May Birthstone: Everything About Emerald - Color, Meaning, Jewelry Guide

on Nov 26 2025
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    Were you born in May? Or shopping for someone with a May birthday? You are in luck! The May birthstone is the emerald. This is one of the most beautiful and valuable gemstones in the world.

    For millennia, the green color of this valuable stone has astonished people. From the ancient Egyptian queens to modern lovers of adornments, everybody loves emeralds.

    In this guide, you'll learn everything about the birthstone for May: the color, the meaning, and how to choose the perfect emerald jewelry.

    Quick Answer: What is May's birthstone?

    The birthstone for May is emerald. This precious green gemstone is renowned for its bright color and timeless beauty.

    Quick Facts:

    • Color: Bright green to bluish-green

    • Meaning: Love, new beginnings, wisdom, growth

    • Hardness: 7.5-8 (pretty hard)

    • Where it's found: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil

    • Price range: $70 to millions per carat

    • Best for: Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets

    Color Of May Birthstone: Lovely Green

    A professional grading chart showing eight emerald gemstones arranged horizontally across the top. Each emerald is cushion-cut with brilliant faceting, displaying different shades of green. Below the stones is a horizontal gradient bar in green, The stones progress from a very light green to a very dark green, with each subsequent stone becoming darker than the previous one. The emeralds are photographed against a CCE5CF background, with each stone being identical in size and cut style. The lighting is even across all stones, highlighting their natural luster and transparency. The image has a professional, educational quality typical of gemological reference materials.

    The color of the birthstone is the most special feature of the May birthstone. When people ask "what color is May's birthstone," the answer is a lush, vivid green.

    What makes emerald green?

    The color of the May birthstone is due to tiny amounts of chromium and vanadium. These create that signature green shade.

    The Best Emerald Color:

    • Pure green to slightly bluish-green

    • Medium to medium-dark tone

    • Bright and vivid, neither pale nor too dark

    Where Colors Come From:

    • Colombian emeralds: Pure green with a slight tint of blue (most valuable)

    • Zambian emeralds: Deeper green with blue undertones

    • Brazilian emeralds: Lighter green shade

    The most valuable color is the so-called "grass green" or "kelly green" with excellent brightness.

    Fun fact: "Emerald green" is today a standard color name used within fashion and design!

    May Birthstone Meaning: Emerald Meaning

    A marketing infographic for emerald rings with a light mint green background.  The main title reads "What Emerald Symbolizes" in black text. The infographic features a large emerald-cut emerald ring with a white gold band and halo setting in the center. The infographic is laid out in a curved pathway format with black arrows connecting different elements. Along the path are five white hexagonal icons with black line illustrations and black text describing the benefits of emerald rings:  1. A hand reaching for a ring icon with text "New beginnings"  2. A heart icon with text "Love and romance 3. A meditation icon with text "Wisdom and growth" 4. A smile icon with text "Hope and patience" 5. Dollar icon with text "Prosperity"

    The meaning of the May birthstone goes beyond beauty to carry deep symbolism across cultures.

    What Emerald Symbolizes

    Traditional Meanings:

    • New beginnings: Perfect for May

    • Love and romance: The ancient Romans linked it to Venus, the goddess of love.

    • Wisdom and growth: Assists in intelligence and memory.

    • Hope and patience: Green color brings calm.

    • Prosperity: Comprises good fortune and abundance.

    Modern Emerald Meaning

    The meaning today for the May birthstone includes:

    • Loyalty: Popular for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries

    • Success: Worn for career growth

    • Balance: Facilitates emotional stillness

    • Protection: Believed to ward off negative energy

    In Indian Culture, the green emeralds connect to the planet Mercury - Budha in Vedic astrology. Many believe that wearing this May gemstone helps in communication, intelligence, and business success.

    The Rich History of May Birthstone

    The emerald birthstone has an amazing story through history.

    Ancient Times

    Egypt-3500 BCE: The oldest emerald mines were in Egypt near the Red Sea. Queen Cleopatra loved emeralds! She used them in her royal jewelry and as gifts. These mines were called "Cleopatra's Mines."

    Ancient Rome: Romans believed that emeralds could soothe tired eyes. Emperor Nero watched the gladiator fights through an emerald to reduce glare.

    Mughal India: Mughal emperors treasured emeralds. They carved sacred texts on them and wore them as lucky charms. The famous Mughal Emerald weighs 217.80 carats and sold for $2.2 million!

    Colombian Discovery

    When Spanish explorers reached South America in the 1500s, they found Colombian emeralds, which are the finest emeralds on Earth. They quickly became more valuable than diamonds in European royal courts.

    Famous Emeralds

    • The British Crown Jewels contain emeralds that belonged to the Indian maharajas.

    • Exquisite emerald pieces were owned by Russian royalty.

    • Elizabeth Taylor's emerald collection sold at record prices.

    Where is the birthstone for May found?

    Knowing the origin of your May birthstone helps you to appreciate its value.

    Colombia: The Emerald Capital

    Colombia produces 70-90% of the world's emeralds!

    Three major mining areas:

    • Muzo: Finest emeralds with warm, pure green color

    • Chivor: Slightly bluer tone

    • Coscuez: highly transparent

    The formation of Colombian emeralds differs from that of other emeralds, making them highly unique.

    Zambia: Rising Star

    Zambian emeralds are known for their deep, bluish-green color and great clarity. They compete with the quality of those from Colombia.

    Other Sources

    • Brazil: lighter green with good clarity

    • Afghanistan: Stones with History

    • Ethiopia: Newer source with quality stones

    • Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Pakistan: Emerging sources

    How to Choose Quality May Birthstone Jewelry

    Shopping for emeralds can feel confusing. Here's your simple guide.

    The 4 C's for Emeralds

    1. Color (Most Important - 50-70% of value)

    • Look for bright, even green

    • Not too light-looking (washed out)

    • Not too dark-the color looks black in some light.

    • A slight blue tint is good.

    2. Clarity

    • Some inclusions (inner marks) are normal and okay

    • Avoid stones with cracks on the surface.

    • Completely transparent emeralds are extremely rare and highly priced.

    3. Cut

    • "Emerald cut" is a rectangle with cut corners, designed for emeralds.

    • Good cut shows color best and protects corners

    • Also available in oval, round, and pear shapes

    4. Carat Size

    • The larger the emerald, the rarer it is, unlike large diamonds.

    • Price jumps a lot with size.

    • A small stone having great color can cost more than a larger pale one.

    Quality Grades

    • AAA Grade: Top 10% - vivid green, few inclusions

    • AA Grade: Top 20-30% - rich green with some inclusions

    • A Grade: Good quality, lighter color, or more inclusions

    • B Grade: Budget-friendly, good for affordable jewelry

    Questions to Ask When Buying May Birthstone

    • Where is the emerald from?

    • Has it been treated? How?

    • Is there a certificate?

    • What's the return policy?

    • Does the price include the setting?

    Important: When dealing with high-priced emeralds, always request a certificate from GIA or IGI.

    Popular May Birthstone Jewelry Styles

    The birthstone of May looks stunning in many jewelry styles.

    May Birthstone Ring

    Emerald Engagement Rings: These are unique and hold special meaning. Green is symbolic of eternal love and new beginnings.

    Tips for Rings:

    • Choose protective settings: bezel or halo to protect corners.

    • Platinum or white gold makes green stand out.

    • Three-stone settings with diamonds are also stunning.

    Everyday Rings: Choose for daily wear:

    • Smaller sizes (0.5-1.5 carats)

    • Secure settings

    • Simple designs

    May Birthstone Necklace

    Emerald pendants work well both on Western and Indian clothes.

    • Single stone pendants: Elegant for any occasion

    • Drop necklaces: dramatic for special events

    • Layered designs: Modern styling

    May Birthstone Earrings

    • Stud earrings are perfect for daily wear

    • Drop earrings are good for weddings.

    • Hoop earrings represent a modern touch.

    • Traditional jhumkas: Indian style with emeralds

    May Birthstone Bracelet

    • Tennis bracelets: Elegant Wrist Jewelry

    • Bangles: Indo-Western fusion look

    May Birthstone Jewelry for Different Events

    Birthdays

    Gifting May birthstone jewelry is a thoughtful thing to do, as it shows that you care about that person.

    • Sweet 16/18: Delicate emerald studs or pendant

    • Milestone birthdays: Statement emerald ring

    • Just because: Little emerald pieces

    Anniversaries

    Emerald is traditional for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries:

    • Upgrade engagement ring with emerald side stones

    • Gift matching an emerald jewelry set

    • Custom piece combining both birthstones

    Daily Office Wear

    • Smaller pieces for professional settings:

    • Simple emerald studs

    • Delicate pendant

    • Minimalist ring

    Explore: Gorgeous-looking Emerald Ring Collection

    Caring for Your May Birthstone Jewelry

    The right care will keep your emerald jewelry beautiful for generations.

    How to Clean

    Do This:

    • Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.

    • Use a soft brush-a baby toothbrush works

    • Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.

    • Clean every 2-3 weeks for daily-worn pieces

    Don't do this:

    • Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on the emeralds.

    • Avoid harsh chemicals

    • Avoid soaking for extended periods

    • Skip hot water, use lukewarm water.

    What to Avoid

    • Household chemicals: bleach, chlorine, cleaners

    • Cosmetics: Apply perfume and lotion before putting on the emerald.

    • Physical effect: Remove during exercise or heavy work

    • Extreme temperatures: A sudden change can destroy stone.

    • Direct sunlight: Too much sun may affect treatments

    Storage Tips

    • Store emerald jewelry separately in soft pouches.

    • Avoid harder stones, for they can scratch diamonds

    • Avoid sources of heat

    • Use individual compartments.

    Professional Care

    Re-oiling: Emeralds may need professional re-oiling once every few years. It costs $20-$50.

    See a Jeweler When:

    • Stones feel loose.

    • You see new cracks.

    • It appears dull even after cleaning.

    • Before major events

    May Birthstone vs Other Gemstones

    May birth stone peridot and other green gemstone, peridot and green tourmaline

    Emerald vs. Peridot:

    • Emerald: Deep green, more valuable

    • Peridot (August birthstone): lighter yellowish-green; moderately inexpensive

    Emerald versus Green Tourmaline:

    • Emerald: More prestigious, warmer green

    • Green Tourmaline: Less expensive, broader color range

    Price Comparison

    Emerald Prices (per carat):

    • Budget quality: $ 56 – $ 169

    • Good quality: $ 225 – $ 564

    • Fine quality: $ 676 – $ 2,254

    • Outstanding Quality: $ 3,380+

    Compare to:

    • Diamond: $ 282 – $ 2,820+

    • Ruby: $ 169 – $ 3,380+

    • Sapphire: $ 113 – $ 2,254+

    Fine emeralds may be more expensive than diamonds!

    Why Choose May's Birthstone?

    • Rare: Fine emeralds are rarer than diamonds

    • Meaningful: Rich history and symbolism

    • Unique: No two emeralds are identical

    • Versatile: Works for both classic and modern styling

    • Investment: Quality emeralds appreciate.

    FAQs About May Birthstone

    What birthstone is May?

    The birthstone for May is emerald. This precious gemstone of green color belongs to the beryl mineral family. It's one of the "big three" colored gemstones, including ruby and sapphire.

    What color is the birthstone for people born in May?

    The color of a birthstone for May is green. It ranges from bluish-green to pure green. The most valuable emeralds show vivid, bright green evenly throughout the stone.

    What does the May birthstone mean?

    The May birthstone meaning encompasses new beginnings, love, wisdom, growth, and prosperity. Emeralds have symbolized fertility, hope, and fresh starts. Perfect for the spring month of May!

    Can I wear emeralds every day?

    Emeralds range between 7.5 and 8 in terms of hardness but are more prone to breakage compared to other gemstones. They are suitable for everyday wear if set protectively. Jewelry shouldn't be worn during certain demanding activities, like sports or heavy work. With proper care, it is possible to wear emerald jewelry frequently.

    How do I clean May birthstone jewelry?

    Clean emerald jewelry with lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft brush. Rinse well and pat dry. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. The latter can damage emeralds.

    What metal goes best with emerald?

    All metals look wonderful with emeralds! Yellow gold provides that classic, warm appearance. White gold or platinum gives a modern, sleek look. Rose gold has a romantic, contemporary feel to it.

    Is emerald good for engagement rings?

    The emeralds make for a beautiful engagement ring. They symbolize eternal love and new beginnings. However, they are more fragile than diamonds and require extra care. Choose protective settings. Many celebrities sport emerald engagement rings.

    Can I wear emerald if I'm not born in May?

    Emerald jewelry can be worn by anyone. Many people select emeralds for reasons of beauty, color preference, or symbolism, regardless of birth month.

    Are lab-grown emeralds real?

    Lab-created emeralds are genuine emeralds and possess the identical chemical composition of natural emeralds. They are grown in laboratories and are less expensive than mined emeralds. Always ask whether the emeralds are natural or created.

    What is the birthstone for May?

    The birthstone for May is emerald. For many centuries, this green precious stone has been regarded as the traditional birthstone for the month.

    What does emerald symbolize?

    Emerald symbolizes love, wisdom, growth, hope, and prosperity. It represents new beginnings and emotional balance. In ancient times, it was believed to bring protection and good fortune.

    What month is the birthstone emerald?

    The birthstone for May is emerald. If you are born in May, that is, from May 1 to May 31, your birthstone is emerald.

    What does the color of the May birthstone represent? 

    The color of the May birthstone is green, symbolizing nature, growth, renewal, and harmony. Green is also a color of prosperity, balance, and emotional healing. 

    Conclusion: Celebrate May's Beautiful Birthstone 

    The emerald is a timeless treasure that serves as the birthstone for May. Its lush green color, rich meaning, and amazing history make it special. Whether you're celebrating a May birthday or anniversary, or you simply love emerald for its beauty, this precious gemstone has something wonderful to offer. 

    You now know all there is to know about emerald jewelry, from what May's birthstone is to how one chooses quality pieces. Remember that every emerald is unique in its own special characteristics, formed over millions of years.

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