Emerald: May’s Birthstone
May’s birthstone, emerald, is instantly recognisable for its deep green colour and natural character.
Emerald is a green variety of the mineral beryl, coloured by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It ranks 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable, though more prone to inclusions than many gemstones.
These inclusions, often described as jardin ((garden) are a natural feature of emeralds and are widely accepted as part of their individuality.
The most famous emeralds come from Colombia, with other important sources including Zambia and Brazil. Due to their natural inclusions, emeralds have been commonly treated with oils to improve clarity—an industry-accepted practice that requires mindful care over time.
Protective settings are often recommended to help preserve the stone’s surface. We can help you make an informed choice for your emerald setting.
Emeralds have been admired not only for their rich green colour, but for the powerful meanings they have carried across cultures for thousands of years. Throughout history, emeralds have been closely linked with renewal, growth, and enduring love—a natural association given their vibrant green hue.
In Roman tradition, the gemstone was sacred to Venus, the goddess of love, and was believed to strengthen relationships and encourage faithfulness. For this reason, emeralds have historically been gifted to mark anniversaries and significant personal milestones.
During the Middle Ages, emeralds were thought to promote truth and wisdom, with the belief that the stone would reveal dishonesty and enhance insight.
Therefore, we think you can find a good reason to buy any of your loved ones an emerald!
Emerald’s rich green colour pairs beautifully with yellow gold, creating a classic and luxurious contrast. Here at Almagrove Jewellers we have a selection of new, preloved and vintage jewellery with emeralds. We of course can create any bespoke emerald jewellery and our experts can guide you through all the decisions in making your own emerald heirloom.
