May Birthstone: Emerald
People with May birthdays fall under the Taurus or Gemini star sign, associated with reliability, vitality, optimism and a zest for life. This aligns beautifully with their vibrant birthstone, the emerald.
In this guide, we explain what the emerald symbolises, its history, and our favourite picks for a May birthday or proposal.
Emerald history
Emeralds have been used in jewellery for thousands of years and are found across the globe, giving them a rich symbolism and history spanning many cultures. They have been worn by iconic women for millennia, from Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor.
Ancient Egypt
The earliest known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 1500 BC. The rich green colour was thought to represent the verdant lands of paradise. Emeralds were seen as a source of protection, and pharaohs were buried with them to guard their passage to the afterlife.
Ancient Greeks
In ancient Greek culture, the emerald was said to be a favourite of Venus, representing love and hope. It was a symbol of fidelity and was believed to lose its shine in the presence of someone disloyal.
Mughal Empire
In India, emeralds were worn by royalty and sacred texts were engraved onto them, representing knowledge and spiritual growth.
Incan culture
When Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America in the 16th century, they found that the Incas had been using emeralds in jewellery for over 500 years. Colombian emerald mines transformed the gem trade, producing stones of the richest colour.
Emerald Qualities
Emeralds are an excellent choice for fine jewellery. Their intense vivid green is striking, rich and flattering on every skin tone. They are rarer than diamonds, making them ideal for truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
They are also remarkably hard, ranking between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, making them well suited to everyday wear and an ideal choice for an engagement ring.
Does an emerald have to be an Emerald cut?
No. Despite the name, emeralds do not have to be cut in an emerald cut. That said, the stepped facets of the emerald cut work particularly well with the stone, as they reduce pressure during cutting. Other popular cuts include:
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Oval - An oval cut elongates the finger and maximises the colour and brilliance of the stone.
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Cushion - Rounded corners give the emerald more sparkle than the traditional emerald cut.
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Pear - Elegant and striking, a pear-shaped emerald works beautifully in a pendant or engagement ring setting. A Pear shaped diamond works well in a pendant setting as well as in an engagement ring.
Book an appointment today
Our expert team is on hand to help make your jewellery-buying experience a breeze. With stores across the country, in London, Brighton and Birmingham, we’ll help you to choose the perfect gift for a May birthday. Simply book an appointment with our friendly team today.
