What is May Birthstone?

The emerald is the birthstone of May, embodying the vibrant energy of spring. Its rich green color brings to mind lush gardens and the renewal of life, symbolizing rebirth and revival throughout history. This rare gem not only inspired the poetic nickname "Emerald Isle" for Ireland but also serves as a heartfelt token for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Why is the Emerald the birthstone for May?

Emerald is designated as the birthstone for May for several reasons, including history, culture, and crystal healing:

1. Historical Tradition

Historically, emerald stone has symbolized life and rebirth. Its green color represents spring and nature's revival, and May marks the transition from spring to summer - a season of new beginnings and growth. So, emerald perfectly fits this natural rhythm as May's birthstone.

2. Cultural Symbolism  

In terms of cultural symbolism, the emerald gemstones are often seen assymbols of wisdom, hope, and love. Assigning emerald to May conveys blessings to those born in this month, wishing them health, intelligence, and happiness. 

3. Crystal Healing

According to traditional gemstone therapy, emerald stone is believed to bring calm, strengthen the spirit, and balance emotions, which suits the personality and needs of those born in May.

4. Modern Birthstone System

The modern birthstone system was mainly established by organizations like the  Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the early 20th century. In 1912, the GIA officially recognized emerald as May's birthstone, a tradition that continues today, partly due to its historical significance and beauty.

May Birthstone Color

For centuries, the emerald has been cherished as May's birthstone for its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. Its name comes from the Greek word "smaragdos," meaning green gem, while the ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder once praised, "Nothing in the world is greener than an emerald". This description fits perfectly, as the emerald birthstone remains the very symbol of green - a perfect reflection of spring's vibrant spirit.

Like aquamarine, the May birthstone is part of the beryl family, a hexagonal mineral that can grow up to a foot long. Emerald gems range in color from light to deep green. Unlike the lighter green beryl stones, emerald gems showcase medium to deep hues, with the rarest often displaying a mysterious bluish-green tone. 

The emerald's lush green comes from the quantum leap of chromium and vanadium ions in its crystal structure. Even a tiny 0.3%-0.5% of chromium per cubic centimeter lends it a regal green shade.

The finest emerald stones boast a color spectrum from blue-green to pure green, where intensity and saturation directly affect their value - the deeper and greener the stone, the more precious it is. The GIA grades the top emerald color as "Vivid Green" - a velvety hue under the D65 standard light - yet less than 3% of high-quality emeralds produced each year reach this level.

It's this rich color and rarity that make the emerald birthstone a touch of luxury and elegance in any jewelry design, deeply treasured by enthusiasts, especially those born in May.

May Birthstone History

The May birthstone, emerald, has a history stretching back thousands of years. From the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs to the crowns of European royalty, emerald gemstones have long been symbols of power and prestige.

As early as 330 BCE, emeralds were mined in Egypt, though estimates suggest some emerald stones are as old as 2.97 billion years. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were considered sacred gems, used in jewelry and solemn burial ceremonies. They were often buried with monarchs as symbols of protection. Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, was especially fond of emeralds and is said to have claimed ownership of all the emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. She adorned royal jewelry extensively with emeralds to showcase her noble status.

On the other side of the world, the Muzo people of Colombia guarded secret and precious emerald mines. These deposits were so well hidden that Spanish conquerors spent nearly two decades searching for them. The legendary Andean crown, crafted during South America's colonial period, stands as a testament to the Spanish admiration for the May birthstone. According to legend, the largest gem on the crown - the Atahualpa Emerald - as seized by conquistador Francisco Pizarro from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa.

(Resource from WWD)

Emerald gems remain beloved by wealthy elites today. In the 1960s, Richard Burton purchased a Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace (with a detachable pendant) for Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of Cleopatra in Rome. This necklace later sold for just over $6.1 million at Christie's in 2011, and the pendant alone fetched $6.5 million. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie continue to wear emeralds, carrying on the noble legacy of the May birthstone.

May Birthstone Meaning

Throughout history, the emerald birthstone has carried deep cultural significance and been attributed with magical powers. It symbolizes fertility and good luck and was even believed to heal illnesses and refresh weary travelers. Ancient legends said that emeralds could make the wearer smarter and more witty, and even offer glimpses of the future - simply by placing an emerald under the tongue. Some also believed it could improve speaking abilities and protect against evil spells.

In ancient Roman and Greek cultures, emerald birthstones were often linked to Venus, the goddess of love and hope. Roman tradition also held that this gemstone could heal the eyes, a notion somewhat supported by modern research showing that green can relieve eye fatigue and strain. The Roman author Pliny the Elder noted, “There is no better way to restore sight than gazing at an emerald; its soft green soothes and lifts tired, worn eyes.” 

Today, as the birthstone for May, the emerald not only symbolizes the renewal of spring but also stands for truth, wisdom, intuition, foresight, loyalty, abundance, success, and love. Beyond being a beautiful gem to wear, emeralds are traditional gifts for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Wearing an emerald gemstone reflects the powerful and positive meanings this May birthstone embodies.

Where Are May's Birthstone Emeralds Found?

Emerald stones are found all around the world, including countries like Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, India, Austria, the United States, and Zambia. However, emeralds from each location differ in quality and characteristics. 

Colombian Emeralds  

For over 500 years, Colombia has been known for producing top-quality emeralds, so much so that Colombian emeralds set the standard for others. Emeralds form under very specific geological conditions: pegmatite granite intrudes chromium-rich ultrabasic rock, and under pressure of 5-7 kilobars and temperatures between 400-600°C, the crystals slowly develop over millions of years. The Andes mountain-building movement created the emerald veins found in Colombia.  

(Resource from Yahoo News Singapore)

Three mining areas stand out in the country:  

- Muzo: Known for deep, pure green emeralds  

- Coscuez: Produces lighter emeralds with a slight bluish-green tint  

- Chivor: Yields emeralds with a hint of yellow-green

Other Important Sources  

Brazil: Minas Gerais is a key emerald-producing region. The Belmont mine is technologically advanced and well-known for producing green emerald birthstones.

Zambia: The main producer in Africa, especially the mines in the rural Ndola district, are famous for deep-toned, bluish-green emeralds.  

Pakistan: Emerald crystals from the Swat Valley often form perfect six-sided prisms and are affectionately called the "Tears of the Himalayas".

May Birthstone Cleaning and Care

The Mohs hardness of the May birthstone, emerald, ranges from 7.5 to 8. It's softer than diamonds, which rate a 10, making emeralds more prone to scratching. So, when wearing emerald birthstone jewelry, handle it with extra care to ensure it lasts for generations.  

Emeralds also need special care: avoid exposing them to high heat, sudden pressure changes (like those on airplanes), and harsh chemicals. Never clean emerald jewelry with hot steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as vibrations and heat can cause cracks or loosening.  

When it comes to cleaning your May birthstone jewelry, the safest way - besides taking it to a professional jeweler - is to gently scrub it with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.  

How to clean your May birthstone jewelry at home？

1. Prepare a bowl of warm water with mild, chemical-free soap.  

2. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the stone in the bowl.  

Note: If you clean it in the sink instead of a bowl, always place a stopper in the drain to prevent accidents.

How to Buy May Birthstone Jewelry?

To celebrate the joys of spring, your birthday, or someone special born in May, choosing a piece of emerald birthstone jewelry is a wonderful idea. Here are some tips to help you shop:

1. Choose a trusted jeweler

Shop at reputable jewelers like LUO Jewelry. Our May birthstone jewelry are uniquely designed by professional jewelers and feature genuine, precious emeralds.

2. Judge by the 4C's

Like diamonds and other gemstones, emeralds are evaluated on four main factors: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat weight.

• Color: Most gem experts agree that color is the key when buying emerald birstones. The ideal emerald shows a well-balanced, even color - not too dark. Rare emeralds display a deep bluish-green, while lighter shades are more common (and more affordable).
• Clarity: Unlike some gemstones, emeralds typically have natural inclusions visible to the naked eye. These "gardens" are unique marks that show the gem's natural origin. Most experts accept these inclusions and don't let them heavily affect the overall value. Instead, a vibrant color and rich saturation are what really matter.

• Cut: Cutting is crucial for emerald biethstones because it brings out their stunning green glow. Expertly cut with precise angles, emeralds reflect light through their hexagonal crystal structure, creating a captivating shine. Many emerald birthstones are fashioned into the classic emerald cut - a long rectangle with stepped facets - that enhances brilliance while hiding inclusions or cracks.
• Carat Weight: While some gems maintain steady prices regardless of size, emerald prices rise sharply with larger carats. Today, some of the most famous emeralds in private collections and museums weigh hundreds of carats and are priceless treasures. Thus, choose a carat size that fits your budget.