Let’s start with the basics. If you were born in May, congratulations, your birthstone is Emerald. You could have been stuck with something perfectly respectable but uninspiring, but you lucked out with emerald, a gemstone so rich in history, intrigue, and sheer green glory that it practically deserves its own novel.
Emerald is the kind of birthstone that makes people take a step back and say, “Wow.” It’s the gemstone of Cleopatra, of Hollywood sirens, of anyone who ever wanted to make an entrance and actually succeed at it. And it’s all yours, May babies.
But why? Why is emerald the birthstone for May? Who decided this? And more importantly, can we all take a moment to appreciate just how absurdly wonderful it is that we even have birthstones at all?
The History of Emeralds as May’s Birthstone
Birthstones, in case you’ve never gone down the rabbit hole, are not some modern marketing gimmick invented by jewelers to sell more rings. The idea of birthstones goes all the way back to ancient times when people believed that gemstones carried mystical properties. Emerald, specifically, has been associated with fertility, rebirth, and renewal. Of course, these are all concepts that tie in beautifully with May, the month when the world shakes off its last shreds of winter and bursts into bloom.
The modern list of birthstones was officially standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America). The list has only been updated three times since 1912 - in 1952 Alexandrite was added for June, Tourmaline for October, Citrine for November and Zircon for December. In 2002, Tanzanite was added for December and in 2016 when Spinel was added to August. But long before 1912 and longer still before any of these amendments, emerald had already cemented itself as the stone of May.
Ancient Romans believed emeralds were sacred to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and often gave them as tokens of affection. The Incas and Aztecs celebrated emeralds for their beauty and held them in such high regard that they were used in jewelry, religious ceremonies, and as symbols of power and wealth. And of course, Cleopatra—history’s original emerald influencer—had a well-documented obsession with the stone, so much so that she laid claim to Egypt’s only emerald mine (Fun Fact: Cleopatra also laid claim to the oldest source of Peridot in the world).
Where Emeralds Are Found
Speaking of emerald mines, if you’re wearing an emerald ring right now, odds are it came from Colombia. Colombia is the king, queen, and prime minister of emerald production, responsible for around 70-90% of the world’s supply. Other sources include Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe, but the truth is that Colombian emeralds are the ones that make collectors and jewelers go weak in the knees.
These green beauties are pulled from the earth in a process that is equal parts science and sorcery. Unlike diamonds, which are found in chunks, emeralds form in unpredictable veins and fractures, making mining them an expensive, high-risk endeavor. But when a perfect emerald is unearthed, it’s all worth it.
The Characteristics of Emeralds
Now, let’s talk aesthetics.
Emerald Birthstone Color
If emeralds were a Crayola color, they’d be called “Absolute Perfection Green.” The best emeralds have a deep, vivid green with just the right amount of blue undertone—like the kind of green you’d find in a fairy tale forest, not the neon green of a traffic light. The richness of color is what sets high-quality emeralds apart from the so-so ones.
Emerald Shape Before Cutting
In their natural form, emeralds are often found in six-sided crystals, which makes them well-suited for—you guessed it—the emerald cut. (That’s right, emeralds were so iconic that they got their own cut.) This cut, which is rectangular with stepped facets, enhances the color and reduces stress on the stone. But emeralds are also cut into ovals, cushions, and sometimes even rounds for emerald birthstone earrings or delicate emerald birthstone necklaces.
Emerald Carat Value
Emeralds, like diamonds, are weighed in carats, but here’s where it gets interesting: overwhelmingly if an emerald and a diamond are of equal quality, the emerald will be more expensive. Why? Because, especially when we’re talking about very high quality stones, they’re rare.
Emerald as a Birthstone: Why It Fits May Perfectly
May is a month of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and the beginning of summer’s flirtation with spring. If months had personalities, May would be the cool, artistic friend who knows exactly which wine to order and always has the perfect silk scarf. Emerald, with its deep green color and storied past, embodies everything May represents—growth, renewal, and a touch of untamed luxury.
From an astrological perspective, emeralds are linked to Taurus and Gemini, the two zodiac signs ruling May. Tauruses are known for their love of beauty and stability (perfect for an emerald engagement ring gold setting that will last a lifetime), while Geminis, ever the social butterflies, could use a grounding force like an emerald to keep them from flitting off into a thousand different directions.
The Benefits of Wearing Emerald
If you believe in the metaphysical side of things, emeralds are thought to promote wisdom, patience, and emotional balance. They’re also rumored to enhance intuition, which, if true, means every CEO should be wearing an emerald birthstone ring to their board meetings.
Historically, emeralds were also believed to have healing properties. Ancient physicians would grind emeralds into a fine powder and mix them into medicinal potions—though I’d personally recommend keeping your emerald birthstone jewelry on your fingers and not in your tea.
How Emeralds Are Used in Jewelry
Now, onto the fun part: jewelry.
Emerald Engagement Rings
Emerald engagement rings have seen a resurgence lately, probably because they feel timeless and unconventional at the same time. There’s something delightfully rebellious about choosing a vivid green emerald over a classic diamond—like wearing a couture dress to the grocery store just because you can. The contrast between rich green and warm yellow gold is particularly striking, making emerald engagement rings gold a go-to for anyone who wants to make a statement. And really, if an emerald and diamond engagement ring was good enough for Jackie (Kennedy of course), isn’t it good enough for anyone?
Emerald Birthstone Earrings and Necklaces
For those who want to wear their May birthstone with a little more subtlety (though let’s be honest, emeralds aren’t realllllly known for their subtlety), emerald earrings are a fantastic choice. Whether they’re delicate studs or dramatic chandeliers, they bring a flash of green that works beautifully with any skin tone. Emerald necklaces, especially those featuring dainty pendants, are also an elegant way to showcase the May birthstone without committing to a full-on gemstone-heavy look.
Emerald Birthstone Gifts
If you’re looking for the perfect May birthday gift, emerald birthstone gifts are about as thoughtful as it gets. Whether it’s an emerald birthstone ring, a bracelet, or a pendant, gifting an emerald isn’t just about giving a piece of jewelry—it’s about handing someone a piece of history, a little slice of nature’s magic.
So, why is emerald the birthstone of May? Because it’s vibrant, powerful, and steeped in history. It’s a stone that feels alive—probably because, unlike diamonds, it’s never truly flawless. The tiny inclusions inside an emerald (known as “jardin,” the French word for garden) are what give it character, just like the imperfections in life make it all the more interesting.
May babies, wear your emerald birthstone jewelry with pride. You’re in good company—with Cleopatra, Venus, and centuries of people who understood that some things are worth worshiping.
And if you weren’t born in May? Well, there’s nothing stopping you from getting an emerald ring regardless. Cleopatra wouldn’t have waited for an invitation, and neither should you. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call and let us help you find the best Emerald for you.