Emerald: How to Choose Your Ideal May Birthstone

Emerald, the birthstone for May, is celebrated for its rich green hue and powerful symbolism. Revered by royalty and cherished through centuries, this gemstone reflects themes of love, renewal, and wisdom. In this guide, we explore the story of emeralds, from their formation and value to their care and lasting meaning.

Why Is Emerald the Birthstone for May?

Cultural and Historical Significance

May marks a season of new life, which makes emerald, a gem that evokes lush gardens and spring renewal, a fitting symbol for the month. In Roman and Greek mythology, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love and hope. Ancient cultures believed emeralds could improve intelligence, enhance eloquence, and even reveal the future when placed under the tongue.

Emeralds were also thought to cure disease, protect travelers, and ward off evil. Cleopatra famously adorned herself with emeralds, and Roman scholars believed gazing into the gem could soothe tired eyes. This belief is partly supported by modern science, since green tones are known to reduce eye strain.

Today, emeralds are not only May’s birthstone but also the traditional gemstone for celebrating 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Is There Another Birthstone for May?

While emerald is the official birthstone for May, agate is also recognized as an alternative. Agate is a type of quartz with banded, often colorful patterns. It is durable, symbolic of balance and grounding, and offers a more affordable option for those seeking a meaningful connection to May.

What Is an Emerald and How Does It Form?

Mineral Composition and Color Origins

Emerald is a green variety of the mineral beryl, which also includes aquamarine and morganite. Its iconic color results from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium in its crystal structure. Only green beryl with strong saturation and medium to deep tone qualifies as emerald. Lighter stones are categorized simply as green beryl.

Emeralds form under rare geological conditions, typically when beryllium-rich fluids interact with metamorphic rocks such as shale or limestone, or crystallize within cracks in granite. These natural processes contribute to emeralds’ scarcity and high value.

Physical Properties of Emerald

On the Mohs hardness scale, emerald ranks between 7.5 and 8. While relatively hard, its internal inclusions, known as "jardin" (the French word for garden), can make it more prone to breaking than other gems. These jardin patterns are often appreciated for their uniqueness and serve as a natural signature of the gem.

Emeralds also have a refractive index between 1.577 and 1.583, which gives them a soft, velvety glow rather than the intense brilliance seen in diamonds.

What Factors Determine Emerald Quality and Value?

Color

Color is the most significant value factor. Top-quality emeralds display a rich bluish-green to pure green hue with vivid saturation and a medium to deep tone. Stones that are too light are classified as green beryl, while excessively dark stones may appear dull or muddy.

The most desirable emeralds exhibit an even, intense color with minimal secondary tints. Even small variations in hue or tone can greatly affect price.

Clarity

Unlike diamonds, most emeralds have visible inclusions. These inclusions, or jardin, are part of the stone’s identity and are accepted in the trade. However, clarity still impacts value. Emeralds with fewer, well-distributed inclusions that do not significantly cloud transparency are considered more valuable.

Eye-clean emeralds, especially those over one carat, are extremely rare and command premium prices.

Cut

Due to their crystal shape and internal characteristics, emeralds are often cut into rectangular step cuts, known as emerald cuts. This style reduces pressure on the stone and enhances its color. Skilled lapidaries may also use oval, pear, or cushion cuts to balance brilliance and durability.

A well-executed cut maximizes color while minimizing the appearance of inclusions.

Carat Weight

Emeralds are less dense than diamonds, so a one-carat emerald appears larger than a diamond of the same weight. Larger emeralds of fine quality are significantly rarer, and their prices reflect this rarity.

Treatments

Most emeralds are treated to improve clarity. The most common treatment involves filling surface-reaching fractures with colorless oils or resins. These enhancements improve transparency but require care, as they can deteriorate over time or under heat.

Treatments are an accepted industry practice and must always be disclosed. Untreated emeralds with high clarity are extremely rare and highly valued.

Natural vs Lab-Grown Emeralds

Lab-grown emeralds have the same chemical and optical properties as natural emeralds but are created in a controlled environment using hydrothermal or flux methods. These stones often have fewer inclusions and a more uniform color.

While not as rare, lab-created emeralds are a more affordable option for those who want a visually stunning gemstone without the premium price. Some may include synthetic jardin to mimic the look of natural stones.

Where Do the Best Emeralds Come From?

Colombian Emeralds

Colombia is regarded as the world’s premier source of emeralds. Stones from this region are known for their rich bluish-green color, high saturation, and exceptional clarity. The finest Colombian emeralds are among the most valuable colored gemstones in the world.

Zambian Emeralds

Zambia produces emeralds with a darker green or slightly bluish tone. These stones are often less included than Colombian emeralds and have a more consistent appearance. They are also valued for their durability and are a popular choice in modern fine jewelry.

Brazilian Emeralds

Brazilian emeralds typically range from light to medium green and may have a slightly yellowish tint. They are known for good transparency and can vary widely in quality. While generally more affordable than Colombian stones, fine Brazilian emeralds are still highly prized.

How Should You Care for Emerald Jewelry?

Cleaning at Home

Emeralds should be cleaned with great care, especially if they have been treated. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided, as they can damage the stone or displace internal fillers such as oil or resin.

For safe at-home cleaning:

• Use a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild, chemical-free soap.
• Gently scrub the gemstone with a soft toothbrush.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Always cover the sink drain if cleaning near a basin.

Storage and Wear

Avoid exposing emeralds to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or physical impact. Remove your jewelry before cleaning, exercising, or performing manual tasks.

Store emerald pieces separately in a soft pouch or fabric-lined box to prevent scratching or chipping. With proper care, emerald jewelry can be passed down for generations.

Conclusion

Emeralds are more than just a birthstone. They are symbols of growth, intuition, and enduring love. From their vibrant color and unique inclusions to their powerful historical associations, emeralds offer unmatched emotional and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you choose a natural emerald from Colombia or a lab-grown gem with flawless clarity, this stone is a meaningful way to honor the month of May or any special moment. With thoughtful care and a deeper appreciation of its qualities, an emerald can become a lasting treasure for generations to come.