Emerald: May Birthstone Meaning, History and Care

The May birthstone is emerald, one of the world's most treasured gemstones. Loved for its rich green colour and rarity, the May birthstone has symbolised love, renewal, wisdom and growth for thousands of years.

Natural emeralds range from soft mint to deep forest green, and their natural inclusions make every stone unique. Whether you're celebrating a May birthday, looking for a meaningful gift or simply love green gemstones, this guide covers the history, meaning and care of the May birthstone.

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl, the same gemstone family as aquamarine. Its famous colour comes from tiny traces of chromium and vanadium, and its natural inclusions, often called the "jardin" or garden, make every stone unique.

The May birthstone through the ages

• Ancient Egypt: some of the earliest known emerald mines were in Egypt, worked from around 330 BC. Cleopatra was famous for her love of this green gem.
• Ancient Rome: the stone was linked to Venus, the goddess of love, and prized for its soothing colour.
• The 1500s: Spanish explorers brought South American stones to Europe, where they became treasured by royalty.
• Today: Colombia, Zambia and Brazil are among the world's most important sources.

More than 2,000 years later, the May birthstone is still one of the world's most loved gemstones.

As the traditional May birthstone, emerald has been associated with love, wisdom and renewal for thousands of years. These meanings come from history and folklore rather than science, but they're a big part of why the May birthstone is still so loved today.

Emerald is traditionally associated with:

• Love and compassion, symbolising lasting relationships and emotional connection.
• Wisdom and clarity, believed to encourage thoughtful decisions.
• Growth and renewal, representing new beginnings and fresh opportunities.
• Patience and harmony, linked with emotional balance and inner peace.
• Hope and optimism, thought to inspire positivity during life's challenges.
• Protection, historically worn as a talisman to bring good fortune.

Ancient cultures connected the stone with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and with Mercury, the messenger of wisdom and communication. That's why May birthstone jewellery is such a meaningful gift for a May birthday.

Emerald is a relatively hard gemstone (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), but its natural inclusions can make it more delicate than it looks. A little care will keep your May birthstone jewellery looking its best for years.

How to clean emerald jewellery

• Use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
• Gently clean around the setting with a soft brush.
• Rinse, then dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.

What to avoid

• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can damage inclusions and remove the oils often used to enhance the stone.
• Harsh chemicals, including cleaning products, chlorine and perfume.
• Knocks and hard wear, so take your jewellery off for gardening, the gym or housework.

How to store your jewellery

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box so harder gemstones can't scratch it. For more tips, read our guide to caring for handcrafted jewellery.

At Indie and Harper, we love the timeless beauty of emerald jewellery. Its rich green colour suits every skin tone and pairs beautifully with both sterling silver and gold.

A May birthstone piece makes a meaningful gift for:

• May birthdays, as the traditional May birthstone
• Anniversaries, as emerald is the traditional gemstone for a 55th wedding anniversary
• New beginnings, such as a new job, a new home or a fresh chapter
• Taurus and Gemini birthdays, the two star signs that share May

Explore our full May birthstone collection, from dainty necklaces to rings and earrings.