May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May, revered for its lush, vivid green colour that has captivated civilisations for over 4,000 years. Cleopatra was famously passionate about emeralds, and they remain one of the most desired precious gemstones in the world.
Quick Facts
Colour
Green
Hardness
7.5–8 Mohs
Symbolism
Rebirth, love, and wisdom
What is Emerald?
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. It belongs to the same mineral family as aquamarine and morganite. Unlike its beryl cousins, emerald almost always contains visible inclusions, known in the trade as its "jardin" (French for garden). These inclusions are not considered flaws but rather proof of the stone's natural origin and are accepted even in the finest specimens. A truly clean emerald of good colour is extraordinarily rare.
Properties
Colour
Ranges from yellowish-green to bluish-green, with the most valued shade being a pure, vivid green with medium to medium-dark tone. Colombian emeralds are particularly prized for their warm, slightly bluish-green hue.
Hardness
7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, because emeralds are almost always included, they are more brittle than their hardness rating suggests and require careful handling.
Origins
Colombia produces the world's finest emeralds. Other major sources include Zambia (known for slightly bluish stones), Brazil, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
Lustre
Vitreous lustre. The best emeralds have a rich, saturated colour that appears to glow from within, sometimes described as "velvety."
History
Emerald mines in Egypt date back to at least 330 BC, and Cleopatra claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt. The Spanish conquistadors discovered vast emerald deposits in Colombia in the 16th century, flooding the European market with stones of unprecedented quality. The Mogul Mughal Emerald, weighing 217.80 carats, is inscribed with Islamic prayers and dates to 1695. Throughout history, emeralds have been associated with royalty, wisdom, and eloquence.
Meaning & Symbolism
Emerald symbolises rebirth, love, and wisdom. It has long been associated with the goddess Venus and with fertility and spring. In ancient Rome, emerald was considered the stone of the goddess of love. It is believed to promote loyalty, domestic bliss, and unconditional love. The green colour connects it to nature, growth, and renewal, making it a fitting stone for the month when spring reaches full bloom.
How to Care for Emerald
Emeralds require more careful handling than most gemstones. Clean gently with warm soapy water and a very soft brush. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as the vibration and heat can damage the stone or compromise oil treatments. Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to improve their clarity, and harsh cleaning can remove these treatments. Remove emerald rings before washing hands, exercising, or doing housework. Store separately in a soft pouch.
Emerald Jewellery Ideas
Emerald makes a bold, luxurious statement in any setting. Classic emerald-cut emeralds in yellow gold are timelessly elegant. For engagement rings, emeralds work beautifully in protective settings like bezels or with diamond halos that provide extra security. Emerald and diamond drop earrings are a red-carpet staple. Lab-grown emeralds offer the same vivid colour with better clarity at a more accessible price.
Shop Emerald Jewellery
Looking for jewellery featuring emerald or similar stones? Explore our handcrafted collections designed with ethically sourced stones.