May birthstone
May birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is the stone of rebirth, love, wisdom and growth. Here's its color, history, care and what to look for when you buy.
- Color
- Bluish green to pure green
- Hardness
- 7.5–8 Mohs
- Meaning
- rebirth, love, wisdom and growth
- Found in
- Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan
- Anniversary
- 20th & 35th
- Birth flower
- Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
Shop May birthstone jewelry
May birthstone necklaceDainty emerald pendants, the #1 birth month giftShop on Amazon →Emerald ringsSolitaires, stackers & bezel settingsShop on Amazon →May birthstone braceletCharm & chain bracelets with tiny stonesShop on Amazon →Emerald stud earringsSimple studs that go with everythingShop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Emerald colors
Bluish green to pure green. Most emeralds have visible inclusions, which the trade calls "jardin" (garden).
History & meaning
Cleopatra was famous for her love of emeralds and claimed Egyptian emerald mines as her own. The Spanish took huge Colombian emeralds back to Europe in the 1500s, and Colombia still produces the most prized stones.
Caring for emerald
Hard but brittle, and usually oil-treated. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Wipe gently and remove before hard work.
What emerald costs
Fine emeralds can rival diamond prices. Lab-created emeralds are an affordable, beautiful alternative.
May birthstone jewelry
Necklaces, rings and bracelets in emerald, plus how to pick a setting that suits a 7.5–8-hardness stone.
Shop May jewelry ideasQuestions, answered
What is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is Emerald.
What color is the May birthstone?
Bluish green to pure green. Most emeralds have visible inclusions, which the trade calls "jardin" (garden).
What does emerald mean?
Emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, wisdom and growth.
Is emerald good for everyday rings?
Emerald rates 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Hard but brittle, and usually oil-treated. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Wipe gently and remove before hard work.
How much does emerald cost?
Fine emeralds can rival diamond prices. Lab-created emeralds are an affordable, beautiful alternative.
Your birth month, in your inbox
Get your flower & stone card
One pretty email a month: that month's flower and birthstone, plus a heads-up before family birthdays. No spam.