There is something so mesmerizing about an emerald. It has a saturation so deep you could drown in it. It has a green not of the earth but of a world beyond it, a world where light bends differently, where gemstones are imbued not just with beauty but with meaning. It is the official birthstone of May, though its story does not begin there. It begins underground, in veins of rock cracked open by time and pressure, in the hands of those who have spent lifetimes pulling them from the earth. It begins in Colombia, in Zambia, in Afghanistan and Brazil, and in myths passed down through centuries.
Why are Emeralds perfect for May?
Emeralds are a perfect birthstone for May, a month where spring reaches its apex, where nature overflows with life and color. There is a symmetry to it—green for the season, green for the stone. It is also a birthstone that carries a weight through its history. Unlike other gems that shift with trends, the emerald has been revered since the time of Cleopatra, who hoarded them in such quantities they became part of her legend. The Romans believed emeralds symbolized Venus, goddess of love, while medieval physicians prescribed them for everything from poor eyesight to protection against evil spirits.
Where Are Emeralds Found?
The purest emeralds in the world still come from Colombia, where miners unearth stones so vividly green they seem to hold an inner fire, a glow untouched by time. These emeralds, formed over millions of years, are the gold standard, prized for their deep, velvety hues and remarkable clarity. Elsewhere, Zambia’s emeralds emerge from the earth with a darker, more enigmatic green, tinged with blue undertones, as if capturing the shadows of the forests that surround their mines. In Brazil, emeralds take on a different character entirely. They are lighter, brighter and their crystalline structure gives them an almost electric radiance. Every emerald tells the story of the land that bore it - each hue a reflection of its birthplace.
The Characteristics of Emeralds
An emerald’s color is what sets it apart. There are greens and then there are emerald greens. The most revered emeralds are a deep, rich green, saturated but not too dark. When it comes to emeralds, color is the most critical factor in value. If they are too light, the emerald loses its mystique. If they are too dark, they become indistinct and muddied. Unlike diamonds, which are judged on clarity, emeralds are often full of inclusions, internal fractures known as “jardin,” French for garden, as if these inclusions are not a negative, but instead a beautiful dance of organic growth and vibrancy. These are not flaws but fingerprints, proof of their natural origin.
In its most raw state, the emerald is not what most would call particularly beautiful. It is cloudy, unformed. It takes the skills of a lapidiary (a stone cutter) to coax the stone into brilliance. The emerald cut, rectangular with cropped corners, was developed specifically for this gem, allowing it to maintain stability while maximizing its color. Other shapes exist, oval, pear, even round, though they are still less common.
Carat weight matters, but not in the way it does with diamonds. Because of their density, an emerald will appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight. A one-carat emerald commands attention; a five-carat emerald is a statement. The larger the stone, the more valuable, provided the color holds, provided the inclusions do not render it too fragile.
The Meaning & Astrological Significance of the Emerald Birthstone
For those born in May, emeralds hold a special resonance. They are associated with renewal and rebirth. It is the stone of Taurus and Gemini, a grounding force for the former, and a stabilizing presence for the latter. Astrologers claim emeralds bring clarity, patience, and foresight. The benefits of the emerald birthstone are said to extend beyond the metaphysical and are believed to bring love, to calm tempers and to enhance creativity. Ancient texts say emeralds were used to find truth, placed under the tongue to reveal falsehoods. Whether you believe in these things or not, the emerald carries with it an undeniable energy. It is not a passive gem. It demands to be seen, to be worn, to be understood.
How Emeralds Are Used in Jewelry
Emerald birthstone jewelry has never gone out of fashion. From the gold collars of Cleopatra to the engagement rings of modern royalty, emeralds have maintained their allure. To give an emerald is to give more than a gemstone. It is to give history, meaning, and permanence. Emeralds are given for birthdays, for anniversaries and for milestones where a diamond might feel too predictable. If there's one thing we know about an emerald, it's that it is never predictable.
Emerald Rings
The deep, mesmerizing green of an emerald against warm gold is a pairing as timeless as it is bold. An emerald ring is never an afterthought, it is something that commands attention while exuding history, luxury, and an almost regal presence. These rings are not just worn; they are inherited, cherished, and whispered about, their rich hues deepening over time as they collect the weight of memory and meaning.
Emerald Necklaces
From the delicate glint of a single emerald pendant to the dazzling opulence of a diamond-framed statement piece, an emerald necklace is a study in allure. Suspended against the skin, its green fire catches the light with an almost hypnotic pull, inviting admiration, drawing eyes, and holding them there. Worn close to the heart, it is a talisman of beauty, history, and quiet power.
Emerald Earrings
Whether in the subtle gleam of studs, the fluid movement of drops, or the sculptural presence of hoops, emerald earrings transform every space with their light. Their verdant glow shifts and flickers, playing against the skin with a richness that feels both timeless and fresh. They do not simply accessorize; they enhance, leaving an impression of understated yet undeniable elegance.
Emerald Bracelets
A rarity that makes its presence known. A row of emeralds set in gold encircles the wrist like a band of captured light, each flick of the hand sending a shimmer of green into the air. Whether a single stone winking from a chain or a bold, articulated line of gems, an emerald bracelet is a secret luxury—seen in flashes, felt always.
The Emerald’s Legacy
There are stones, and then there are emeralds. To wear an emerald is to wear the exquisite weight of centuries, to be connected to rulers and lovers and poets who have all fallen under its spell. It is the birthstone of May, but it is more than that. It is a promise, a declaration, a historical inheritance. The emerald does not belong to a single moment in time. It endures. When it comes to something this beautiful and important, we’re always excited to play matchmaker, so give us a call and let us help you find the perfect piece of striking emerald jewelry.
–
At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
We offer in-person and Virtual Appointments and are happy to answer any questions about your favorite jewel.
JWS Flawless Protection Plan:
- Free Sizing & Overnight Shipping
- 7-Day 100% Return Policy
- 30-Day Exchange for Credit
- Free Appraisal with Purchase
- 100% Authenticity Guaranteed
