The May birthstone is emerald, a gem GIA describes as widely regarded as the definition of green. From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, it has been worn by royalty for thousands of years, and its fresh colour is a natural fit for a month that, in the northern hemisphere, means spring. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at what emerald is, where it comes from, what people have believed about it, and how to care for it.
May birthstone: emerald at a glance
- What it is: the green to bluish green variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as aquamarine.
- Colour: its green comes from traces of chromium, vanadium or both; iron can add bluish tones.
- Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
- Anniversaries: the gem for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
What makes emerald green
According to the International Gem Society, emerald's green comes from small amounts of chromium, vanadium, or a combination of both, while more iron increases the bluish tones. GIA judges whether a green beryl is dark and saturated enough to be called emerald by comparing it with lab-graded reference stones.
Where emeralds come from
Emeralds are mined on several continents:
- Colombia has been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years, with famous mines at Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez.
- Brazil produces emeralds in the state of Minas Gerais.
- Zambia is a major source, and Africa as a whole is second only to South America in emerald production, according to the International Gem Society.
- Zimbabwe is known for small, deeply coloured stones from Sandawana.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan are important producers too.
A royal history
Emerald has enchanted royalty for millennia. Cleopatra was known for her passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments, though the Egyptian mines that supplied her have long since been worked out. In South America, the famous Atahualpa emerald is said to have been taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa.
Emerald meaning and beliefs
Emerald's green has long been linked with rebirth, renewal and spring, and it carries a wealth of folklore:
- By placing an emerald under the tongue, one could supposedly see into the future.
- It was believed to reveal whether a lover's promise was true, exposing lovers who made false promises.
- It was said to make its wearer an eloquent speaker.
- Legend has it that emerald makes its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted.
Today many people wear emerald as a symbol of hope, renewal and love.
These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.
Emerald treatments: what to know
Filling is very common in emerald. An estimated 90 percent or more of emeralds in the market have their surface-reaching fractures filled with oils, resins or polymers, and paler stones with many fractures are sometimes dyed. The stability of fillers varies, which is why emeralds need gentle cleaning.
Wearing and caring for emerald
Emerald is hard (7.5 to 8) but has only fair to good toughness, so it needs more care than ruby or sapphire. Protect it from hard knocks, and consider protective settings for a ring you plan to wear daily.
- Clean gently with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.
- Never put emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner: vibration can weaken stones that already have fractures.
- Avoid steam, which can draw out the oils or resins used to fill fractures.
- Keep it away from heat and harsh chemicals; GIA also mentions changes in air pressure, such as in an aeroplane cabin.
See our jewellery care guide for more.
Choosing emerald jewellery
Emerald's rich green looks wonderful in yellow gold and in silver alike. Earrings and pendants are the easiest way to enjoy it every day, while an emerald ring makes a memorable May birthday or anniversary gift.
A few things that help when shopping with Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa:
- Check your size with the printable ring sizer on our size guide. Rings over R2,000 include a free first resize within 30 days.
- Words and symbols are priced in the engraving box as you type.
- Schedule a video call with one of our consultants to see the exact piece before you buy (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).
Shop the May birthstone
Our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. Browse our May birthstone collection, or explore more gemstone jewellery.