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What Is the Birthstone for May?
Emerald is the official birthstone for May. This precious gem is prized for its rich green color and rarity, with high-quality natural emeralds often commanding higher prices than diamonds of the same size. Throughout history, emeralds have held significant cultural importance — in ancient Rome and Greece, they were linked to the goddess Venus, who symbolized love and hope. The captivating green hue adds luxury and sophistication to any jewelry design, making emeralds a particularly meaningful choice for those celebrating May birthdays.
May Birthstone History & Meaning
The significance of emerald as the May birthstone not only symbolizes the renewal associated with spring but also represents truth, wisdom, intuition, foresight, loyalty, abundance, success, and love.
In centuries past, this birthstone symbolized fertility and good fortune and was even thought to cure diseases and restore exhausted travelers. Spiritual traditions and legends held that these gems had the power to make their wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. Emerald lore also claimed that by placing an emerald under the tongue, one could see into the future. Others believed it improved the wearer's eloquence and gave protection against evil spells.
Royalty as far back as Cleopatra adorned their jewelry and crowns with the emerald birthstone. Roman tradition claimed the gemstone had therapeutic properties for the eyes — which is now partially scientifically proven, as green is recognized to relieve eye strain and stress. Today, in addition to being the birthstone for May, emeralds are also a traditional gift for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
May Birthstone Color
Emerald is often used synonymously with the color green and is even regarded as the very definition of the color. The most desirable emerald birthstone colors are bluish-green to pure green, with vivid color saturation. Emeralds are characterized by a medium to deep tone, while visually similar gems, such as green beryl, have a lighter color. Color is the primary factor in determining an emerald's value, with the most valuable stones exhibiting a deep, rich green that's neither too dark nor too light.
May Birthstone Durability
The May birthstone is considered moderately durable, with a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. As they are less durable than rubies or sapphires, extra precaution should be taken when wearing emerald gemstone jewelry to ensure it can be worn for generations. Proper care and occasional professional inspection will help maintain their beauty and durability over time.
May Birthstone Origin
We source emeralds from Colombia and Zambia, but they’re also found in India, Austria and the United States, among other countries.
May Birthstone Care & Maintenance
Besides taking your emerald to a professional jeweler, the safest way to clean this gemstone is with very gentle home cleaning methods. It's recommended to avoid intense hot steam or ultrasonic cleaning methods. To clean an emerald at home, prepare a bowl with warm, chemical-free soap, then gently wash the gemstone in the bowl using a soft toothbrush. If you prefer washing in the sink instead of a bowl, ensure safe cleaning by placing a stopper over the drain to prevent accidental loss of your precious emerald.
