, and powerful symbolism. From Cleopatra’s treasured jewels to modern-day designs, Emerald remains a timeless choice.

Whether celebrating a May birthday, a 20th or 35th wedding anniversary, or simply a love of its striking colour, our Emerald collection offers elegant pieces to treasure for a lifetime.