A Definitive Guide to the May Birthstone: Emerald

THE BASICS --

Rich and vibrant, emerald is the ideal birthstone for May, a time when spring growth is in full flourish and new leaves, flowers, and grasses are emerging from fertile grounds. This gives emerald a very fertile history and great associations for any type of stunning jewelry. However, its captivating beauty transcends the boundaries of a particular month. The deeper you delve into the enchanting world of this gemstone, the more irresistibly drawn you become to wearing it every day, making it a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion throughout the year.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About Emeralds
• Factors to Consider When Choosing the May Birthstone
• Color
• Durability
• Healing Properties
  
• Inclusions
• Meaning & Symbolism
• Crystal Uses
• Emerald Jewelry
• Other May Birthstones
• Choosing the May Birthstone

About Emeralds

Emerald, one of the most prized gemstones, is admired for its vivid green hue and rich history. Beyond its captivating beauty, emerald holds unique geological characteristics and has been cherished for centuries.

• Unique Composition: Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) with a hexagonal crystalline structure.
• Unique Color: Its striking green hue comes from traces of chromium or vanadium, giving emeralds their signature vibrant appearance.
• Unique Structure: Unlike many gemstones, emeralds often contain natural inclusions, known as "jardin," which add to their distinct character.
• Unique Rarity: High-quality emeralds are rare and primarily sourced from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil, with additional deposits in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.

Whether admired for its captivating color, geological uniqueness, or historical significance, emerald remains one of the most treasured and timeless gemstones.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the May Birthstone

Color

While green is the signature color of the May birthstone, emerald actually displays a range of green hues, from light mint to deep, rich forest green. Undertones may vary, showing bluish or yellowish hints that add depth and uniqueness to each stone’s appearance. These undertones are influenced by trace elements like chromium or vanadium within the crystal structure, which contribute to the stone's distinct coloration.

The color of emeralds can change over time, as they are often treated with oils or resins to enhance their natural beauty. With age, these enhancements may gradually diminish, giving vintage emerald jewelry a subtle, delicate charm.

Emeralds with the darkest green and bluish undertones are typically the rarest and most sought-after. However, all hues carry their own unique beauty and elegance, making any shade of emerald a captivating choice.

Durability

Emeralds fall between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, so they’re quite hard but not as durable as diamonds or sapphires. What makes them a little more delicate is that most emeralds have natural inclusions, which can make them more likely to chip or crack if hit the wrong way. They’re still great for everyday wear, especially in rings, but it’s a good idea to take them off during anything too hands-on. With a little care, an emerald ring can hold up beautifully and be enjoyed for years to come.

Healing Properties

Emerald, has long been linked to a range of healing properties and advantages. The emerald is associated with the heart chakra, also known as Anahata in Sanskrit. This chakra is located in the center of the chest and is considered the fourth primary chakra in the body's energy system. The heart chakra is associated with love, compassion, emotional balance, and healing. Emerald, a precious green gemstone, is often linked to this chakra due to its color and energetic properties.

Inclusions

Emerald inclusions, like those in any gemstone, are natural features, imperfections, or foreign materials trapped during the stone's formation. These inclusions, often referred to as "jardin" (French for garden), create unique internal patterns that enhance the gem’s character. Unlike other gemstones, emerald inclusions are widely accepted and even prized, as they add to the stone’s individuality and natural beauty.

Meaning & Symbolism

Emeralds have been cherished for millennia, dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were believed to symbolize fertility, renewal, and prosperity. Their lush green hue has long been associated with nature, abundance, and endurance, making them a powerful symbol of both love and friendship.

In addition to being the official May birthstone, emerald is also linked to the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries, as well as the zodiac sign Taurus (April 20 to May 20). The vibrant green of high-quality emeralds represents wisdom, balance, and growth, but their significance extends beyond color alone. Emeralds are often called the "stone of successful love," as they are believed to open the heart, promote harmony, and inspire deep emotional connections.

Crystal Uses

Emeralds can be used for many homeopathic and alternative practices, including meditation, cleanses, and ceremonies. These gems help align the heart chakras for both physical and emotional balance and well-being, and help promote relaxation and serenity that can enhance other thoughtful practices, including improving mental acuity and memory.

Because emeralds enhance peace and fulfillment, they can be a part of many spiritual practices, and are often included in altars, reflective spaces, or even elixirs. To make the most of an emerald’s spiritual properties, the gems should be used in full sunlight where their luster is its most powerful and it is possible to gaze deep into the stone.

Emerald Jewelry

Emeralds have been valued for centuries, and therefore are easy to find in a wide range of vintage rings and jewelry styles. Often cut in the rectangular “emerald” shape to maximize beauty, color, and weight, as well as to put less pressure on the somewhat brittle stone, emeralds are found in many designs that evoke nature or have nature-inspired patterns such as flowers, leaves, or vines. This jewelry style was especially popular during the Victorian era, but emeralds are equally popular in Art Deco jewelry because of their bright color and bold geometry, both hallmarks of that design era.

Other May Birthstones

While emerald is the traditional birthstone for May, alternative systems of astrology and healing suggest various other gemstones and crystals that resonate with the energies and traits of May birthdays. Depending on one's astrological perspective or spiritual beliefs, alternative birthstones associated with May birthdays may include alexandrite, agate, chrysoprase, and carnelian. These stones are thought to complement and harmonize with the unique qualities and characteristics of those born under the sign of Taurus and May birthdays.

Choosing the May Birthstone

Discover the beauty in the May birthstone and you'll soon agree that every amethyst ring has precious qualities that make it charming and unique. Explore our collection of vintage amethyst rings and find the perfect piece that reflects your unique style and story

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.