May Birthstone - Emerald
The May birthstone is the exquisite emerald, a gemstone long celebrated for its deep green beauty and rich symbolism. As the birthstone for May, the emerald is associated with renewal, growth, and enduring love, making it a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or personal milestones.
Whether you're drawn to its lush colour or captivated by its storied past, emerald gemstones and jewellery pieces offer elegance that transcends trends.
Historical Significance of Emeralds
Emeralds have been cherished for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra famously adorned herself with emeralds and even claimed ownership of local mines. The Incas and Aztecs of South America also revered the emerald, considering it sacred and a source of divine protection.
Across cultures, emeralds carried immense prestige. The Incas and Aztecs of South America, where some of the finest emeralds are sourced today, believed emeralds were sacred. During the Spanish conquest, emeralds from South America dazzled European aristocracy and dramatically reshaped the gemstone trade. Then, during the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to possess healing properties and were worn to ward off illness and negative energy — a belief that has lingered through generations.
Symbolism and Meaning
Beyond their striking beauty, the May birthstone is also known for its rich symbolism, making it a valuable choice for those who seek both aesthetic and meaning in their jewellery.
Love and Fidelity
Emeralds are universally regarded as a symbol of unwavering love and loyalty. For centuries, they’ve been exchanged by lovers as tokens of affection and eternal commitment.
Wisdom and Intuition
Known to sharpen the mind and enhance memory, emeralds have long been associated with wisdom and foresight — qualities that lend themselves beautifully to the idea of lifelong journeys and personal growth.
Protection and Healing
From ancient civilisations to modern metaphysical beliefs, emeralds are thought to protect the wearer and promote emotional and physical well-being.
Physical Properties of Emeralds
Emeralds are more than just exquisite gemstones; their unique physical properties contribute to their allure. Understanding these qualities offers a deeper appreciation for what makes this May birthstone so special.
Composition
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured by trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Their unique chemical makeup gives them that distinctive and vibrant green hue.
Hardness
Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds are durable enough for everyday wear, yet they require proper care to preserve their natural beauty.
Inclusions
Most emeralds contain internal characteristics called inclusions, often referred to as jardin (French for "garden"). These are not flaws but part of the stone's character, making each emerald genuinely one of a kind.
Factors that Affect Emerald Quality
Several key factors determine the quality and value of an emerald, and each plays a role in shaping the stone's beauty and desirability. By understanding these elements, you can better choose an emerald birthstone that perfectly suits your style.
Cut
A masterful cut is essential to unlocking the true beauty of an emerald. When executed with precision, it enhances the stone’s natural brilliance, deepens its colour, and artfully minimises the appearance of inclusions, allowing the gem to radiate with life and elegance. At Paul Bram, we uphold an uncompromising commitment to excellence, offering only emeralds that meet our exacting standards for artisanal craftsmanship and perfect symmetry. Each stone is carefully faceted by skilled hands to ensure optimal light reflection, resulting in a jewel that captivates from every angle. This dedication to precision cutting transforms every emerald into a timeless work of art, one that reflects both rarity and refinement.
Colour
The birthstone of May is celebrated for its sumptuous, vibrant emerald green hue, exquisitely saturated with no distracting undertones of yellow or blue. These are the exceptional gems we meticulously curate for our discerning clientele. Emeralds that are either too pale or overly dark fall short of the elegance and value that define our standard of excellence.
Colombian emeralds are renowned worldwide for their impeccable, pure green colour, radiant and timeless. In contrast, Zambian emeralds often exhibit an alluring bluish-green tint, offering a cooler, more contemporary allure.
Clarity
While some inclusions often referred to as the emerald’s “jardin” are naturally expected and even celebrated as part of the stone’s unique character, the clarity of an emerald plays a significant role in determining its overall value and allure. At the heart of our selection process lies a commitment to excellence. We meticulously hand-select each emerald, ensuring it embodies a harmonious balance between natural beauty and superior quality. Emeralds that exhibit fewer inclusions, especially those that are subtle and less visible to the naked eye, are regarded as the most coveted, commanding both admiration and prestige. These rare specimens not only enhance the visual purity of a piece but also elevate its investment value, offering a timeless elegance that endures for generations.
Size
Larger emeralds of exceptional quality are exceedingly rare, making them true collector’s treasures often reserved for heirloom creations destined to be cherished for generations. Their grandeur and brilliance embody timeless sophistication, perfect for those who seek something truly extraordinary. Whether your taste leans toward understated refinement or commanding opulence, our curated collection offers exquisite options to suit every personal aesthetic. From delicate accents to statement masterpieces, the choice is entirely yours, allowing you to express your individual style with unparalleled elegance and distinction.
Caring for Emerald Jewellery
Emeralds are cherished for their beauty, but they also require proper care to maintain their brilliance over time. With the right cleaning methods and mindful handling, you can preserve the elegance of your emerald jewellery for years to come.
Regular Cleaning & Proper Storage
Use a soft cloth and lukewarm water with mild soap to clean your emerald jewellery. Store your pieces individually to avoid scratches from harder gemstones like diamonds.
Professional Maintenance
It’s recommended to have emerald jewellery professionally inspected every 12–18 months. Jewellers can reapply oils to maintain clarity and check for any structural weaknesses, especially in settings like prongs that hold the stone securely.
If you're in Melbourne, our boutique offers complimentary bespoke concierge services by our diamond specialists to get your emeralds and other gems assessed.
Alternative May Birthstones
For those born in May or looking for alternatives to emeralds, there are other beautiful options.
Agate – Agate is a banded form of chalcedony that comes in a wide variety of colours. Believed to bring balance and calm, agate is a colourful alternative for the spiritually inclined.
Chrysoprase – This apple-green gem symbolises happiness and prosperity and offers a more subtle hue than emerald.
While these alternatives have their own unique charm, emerald remains the timeless choice for those seeking the classic beauty and prestige associated with May’s birthstone.
Purchasing Emerald Jewellery in Australia
At Paul Bram, we believe a gemstone should reflect not only beauty but meaning. Our curated collection of emerald birthstone jewellery includes rings, pendants, and earrings crafted with timeless precision and care. Whether you’re celebrating a May birthday or simply drawn to the allure of emerald, you’ll find something extraordinary with us.