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May is a month of lush growth, lengthening days, and the vibrant green glow of emeralds. Recognised as the official birthstone for May, emerald has enchanted people for thousands of years with its rich colour, captivating inclusions, and deep connection to renewal. While some modern lists mention alternatives like green onyx or chrysoprase, emerald remains the true gemstone of May, adored by jewellers, collectors, and lovers of vivid colour.
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Why Emerald is May’s Birthstone
Like many birthstones, emerald’s association with May comes from a mix of ancient traditions and more modern standardisation. Early references to birthstones often tie back to the twelve gemstones set into the biblical breastplate of Aaron. These historical lists varied widely, but the green stones mentioned are sometimes thought to be emeralds. Over time, these early ideas evolved and eventually inspired the modern birthstone system.
Fast forward to 1912, and emerald gains its firm connection to May. In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers created a standardised birthstone list. Their aim was to combine older traditions with widely available gems that held strong commercial demand. With its unmistakable colour and long cultural history, emerald was a natural choice for May.
Despite emerald’s rarity and higher price tag compared to some other green stones, no official alternative has been added to the modern list. This speaks to emerald’s enduring charm and its reputation as the most iconic green gemstone in the world.
🔗 Explore the History of Birthstones to learn more about this timeless tradition
History and Lore of Emerald
Emerald has been treasured since antiquity. For example, Cleopatra was famously devoted to the stone. She’s said to have decorated herself and her palace with its lush green colour. In their legends, emeralds were even linked to Isis, whose tears were said to crystallise into the vibrant gems that symbolised fertility, rebirth, and eternal life.
Across medieval Europe, the gem gained a reputation for strengthening memory, sharpening the mind, and protecting its wearer from misfortune. Some of the era’s lore even connected emeralds to divine revelation, like the tale of Lucifer’s lost gem that some say became part of the Holy Grail.
Stories from other cultures add even more richness to this gemstone. In Mesoamerican traditions, emeralds were sacred gifts tied to deities like Quetzalcoatl, while in the Andes the Muisca people told stories of Bachué, whose tears were said to create the emeralds of Chivor. Legends from the world of alchemy added even more mystery, especially the story of the Emerald Tablet and its promise of hidden wisdom.
Across centuries and cultures, emerald never lost its status as a stone of prestige, insight, and transformation. Its vibrant green presence in royal jewellery and sacred artefacts keeps that sense of mystique alive today.
🔗 Dive deeper into Emerald Myths and Legends
Emerald’s Meaning, Symbolism, and Energy
Emerald is deeply connected to themes of growth, renewal, and abundance. Its colour resembles spring foliage and fresh beginnings, making it a perfect match for May’s seasonal energy. The gem is said to inspire compassion, harmony, and emotional balance while encouraging patience and inner healing.
In crystal healing practices, emerald is thought to support heart centred energy, deepen love, and strengthen intuition. Its gentle yet powerful vibrations are used to promote calmness, clarity, and rejuvenation. Whether worn as jewellery or kept as a personal stone, emerald invites a sense of peace and steady growth.
🔗 Discover the Symbolic and Spiritual Meanings of Emerald Crystals
Shades, Varieties, and Buying Tips
Emerald is prized for its rich green colour, but not all emeralds look the same. They occur in a beautiful spectrum of green tones, ranging from soft, meadow greens to deep, velvety forest greens. Some stones have a bluish-green tint, while others lean toward a warm yellow-green. The most coveted emeralds sit in a balanced, intense green that feels both vibrant and soothing.
Emerald belongs to the beryl family, and like most beryl gemstones, clarity varies widely. Many emeralds contain inclusions known as a jardin, a French term meaning garden, a reference to their mossy or feathery appearance. These inclusions are natural and expected, giving each stone its own personality.
When buying emeralds, consider the three key factors of colour, clarity, and transparency. Colour is the most important. A well saturated green stone will usually be more valuable than a clearer stone with weak colour. Transparency matters too, since emeralds with noticeable translucent cloudiness can appear dull.
Most emeralds are treated to enhance clarity, usually with oil. This is standard in the trade, but always buy from sellers who disclose any treatments. More heavily treated stones cost less, while untreated stones with strong colour, eye-pleasing clarity and interesting inclusions command premium prices.
Emeralds need gentler care than diamonds or sapphires. Avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines. Clean your emerald gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, taking care not to disturb any oil treatments.
🔗 Working with emerald gemstones? Have a read of my Jewellers Guide to Emerald
Fun Facts About Emeralds
- Emerald is one of the traditional big three coloured gemstones. Along with ruby and sapphire, it has held top-tier status in jewellery for thousands of years.
- The largest emerald-producing country today is Colombia. Its famous Muzo and Chivor mines produce some of the purest, most saturated green material.
- Lab grown emeralds have existed for over a century. The first successful synthetic emeralds were created in the early 1900s using flux growth methods.
Modern Alternatives for May’s Birthstone
Although emerald is the only birthstone for May on the official list, a few modern lists mention affordable alternatives:
Green Onyx, with its smooth texture and consistent colour, offers a budget friendly option.
Chrysoprase, a vibrant apple green stone, is loved for its cheerful and uplifting colour.
Both stones are lovely choices, but emerald remains the timeless heart of May’s gemstone story.
Emerald’s Enduring Place in May Birthstone Lore
Emerald shines as a gemstone of renewal, harmony, and heartfelt energy. Its rich history, lush green colour, and symbolic meaning make it an ideal companion for May birthdays. Whether you are a collector, a jeweller, or someone who simply loves the beauty of gemstones, emerald brings inspiration and vitality to every piece it touches.
🛍️ Interested in using pre-owned emeralds in your next design? View our current Emerald selection
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