The birthstone for May is the emerald. It belongs to the beryl mineral family, deriving its green color from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium, and has a recorded history of use in jewelry and ceremonial objects that spans more than 4,000 years.
For those seeking an alternative, chrysoprase is the traditional secondary stone for May 2026.
Table of Contents
What Is the May Birthstone?
The May birthstone is the emerald, a variety of the mineral beryl (chemical formula: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈). The green color results from trace impurities of chromium, vanadium, or a combination of both. Stones colored by iron alone are classified as “green beryl,” not emerald, and carry significantly lower market value.
The emerald is one of four stones classified as precious gemstones, alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire. This classification is based on historical rarity, hardness, and sustained commercial demand.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mineral family | Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) |
| Color agent | Chromium and/or vanadium |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 – 8 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Refractive index | 1.565 – 1.602 |
| Specific gravity | 2.67 – 2.78 |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Clarity type | Type III (almost always included) |
| Primary source countries | Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan |
| Classification | Precious gemstone |
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies emerald as a Type III gemstone, meaning inclusions are expected in virtually all natural specimens. This classification directly affects how emerald is graded, priced, and cared for — distinct from diamonds, which are evaluated under strict clarity standards.
May Birthstone Color – What Shade Is Emerald?
The emerald’s color ranges from vivid green to slightly bluish-green, with a medium to medium-dark tone. The GIA evaluates emerald color across three components: hue, tone, and saturation. Color accounts for 50–70% of an emerald’s total value, according to GIA gemological standards.
The Three Components of Emerald Color
Hue
Hue refers to the dominant shade of the stone. The most valued emerald hue is pure green or slightly bluish-green. Stones tending toward yellow-green are considered lower quality. Stones with a significant blue shift can still qualify as emerald but command lower prices than the pure green benchmark.
| Hue Classification | Description | Commercial Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vivid green | Pure, saturated green with no modifying hue | Highest |
| Slightly bluish-green | Dominant green with minor blue modifier | High |
| Yellowish-green | Green with notable yellow component | Moderate to Low |
| Bluish-green | Equal green and blue components | Moderate |
| Green beryl | Too light or too pale; lacks chromium/vanadium intensity | Low (not classified as emerald) |
Tone
Tone describes the depth of the color, measured on a scale from very light to very dark. The optimal range is medium to medium-dark. Stones below medium tone appear washed out. Stones above medium-dark absorb too much light and appear nearly black in low-light conditions.
Saturation
Saturation measures color intensity, or how vivid the green appears. High saturation produces the electric, glowing quality associated with premium Colombian emeralds. Low saturation produces a grayish or brownish modifier that reduces value substantially.
The most prized emeralds combine a pure green or slightly bluish-green hue, medium-dark tone, and vivid saturation. Colombian emeralds from the Muzo and Chivor mines frequently achieve this combination, which is why they command premium prices on the global market.
Emerald Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
The emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, fertility, and wisdom. These associations originate from ancient civilizations across three continents and have been documented in historical and archaeological records spanning more than 4,000 years.
Historical Symbolism
Ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the Eastern Desert as early as 1500 BCE, a region now referred to as Cleopatra’s Mines. Cleopatra is documented to have had a strong personal connection to the stone, using it in royal regalia and diplomatic gifts. The Smithsonian Institution holds several historically significant emerald pieces that demonstrate the stone’s use in ancient ceremonial contexts.
The Incas and Aztecs of South America considered the emerald sacred. Spanish conquistadors encountered large quantities of the stone when they arrived in South America in the 16th century. The emerald-mining regions of Colombia — Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez — had been actively worked by pre-Columbian peoples for centuries before Spanish contact.
In ancient Rome, the emerald was associated with Venus, the goddess of love. This association reinforced the stone’s connection to fertility, renewal, and romantic commitment.
Spiritual and Metaphysical Meaning
The emerald is associated with the Heart Chakra (Anahata) in Hindu and Western metaphysical traditions. The Heart Chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional balance. Stones aligned with this chakra are traditionally placed at the center of the chest.
| Symbolic Association | Origin / Tradition |
|---|---|
| Rebirth and renewal | Ancient Egyptian tradition |
| Love and fertility | Roman (Venus association) |
| Wisdom and foresight | Medieval European tradition |
| Heart Chakra activation | Hindu and Western metaphysical tradition |
| Loyalty and faithfulness | Taurus zodiac association |
| Communication and duality | Gemini zodiac association |
Emerald Meaning in Gift-Giving
The emerald is the traditional gift for the 20th and 55th wedding anniversaries, according to the American Gem Society (AGS). It is also the standard birthstone gift for individuals born in May, for both Taurus (Friday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 20, 2026) and Gemini (Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 31, 2026) birthdays.
Emerald Birthstone History
Emeralds have been mined continuously for at least 3,500 years, with the oldest documented sources located in Egypt. The stone appears in ancient texts, royal inventories, and religious artifacts across Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Indian, and pre-Columbian South American cultures.
Key Historical Milestones
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1500 BCE | Egyptian emerald mining begins in the Eastern Desert (Wadi Sikait) |
| 4th century BCE | Aristotle references the stone’s properties in De Lapidibus |
| 1st century CE | Pliny the Elder describes emeralds in Naturalis Historia, noting their eye-soothing qualities |
| 16th century CE | Spanish discovery of Colombian emerald deposits transforms global supply |
| 1830 | Ural Mountains emerald deposits discovered in Russia |
| 1931 | Major commercial emerald mining begins in Zambia (Kafubu River region) |
| 1935 | Carroll Chatham produces the first successful lab-grown emeralds |
Notable Historical Emerald Pieces
Several historically significant emeralds are held in public institutions and serve as reference points for quality and cultural importance.
- The Chalk Emerald: A 37.82-carat Colombian emerald now displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
- The Crown of the Andes: A 16th-century Colombian ceremonial crown set with 443 emeralds totaling approximately 1,521 carats, now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
- The Elizabeth Taylor Brooch (Bulgari): A Colombian emerald and diamond brooch sold at Christie’s in 2011 for $6.13 million.
May Birthstone Color Meaning – Green and Its Variations
The green of the emerald has been consistently associated with nature, growth, and vitality across multiple independent cultural traditions. In color psychology, green is associated with balance, renewal, and health. The specific shade of an emerald — from light green to deep forest green — carries variations in cultural meaning.
| Shade | Association |
|---|---|
| Light green | Youth, freshness, spring renewal |
| Vivid medium green | Growth, abundance, vitality |
| Deep forest green | Stability, wealth, endurance |
| Bluish-green | Calm, wisdom, emotional clarity |
May Birthstone for Taurus and Gemini
The emerald serves as the birthstone for both zodiac signs that fall in May: Taurus and Gemini. The transition between the two signs occurs on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Some alternative birthstone lists assign pearl as the primary Gemini birthstone, creating inconsistency across sources.
Taurus and the Emerald (Friday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 20, 2026)
Taurus is an Earth sign, and the emerald is its primary associated gemstone. The connection is based on shared attributes: stability, endurance, and material value. Taurus is ruled by Venus in Western astrology, reinforcing the emerald’s historical association with that planet.
| Taurus Attribute | Emerald Association |
|---|---|
| Earth element | Green coloration linked to earth and nature |
| Venus rulership | Emerald’s Roman association with Venus |
| Stability | Enduring value and rarity of the stone |
| Sensory orientation | Visual richness and tactile luxury of the gem |
Gemini and the Birthstone Debate (Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 31, 2026)
For Gemini, birthstone assignments vary by source. The Modern Birthstone List (standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912) assigns emerald to May without distinguishing between Taurus and Gemini. Alternative zodiac-based lists assign pearl to Gemini. The discrepancy arises because zodiac-based and calendar-month-based birthstone systems use different assignment logic.
| Birthstone System | May 21–31 Assignment |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 calendar-month list) | Emerald |
| Traditional zodiac list | Pearl (Gemini) |
| Ayurvedic list | Emerald |
| Russian/historical list | Emerald |
For gift purposes, the calendar-month standard (emerald for all of May) is the most widely used and commercially recognized system.
Emerald Quality Grades – The 4Cs for Emeralds
Emerald quality is evaluated using four criteria: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, but the weighting differs substantially from diamond grading. Color is the dominant value driver, accounting for 50–70% of the stone’s assessed value according to GIA gemological methodology.
Color – The Primary Value Driver
Color evaluates three components: hue (the shade), tone (the depth), and saturation (the intensity). The optimal combination is a pure green or slightly bluish-green hue, a medium to medium-dark tone, and vivid saturation. Colombian emeralds from the Muzo region frequently meet this standard, which is why Colombian origin commands a market premium of 20–50% over comparable Zambian stones, according to trade data from the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
Clarity – Embracing the Jardin
Virtually all natural emeralds contain visible inclusions, a characteristic so inherent to the stone that the French term jardin (garden) is used to describe them. The jardin consists of needle-like crystals, fractures, fluid inclusions, and growth irregularities formed during the stone’s development.
The jardin serves a practical function: it confirms natural origin. Lab-grown or synthetic emeralds have distinctly different inclusion patterns — typically fine wispy veils rather than the complex natural jardin.
| Clarity Level | Description | Typical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Flawless (FL) | No inclusions visible at 10x magnification | Extremely rare; considered suspicious without certification |
| Eye-clean | Inclusions visible under loupe but not to naked eye | Rare; commands significant premium |
| Slightly included | Minor inclusions visible to naked eye | Common; acceptable for most jewelry |
| Moderately included | Inclusions clearly visible; some affect transparency | Common in commercial grade |
| Heavily included | Dense inclusions affecting light transmission | Common in commercial-grade |
Avoid inclusions that reach the surface of the stone (surface-reaching fractures). These structural weaknesses increase the risk of cracking under the mechanical stress of setting or daily wear.
Cut – Protection and Light Performance
The emerald cut — a rectangular step-cut with truncated corners — was developed specifically for this gemstone. The cropped corners reduce the stress concentration at the stone’s edges, which are the most vulnerable points for chipping. The step-cut faceting maximizes color saturation rather than brilliance, appropriate for a stone valued primarily for color.
Evaluating cut quality requires checking for:
- Window effect: A transparent zone in the center of the stone where the cut is too shallow, and light passes straight through without reflecting back
- Extinction: Dark areas where light is not reflected, caused by an overly deep pavilion
- Corner integrity: Truncated corners reduce brittleness risk; sharp 90-degree corners increase vulnerability
Carat Weight and Size
Emerald density (specific gravity: 2.67–2.78) is slightly lower than that of diamond (3.52). A 1-carat emerald is physically larger than a 1-carat diamond of equivalent size. This means emerald offers more visible stone per carat weight compared to diamond.
Emerald Treatments – What 90% of Sellers Do Not Disclose
Approximately 90–95% of commercially available natural emeralds have been treated with oil or resin to improve their apparent clarity, according to GIA. This is one of the most widely accepted practices in the colored gemstone trade, but it is significantly underreported in consumer-facing content.
Treatment does not make a stone fake. However, the type and degree of treatment directly affect value and long-term care requirements.
Types of Emerald Treatments
| Treatment Type | Description | Industry Standard | Effect on Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorless cedarwood oil | Natural oil filling surface-reaching fractures | Accepted (minor to moderate) | Minimal negative impact |
| Synthetic resins (e.g., Opticon) | Hardened polymer filling fractures | Accepted if disclosed | Moderate to significant negative impact |
| Green-dyed oil or resin | Colored filler masking depth or tone | Not accepted; considered significant enhancement | Major negative impact; value drops 30–70% |
| No treatment (F/None) | Completely untreated stone | Rare; certification required | Significant premium (30–100% above treated equivalent) |
GIA Enhancement Terminology
GIA reports describe treatment levels using four classifications:
- None (N or F): No fracture filling detected
- Minor (F1): Small amount of colorless oil or resin; minimal impact
- Moderate (F2): Moderate amount of filler; visible under magnification
- Significant (F3): Heavy filling; substantial impact on value and durability
For any emerald over 1 carat, always request a laboratory report from GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab, or the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) confirming the treatment status before purchase.
How Treatment Affects Price
| Treatment Level | Price Adjustment vs. Untreated Stone |
|---|---|
| No treatment (F) | Baseline (100% of value) |
| Minor oiling | 80–90% of untreated value |
| Moderate oiling | 60–75% of untreated value |
| Significant resin filling | 30–60% of untreated value |
| Dyed filler detected | 30–60% of the untreated value |
Natural Emerald vs. Lab-Grown Emerald – Full Comparison
Lab-grown emeralds have an identical chemical composition (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) to natural emeralds and are produced using two methods: hydrothermal growth (mimicking natural conditions) and flux growth. The GIA differentiates natural from lab-grown on laboratory reports.
| Feature | Natural Emerald | Lab-Grown Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (identical) |
| Color agent | Chromium/vanadium (natural) | Chromium/vanadium (introduced) |
| Inclusions | Natural jardin | Wispy veils; rarely jardin |
| Hardness | 7.5 – 8 Mohs | 7.5 – 8 Mohs |
| Treatment prevalence | 90–95% treated | Rarely treated |
| Price per carat (1-carat, mid-quality) | $500 – $5,000+ | $50 – $200 |
| Value retention | Strong (investment grade) | Low (depreciates rapidly) |
| Ethical sourcing clarity | Variable; requires certification | Fully traceable |
| GIA certification available | Yes | Yes (identified as lab-grown) |
Carroll Chatham produced the first commercially successful lab-grown emeralds in 1935. Today, major producers include Chatham, Tairus, and Biron. Lab-grown emeralds are a legitimate option for buyers prioritizing size or budget over investment value or natural origin.
Colombian vs. Zambian Emeralds – Origin Comparison
Colombian emeralds are the global benchmark for quality, but Zambian emeralds have captured significant market share since the 1970s due to their consistent availability and quality. The two origins produce stones with distinct color profiles and come from different mining structures.
| Feature | Colombian Emerald | Zambian Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mines | Muzo, Chivor, Coscuez | Kagem (Kafubu River region) |
| Typical color | Pure vivid green to slightly yellowish-green | Slightly bluish-green; deeper tone |
| Chromium content | Higher; produces warmer, more saturated green | Lower; vanadium more prominent |
| Typical inclusions | Three-phase inclusions (liquid, gas, crystal) | Two-phase inclusions; iron-rich |
| Market premium | 20–50% above Zambian equivalent | Standard commercial benchmark |
| Mining structure | Mix of artisanal and industrial | Primarily industrial (Gemfields) |
| Ethical certification | Variable; Fairmined certification available | Gemfields publishes annual sustainability reports |
| Annual production volume | Approx. 70–90 million carats (rough) | 20–50% above the Zambian equivalent |
Colombia accounts for approximately 70–90% of the world’s premium-quality emerald supply, according to data from the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). Zambia is the second-largest producer and the dominant source of commercial-grade stones.
Ethical Sourcing Considerations
Colombian mining ranges from artisanal small-scale operations (ASM) to industrial mining, with varying levels of labor oversight and environmental accountability. Fairmined certification (administered by ARM — Alliance for Responsible Mining) provides traceability for Colombian emeralds from certified mines.
Zambian emerald production at Kagem — majority-owned by Gemfields Group — operates under published environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Gemfields publishes annual sustainability reports and operates community development programs in the Kafubu region.
For buyers prioritizing supply chain transparency, requesting a country-of-origin report from GIA, Gübelin, or SSEF in addition to the standard grading report is the most reliable verification method.
May Birthstone Durability – Is Emerald Suitable for Daily Wear?
Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, but is considered a fragile stone for daily wear due to its natural inclusions and brittle crystal structure. Hardness measures resistance to surface scratching; it does not measure toughness, which is resistance to breakage. The distinction is critical for jewelry buyers.
Most natural emeralds contain surface-reaching fractures filled with oil or resin. These fractures, while visually acceptable, create structural weak points. Under mechanical impact — for example, striking a hard surface or catching on a door frame — an emerald can chip or crack at these fracture lines.
| Property | Emerald | Diamond | Sapphire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 – 8 | 10 | 9 |
| Toughness | Poor to Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Fracture type | Conchoidal; inclusion-propagated | Conchoidal | Conchoidal |
| Daily wear suitability | Moderate (protective setting required) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ultrasonic cleaner safe | No | Yes | Yes |
Best Settings for Emerald Durability
Protective settings significantly reduce the risk of emerald damage in daily-wear jewelry. The two most protective settings are the bezel and the halo.
| Setting Type | Protection Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bezel | Highest | Metal rim encircles the entire perimeter of the stone |
| Halo | High | Ring of smaller stones surrounds and partially protects the center emerald |
| Three-prong / Four-prong | Moderate | Standard prong setting; leaves stone edges exposed |
| Six-prong | Moderate | Provides more coverage than four-prong; still exposes stone circumference |
| Tension | Low | Stone held by spring pressure; no mechanical protection against impact |
| Prong at corners | Low | Provides more coverage than a four-prong; still exposes the stone circumference |
For emerald engagement rings intended for daily wear, bezel or halo settings are the most practical choices. A gemologist at GIA or an independent appraiser can assess whether a specific emerald’s inclusion pattern warrants additional structural protection.
May Birthstone Jewelry Guide
May birthstone jewelry spans rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pendants, with emerald available in natural, lab-grown, and simulant (imitation) forms across a wide price range.
May Birthstone Ring
Emerald rings are the most commercially searched May birthstone jewelry format, driven by both birthstone purchases and the growing popularity of colored stone engagement rings. The emerald cut and oval cut are the two most common shapes for emerald rings.
Pricing for emerald rings varies significantly by stone quality, origin, and metal type:
| Stone Type | Quality | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Colombian emerald | Premium (vivid, eye-clean) | $2,000 – $15,000+ per carat |
| Natural Zambian emerald | Mid-grade (slightly included) | $300 – $2,000 per carat |
| Natural commercial grade | Lower (moderate inclusions) | $50 – $300 per carat |
| Lab-grown emerald | Fine quality | $50 – $200 per carat |
| Chrysoprase (natural alternative) | Fine quality | $5 – $50 per carat |
May Birthstone Necklace
Emerald pendants and necklaces are the second most purchased May birthstone jewelry category, according to industry data from the National Retail Federation (NRF). Bezel-set pendants and emerald-cut solitaires in yellow gold settings are consistent top sellers for May birthday gifts.
May Birthstone Earrings
Stud earrings set with small natural or lab-grown emeralds in four-prong or bezel settings represent an accessible price point for emerald jewelry. Small emeralds (under 0.5 carat per stone) in earrings face lower daily-wear durability risks than rings, as they experience minimal mechanical impact.
May Birthstone Bracelet
Tennis bracelets set with emeralds are the most common bracelet format. Due to the mechanical stress experienced by bracelet settings, lab-grown emeralds or chrysoprase alternatives are often more practical choices for this format.
May Birthstone Alternatives – When Emerald Isn’t the Right Choice
Chrysoprase is the traditional secondary birthstone for May, listed in historical British and German birthstone charts as an alternative to emerald. Additional alternatives exist for buyers seeking different price points, durability profiles, or aesthetic variations.
| Alternative Stone | Color | Mohs Hardness | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysoprase | Apple green | 6.5 – 7 | $5 – $50/carat | Budget buyers; softer green preference |
| Green tourmaline | Vivid green to yellowish-green | 7 – 7.5 | $50 – $500/carat | Durability-focused buyers |
| Tsavorite garnet | Vivid green | 6.5 – 7.5 | $300 – $3,000/carat | Premium alternative; higher durability |
| Green sapphire | Light to medium green | 9 | $200 – $2,000/carat | Maximum durability; daily wear |
| Peridot | Yellow-green | 6.5 – 7 | $10 – $80/carat | Budget alternative; August birthstone crossover |
| Lab-grown emerald | Vivid green | 7.5 – 8 | $50 – $200/carat | Size and value buyers |
| Green onyx | Dark green | 6.5 – 7 | $5 – $30/carat | Fashion jewelry; budget buyers |
Tsavorite garnet represents the closest natural alternative to premium emerald in terms of color saturation, without the treatment concerns. It is significantly more durable than emerald due to fewer inclusions and greater toughness.
The ICA and trade publications frequently cite tsavorite as the most undervalued alternative in the green gemstone category.
How to Care for Your May Birthstone Jewelry
Emerald requires specific care protocols that differ from other precious gemstones, due to its Type III clarity classification and near-universal oil or resin treatment status.
Cleaning Emerald Jewelry – Safe Method
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner on an emerald. The vibrations from ultrasonic cleaning can propagate existing fractures within the stone, causing internal damage or surface chipping. Steam heat causes cedarwood oil or resin treatments to expand and sweat out of fractures, leaving the stone looking white, cloudy, or cracked.
The safe home cleaning method involves 4 steps:
- Prepare: Mix 2–3 drops of mild, pH-neutral dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water (not hot water, which can affect the treatment)
- Soak: Submerge the jewelry for 60–90 seconds to loosen surface debris
- Brush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the underside of the stone and around the setting; do not scrub the top facets
- Dry: Pat with a clean microfiber cloth; allow to air-dry before storage
Chemical Exposure – What to Avoid
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most common cause of accelerated oil treatment degradation in emerald jewelry. Repeated exposure dries out the cedarwood oil within the stone’s fractures, causing the stone to appear ashy, cloudy, or lighter in color. The following substances should be kept away from emerald jewelry:
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Chlorine bleach and household cleaning products
- Perfumes and colognes
- Body lotions and sunscreens
- Swimming pool or hot tub water (chlorinated)
Apply the “last on, first off” principle: put jewelry on after applying perfume, lotion, and sunscreen; remove jewelry before washing hands, cleaning, or swimming.
Storage Guidelines
Store emerald jewelry separately from other gemstones. Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, which means it can be scratched by diamonds (Mohs 10), corundum/sapphires (Mohs 9), and topaz (Mohs 8). It can also scratch softer stones such as pearls and opals.
Recommended storage:
- Individual soft velvet or suede pouch per piece
- Separate compartment in a fabric-lined jewelry box
- Away from direct sunlight (UV exposure can affect treated filler materials over time)
Professional Maintenance Schedule
| Maintenance Task | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Prong and setting inspection | Every 6 months |
| Professional cleaning | Annually |
| Re-oiling by specialist jeweler | Every 3–5 years (as needed) |
| Full gemological re-assessment | Full gemological reassessment |
Re-oiling is a standard industry service. A jeweler certified by GIA or a member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) can perform this safely using grade-appropriate cedarwood oil.
How to Evaluate an Emerald Before Purchase – Buyer’s Checklist
Use the following checklist to evaluate an emerald at the point of purchase, applying GIA-aligned criteria at each step.
Step 1 – Evaluate Color Under Natural Light
Place the stone on a white surface under natural daylight (not fluorescent or LED lighting, which can alter color perception). Confirm:
- The dominant hue is green or slightly bluish-green
- The tone is medium to medium-dark (not washed out or excessively dark)
- The saturation is vivid — the green appears intense, not grayish or brownish
Step 2 – Check for Jardin Under 10x Loupe
Inspect the stone under a 10x jeweler’s loupe. Confirm:
- Inclusions form the characteristic mossy or needle-like jardin pattern
- No inclusions reach the surface (surface-reaching fractures increase breakage risk)
- The stone is not milky or cloudy throughout (which blocks light and reduces brilliance)
Step 3 – Assess the Cut Quality
View the stone face-up under lighting. Confirm:
- No window effect (transparent hole in the center where you can see through the stone)
- Even light reflection across the full face of the stone
- Corners are truncated (clipped), not sharp 90-degree angles
Step 4 – Request Treatment Disclosure
Ask the seller directly: “Has this stone been treated, and if so, to what degree?” For stones over 1 carat, request a laboratory report from GIA, Gübelin, or SSEF specifying the treatment level (None, Minor, Moderate, or Significant).
Step 5 – Verify Origin Documentation (for Premium Stones)
For Colombian-origin stones commanding a price premium, request a country-of-origin report. GIA, Gübelin, and SSEF each issue origin reports as a separate service from standard grading.
Frequently Asked Questions About the May Birthstone
What is the birthstone for May?
The birthstone for May is the emerald, a chromium- and vanadium-colored variety of the mineral beryl. It is one of four precious gemstones alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
What color is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is green, ranging from vivid pure green to slightly bluish-green. The most valuable emeralds have a medium-dark tone and vivid saturation with no significant yellow or blue modifier.
Why is emerald the May birthstone?
Emerald was assigned to May through multiple historical birthstone systems, including ancient Hindu, Arabic, and Hebrew traditions. The modern standardized list was adopted by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912. The pairing is reinforced by the stone’s spring-green color, aligned with May’s position in the Northern Hemisphere growing season.
Is emerald durable enough for an engagement ring?
Emerald can be used in engagement rings but requires a protective setting and careful daily maintenance. Its Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 provides adequate scratch resistance, but its natural inclusions create brittleness that makes it vulnerable to impact-related chipping. A bezel or halo setting significantly reduces this risk.
How much is a real emerald worth?
Natural emerald prices range from $50 per carat for commercial-grade stones to over $5,000 per carat for premium Colombian vivid-green specimens. Treatment level, origin, color, and clarity all affect price. GIA-certified untreated Colombian emeralds with vivid color and eye-clean clarity are at the upper end of this range.
What is the difference between a natural and a lab-grown emerald?
Natural and lab-grown emeralds are chemically identical (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) but differ in origin, inclusion patterns, and market value. Natural emeralds form over millions of years in the earth; lab-grown emeralds are produced in 6–12 months. Lab-grown stones typically sell for $50–$200 per carat versus $500–$5,000+ per carat for natural equivalents and do not retain investment value.
Can you wear emerald jewelry in the shower?
Removing emerald jewelry before showering is recommended. While water does not damage the stone directly, detergents and soaps can gradually strip cedarwood oil treatments from fractures, causing the stone to lose clarity and appear cloudy over time.
What is the alternative birthstone for May?
Chrysoprase is the traditional alternative birthstone for May, listed in historical British and German birthstone references. Other practical alternatives include green tourmaline (higher durability), tsavorite garnet (closest color match with better toughness), and lab-grown emerald (budget-accessible with identical chemistry).
What zodiac signs have emerald as their birthstone?
Taurus (Friday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 20, 2026) uses emerald as its primary birthstone under both zodiac and calendar-month systems. For Gemini (Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 31, 2026), the calendar-month system assigns emerald, while some alternative zodiac-based systems assign pearl. The American National Retail Jewelers Association’s 1912 standard — the most widely recognized commercial system — assigns emerald to all of May.
How do you clean an emerald ring at home?
Clean emerald jewelry using lukewarm water with mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or alcohol-based products. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth. Have the stone professionally re-oiled by a certified jeweler every 3–5 years as needed.
Is a green-colored stone in May birthstone jewelry always an emerald?
No. Jewelry marketed as “May birthstone” sometimes contains green beryl, chrysoprase, green glass, synthetic spinel, or dyed stone rather than genuine emerald. Verification requires a laboratory report from GIA, Gübelin, or SSEF for stones of significant value.
May Birthstone – Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary birthstone | Emerald |
| Secondary/alternative birthstone | Chrysoprase |
| Mineral family | Beryl |
| Chemical formula | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ |
| Color | Vivid green to slightly bluish-green |
| Color agent | Chromium and/or vanadium |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 – 8 |
| Toughness | Poor to Fair |
| Clarity type | Type III (almost always included) |
| Treatment prevalence | 90–95% of natural stones (oil or resin) |
| Top sources | Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan |
| Symbolism | Rebirth, love, fertility, wisdom |
| Zodiac associations | Taurus (May 1–20); Gemini (May 21–31) |
| Anniversary use | 20th and 55th wedding anniversaries |
| Safe cleaning method | Lukewarm water, mild soap, soft brush |
| Unsafe cleaning methods | Ultrasonic cleaner, steam cleaner, alcohol |
| Re-oiling frequency | Every 3–5 years (professional service) |
| Recommended setting for rings | Bezel or halo (most protective) |
| Lab-grown price range | $50 – $200 per carat |
| Natural price range | $50 – $5,000+ per carat |
Gemological data in this article is sourced from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). Historical data references the Smithsonian Institution and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mining production data references the International Colored Gemstone Association annual trade reports.
