If you’re born in May, consider yourself lucky! Not only do you get to celebrate as the world comes alive with fresh blooms and warmer days.

But, your birthstone is the lush, vibrant emerald—known as the “gem of eternal spring.” 

This delightful gemstone, with its deep green color, has fascinated humanity for centuries.

Symbolizing renewal, fertility and wisdom, favored by ancient royals and adored across cultures, the emerald brings unmatched elegance and a touch of mystery to any jewelry collection.

In this guide, we’ll delve into emerald’s rich history and symbolism, explore some legendary stones, and share practical tips for selecting and caring for emerald jewelry.

Join us as we dive into the timeless beauty of May’s birthstone and uncover why it remains one of the world’s most beloved gems.

Emerald History, Meaning, and Notable Examples

For many ancient civilisations, emeralds have held special meaning and symbolism. 

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, emeralds were known as the “gem of the gods” and symbolized eternal youth and protection.

Cleopatra famously adorned herself with emeralds, claiming Egypt’s emerald mines to secure her own supply. 

For Egyptians, emeralds weren’t just decorative; they were believed to preserve youthfulness and were often placed in tombs as symbols of rebirth and renewal.

Romans

To the Romans, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.

Emeralds were thought to foster harmony in relationships and ignite passion. 

The rich green reminded Romans of spring’s renewal, reinforcing the gem’s connection to fertility and abundance.

Emperor Nero was said to watch gladiator fights through an emerald lens to help magnify his view and reduce the sun's glare.

South America

In South America, where some of the world’s finest emeralds are mined, indigenous cultures saw them as sacred gifts from the gods with healing powers. 

The Colombian Muzo people, for example, believed emeralds could bring peace and strength.

Across cultures from ancient Persia to the Americas, emeralds represented prosperity and vitality, making them a prized choice for trade, rituals, and adornment.

Fast forward to today: emeralds remain a gemstone of timeless cultural and emotional significance, perfect for those seeking clarity, renewal, and inspiration.

Famous Emeralds

Some emeralds have achieved legendary status due to their size, color, and unique history.

The Mogul Emerald

One of the most famous emeralds, the Mogul Emerald, is a 217-carat marvel that dates back to 1695.

This incredible gemstone is intricately carved with Islamic prayers and floral motifs on one side, while the other side is adorned with elaborate engravings and decorative patterns.

Thought to have originated from Colombia before making its way to India, the Mogul Emerald symbolizes the opulence and cultural richness of the Mughal Empire.

It’s a gem that reflects not only exceptional craftsmanship but also the reverence for emeralds in Islamic art and South Asian royalty.

Now housed in a private collection, the Mogul Emerald remains a testament to the emerald’s enduring beauty and spiritual significance.

Cleopatra’s Emerald Mines

Few names evoke the same level of intrigue and grandeur as Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, who was known for her love of emeralds. 

Cleopatra was so enamored with the gemstone that she claimed ownership of Egypt's only emerald mines near the Red Sea, now known as the “Cleopatra Mines.” 

These mines were a source of prized emeralds in the ancient world, cherished for their vibrant green hue and believed to possess protective and healing powers.

Cleopatra adorned herself and her palace with these gemstones, using emeralds to symbolize her power and divine connection.

Often mistaken for other gems over the centuries, the emeralds from Cleopatra's mines have left an indelible mark on history, representing both the queen’s legacy and the timeless appeal of emeralds as symbols of wealth, beauty, and authority.

Sources, Types, and Colors of Emeralds

Emeralds are found in several regions, each offering unique qualities that make them highly sought after.

Colombia is the most famous source, known for producing emeralds with an intense green color and exceptional clarity.

Zambia is also a major producer, offering darker emeralds with a unique bluish tint.

Brazil provides a variety of emeralds, often lighter in tone but still prized for their vibrant color and good transparency.

Each location contributes to the diversity of emeralds available on the market.

Color Varieties & Significance

Emeralds are valued for their green hues, ranging from light to deep, vivid green. 

The most desirable emeralds display a rich, even color with high transparency, enhancing the gem’s beauty and value.

“Vivid green” emeralds, especially those with minimal inclusions, command premium prices.

However, the stone’s charm isn’t only in its color but also in its unique inclusions, often referred to as “jardin” (French for “garden”), due to resembling moss or foliage, which gives each emerald a distinct character.

Whether you prefer a soft green or a darker intense shade, emeralds offer a wide spectrum of green tones to suit all personal tastes and budgets.

Our Favorite Emerald Pieces

Emerald & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings

Gold Vintage Style Emerald Teardrop Pendant

Emerald & Diamond Five Stone Band

Emerald Care, Maintenance, and Buying Tips

While emeralds are fairly durable, ranking between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, they are more fragile than other gemstones due to natural inclusions that can make them prone to chipping. 

To maintain the brilliance of your emerald jewelry, clean it gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.

It’s also a good idea to store emeralds separately to prevent scratching, especially when placed alongside harder gemstones.

Buying Guide

When purchasing an emerald, consider the color, clarity, and cut. 

The ideal emerald has a vibrant, even saturation of color with minimal inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Clarity is important, though minor inclusions, or “jardin,” are expected and can add character.

A well-cut emerald will enhance its color and showcase its natural beauty. Always ask about the origin and any treatments the gem has undergone, as many emeralds are oiled to improve clarity.

A certified stone from a trusted source ensures you’re purchasing an authentic, high-quality emerald.

Conclusion

Emeralds, the birthstone of May, are treasured for their stunning green hues and rich symbolism. 

Wearing an emerald connects you to centuries of tradition and mythology, embodying growth, wisdom, and love.

Whether for yourself or a loved one, an emerald is a timeless choice that brings nature’s elegance and a touch of history to any jewelry collection.

Explore Ben Garelick’s collection of emerald jewelry and find the piece that speaks to you. Visit our showroom or chat with one of our gemstone experts online today—your perfect emerald awaits!

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.