9 Best Emerald Rings For Women (2025)

THE BASICS--

Celebrations in May are enriched by this month's signature gemstone, the luxurious and elegant emerald. There is, however, much more to an emerald engagement ring than its brilliant color. Understanding what an emerald is, its origin, history and symbolism, may help you decide if an emerald engagement ring is the best option for you to symbolize your timeless journey with your partner.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About Emeralds
• What To Look For In An Emerald Ring?
• Color
• Durability
• Mines
• Meaning
• Symbolism
• History
• The Emerald Shape
• Vintage Ring
• Other May Birthstones
• Choosing An Emerald Ring

About Emeralds

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl and is the most valuable green gemstone. Emerald hues can range from a lighter yellow-green to deep, dark green with hints of blue. Yellow-green stones are considered less valuable, while the darkest greens with blue undertones are the rarest and most valuable.

What To Look For In an Emerald Ring?

• COLOR

Emeralds come in many hues from lighter yellow-green to green with blue or even purple undertones, giving couples many options to find the shade that best matches their preferences and personalities.

• DURABILITY

The emerald's overall green coloration is caused by chromium and vanadium impurities that are incorporated into its hexagonal crystal structure. That crystal structure gives emeralds good hardness, but because these stones are prone to inclusions, they are more brittle than many gems and can fracture more easily under pressure. Skillful cutting, however, can maximize this stone's beauty and durability without sacrificing its color.

• MINES

The majority of the world's high quality emeralds are mined in Colombia, with another popular and productive mine in Zambia. These are widespread stones, however, and emerald mines are also found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Egypt, Australia, China, France, Austria, Italy, Norway, Madagascar, Canada and many other nations. In the United States, emeralds are found in Connecticut, Montana, Nevada and both North and South Carolina.

• MEANING

With their rich green color, emeralds have long been associated with the rebirth, fertility and renewal of the earth and nature. These stones were buried with Egyptian monarchs to offer protection and peace in the afterlife, and today they are believed to offer good fortune and mental acuity to the wearer.

Other properties associated with emeralds include loyalty, relaxation and serenity, and they have been believed to have medical properties such as calming anxiety, relieving depression and alleviating different health concerns, including stomach problems and epilepsy. Emeralds are also believed to help align the chakras of the heart for both physical and emotional well-being.

• SYMBOLISM

In addition to its symbolism as May's birthstone, the emerald is also the symbolic stone of the astrological sign Cancer. This stone is also the anniversary gemstone for the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries, no matter what month those anniversaries may be in.

• HISTORY

Emeralds have featured in different types of jewelry for thousands of years, from the crown jewels of different dynasties around the world to religious adornments, weaponry accents and a wide variety of other pieces. Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was fond of emeralds, and the Muzo Indians of Colombia also revered these stones. Today, many celebrities favor emeralds for large statement pieces such as pendants or brooches.

• THE EMERALD SHAPE

To combat this stone's brittle nature, the emerald cut shape a rectangle with cropped corners — was designed to minimize pressure placed on the stone during the cutting process while still maximizing the beauty and color of the cut gem. Modern cutting techniques have evolved to treat emeralds more delicately without losing precise cuts, and these stones can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, both as center or focal stones as well as accents.

• VINTAGE RING

Vintage engagement rings have predated the period of funding wars and, therefore, can ease your mind that your jewelry is, in fact, ethical and conflict free. Emeralds are not only popular in rings, but also in earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other pieces. Emerald engagement rings and emerald jewelry are often paired with diamonds to provide additional sparkle in a more detailed setting.

OTHER MAY BIRTHSTONES

While emerald is a stunning gem, it isn't necessarily for everyone or every May celebration. Fortunately, agate is an alternative stone to commemorate events in May, or there are many associated astrological stones to choose from that relate to Taurus (April 20-May 21) and Gemini (May 21-June 21), the signs for birthdays in May. Taurus is associated with coral, garnet, turquoise and sapphire, while Gemini is symbolized with citrine and pearl.

CHOOSING AN EMERALD RING

Emeralds have been, and continue to be, a stunning choice for engagement rings. Ultimately, whether or not to choose an emerald engagement ring is a matter of personal preference. No matter the reason for choosing a emerald ring, we are confident you will find the perfect one that will last a lifetime.

ANTIQUE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:

Vintage engagement rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of emerald engagement rings today!

SUZANNE SACHS

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of sustainable vintage engagement rings.