May Birthstone Gift Ideas

What is the birthstone for May?

The gorgeously green and much envied Emerald is the birthstone for May. (Not to be confused with an emerald cut diamond!)

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What is the meaning of May's birthstone?

Emeralds have been highly valued for centuries for their brilliant green color, thought to represent the lushness and vitality of the natural world during the spring season, which typically starts to take full bloom in the month of May.

The ancient Greeks believed that emeralds were associated with the goddess Venus, who was associated with love and fertility, and they were also used as offerings to the goddess Artemis, who was associated with the moon and the natural world. In traditional Hindu astrology, emeralds were considered to be the gemstone for the planet Mercury, and people born in May were believed to have a strong connection to this planet.

Regardless of what you believe, the gorgeous green color of an emerald may leave others envious of those born in the month of May lucky enough to have the emerald as their birthstone!

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Why is an emerald green?

Emeralds are green because of the presence of trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, and sometimes iron in the crystal structure of the mineral beryl, which is the mineral from which emeralds are formed. The intensity of the green color depends on the amount of these elements present in the crystal structure. The presence of iron can also affect the color, producing a bluish-green hue.

The green color in emeralds is also influenced by the presence of inclusions, which are tiny mineral deposits or fractures within the crystal structure. Inclusions can affect the way light is transmitted through the gemstone, causing it to scatter and reflect in different ways and enhancing the visual impact of the green color.

Overall, the unique combination of chemical elements and inclusions in emeralds produces the beautiful green color that makes them so highly valued and sought after in the world of gemstones.

What are some May emerald birthstone gift ideas?

• Permanent Jewelry Bracelet with an Emerald Charm: We offer several permanent jewelry chains! Plus you can add any charms you like, including an emerald to create a unique May Birthstone gift.
• Earrings: A classic and timeless gift that can be worn every day or for special occasions. They can be purchased in various styles to fit any budget.
• A pendant necklace either adorned with diamonds, or on its own to get all of the attention it deserves.
• ‍Fashion Rings: Though the engagement ring and wedding ring often get all of the attention, there are a multitude of fashion rings available for every day wear. Consider a stackable ring, or a small solitaire for an understated look. Or consider a eye popper like the 3 stone ring pictured below!
• Create something custom! Our repair shop has the ability to bring your vision to life. Find the loose emerald you love, and let us help you set it in a ring, pendant, brooch, or even get a pair to create your own favorite earring set.

What are some of the most iconic emeralds in history?

Emeralds have been highly valued and sought after for centuries, and there are many iconic pieces of jewelry that feature this beautiful gemstone. Here are some of the most famous and emeralds (and one is still a raw stone!)

• The Duke of Devonshire's Emerald Parure: This stunning set of emerald jewelry includes a necklace, earrings, a brooch, and a tiara. The set was created in the 19th century and has been worn by several members of the Devonshire family.

• The Patricia Emerald: The Patricia Emerald, discovered in Colombia in 1920 and named after the mine owner's daughter, is a 632-ct (4.46 oz) uncut emerald roughly 2.5 inches tall. It resides in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
• The Chalk Emerald: This 37.8- carat emerald ranks among the world’s finest Columbian emeralds. (images from the Smithsonian)

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Looking for more information?

• Shop other Birthstones online with Jack Lewis Jewelers.
• Learn about other gemstones with our Gemstone Guide.
• Looking for gift ideas beyond emeralds? Check out our Gifts pages for Men and Women to find more great gift ideas.
• Did you know that green Emeralds are not a good choice for an engagement ring? Check out our CarterCast video to learn why!