All About Emerald Rings (2024)

THE BASICS--

Celebrations in May are enriched by this month's signature stone, the luxurious and elegant emerald. There is much more to this precious gem than its familiar color, however. How much do you really know about emeralds? There is no better gemstone to represent the beauty of spring and the freshness of the season than emerald, the official birthstone of May.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Quick Guide To Emeralds: Properties and Significance
• About Emeralds
• Emerald Color
• Emerald Mines
• Emerald Structure
• Emerald Meaning and Symbolism
• May Birthstone
• Love and Romance
• Rebirth and Renewal
• Healing and Well Being
• Wisdom and Insight
• Birthstone of May
• Emerald Rings and Jewelry
• Other May Birthstones
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is an Emerald Ring Right For Me?

Quick Guide to Emeralds: Properties and Significance

This table offers a concise overview of essential facts about emeralds, including their color, mining locations, and symbolic meanings. It highlights key aspects such as healing properties, birthstone significance, and jewelry uses, providing an easy way to understand the unique qualities of this precious gem. Use this guide to explore everything you need to know about emeralds.

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. The stone's overall green coloration is caused by chromium and vanadium impurities that are incorporated into its hexagonal crystal structure. 

Emerald Color

Emeralds range in color from light yellow-green to deep, rich green with blue undertones. The most valuable emeralds have a vivid, dark green hue, while lighter or more yellowish-green stones are considered less valuable.

Emerald 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.

Emerald Structure

Emerald's overall green coloration is caused by chromium and vanadium impurities that are incorporated into its hexagonal crystal structure. Emeralds have a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. This means they are relatively hard and durable, but not as hard as diamonds, sapphires, or rubies.

While emeralds are suitable for most types of jewelry, their hardness means they can still be susceptible to scratching and chipping if not handled with care. 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.

“I've purchased two vintage rings from Suzanne over the past decade and my wife has loved both. Great service, communication and speedy delivery.”

— Lee S verified buyer

Emerald Meaning and Symbolism

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.

• May Birthstone

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.

• Love and Romance

Emeralds are often associated with love and romance. They are believed to promote loyalty and domestic bliss, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.

• Rebirth and Renewal

The vibrant green color of emeralds is symbolic of spring and renewal. Emeralds are thought to bring freshness, vitality, and growth, symbolizing new beginnings and a rejuvenation of the spirit.

• Healing and Well-Being

Emeralds have long been associated with healing properties, both physical and emotional. They are believed to have a calming effect, promote emotional balance, and aid in the healing of the heart.

• Wisdom and Insight

Emeralds are traditionally believed to enhance wisdom, insight, and mental clarity. They are thought to promote intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
— Chloe G verified buyer

• Birthstone of May

Emerald is the official birthstone for the month of May. In addition to its aesthetic beauty, it is believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity to those born in this month.

Emerald Rings and Jewelry

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.

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.

Emeralds are not only popular in rings, but also in earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other pieces. They 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 right 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best color for an emerald?

The best color for an emerald is a deep, vivid green with blue undertones. This hue is considered the most valuable and desirable, while lighter or yellow-green tones are less valued.

Are emeralds suitable for everyday wear?

While emeralds are relatively hard (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), they can be brittle due to internal inclusions. They are suitable for most types of jewelry but require careful handling to prevent chipping or scratching.

How should I care for my emerald jewelry?

To care for emerald jewelry, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Regularly clean emeralds with a soft brush and mild soap, and store them separately to avoid scratching.

Our Top Emerald Ring Pick

When choosing a vintage emerald ring, think about the emerald's hue, craftsmanship, design, and the era it represents to match your distinctive style. Discover our top pick:

• Estate Bezel Set Round Diamond and Emerald Engagement Ring

This authentic estate vintage engagement ring, circa 2000, features a natural .45 carat round diamond (H color, SI2 clarity) in a bezel setting, surrounded by a halo of seventeen square-cut emeralds and twenty round diamonds, all crafted in 14 kt white gold.

Is an Emerald Ring Right For Me?

No matter what you may be celebrating in May, whether it is a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other special event, see our complete collection of emerald rings and other emerald jewelry to find a perfect piece. If you don’t find exactly what you're looking for, explore our collection of vintage emerald rings to find the perfect gemstone ring for you.

Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:

No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones 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. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, a vintage garnet ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!

Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:

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

Suzanne Sachs

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Contact Suzanne

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