May birthstone: Emerald

The stone of vision and vitality

Among the most coveted gems in history, the emerald has adorned the jewels of pharaohs and empresses for millennia. Radiant in its deep, living green, it connects the wearer to nature, wisdom and the world beyond the horizon.

Birthstone month: May · Zodiac signs: Taurus and Gemini · Mohs hardness: 7.5 to 8 · Anniversary: 20th and 35th year

The legend of the emerald

Cleopatra was so captivated by the emerald that she claimed the mines of Upper Egypt as her own. The ancient Egyptians believed the gem symbolised fertility and rebirth. The Incas of South America worshipped emeralds as sacred stones, and in Indian tradition the emerald was inscribed with sacred text and worn by emperors.

What the emerald represents

Vision and wisdom. Long associated with the power of sight, the emerald is considered a stone of insight and clarity of thought.
Love and loyalty. Dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love, the emerald has been exchanged by couples for centuries. It is the traditional gift for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
Renewal and growth. As the birthstone of May, the height of spring in the north, the emerald embodies new beginnings and vitality.
Fortune and prosperity. In many cultures across Asia, the Middle East and South America, emeralds have long been regarded as stones of abundance.

Caring for your emerald

Gentle cleaning: warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam: most emeralds are treated with natural oils that harsh methods can remove.
Safe storage: store separately from harder stones like diamonds or sapphires, in a soft pouch or lined box.
Re-oiling: the natural oils that enhance an emerald's clarity may need replenishing over time.
Everyday wear: remove before swimming, exercising or using household chemicals.