What is the birthstone for May?
Firstly the gemstone that represents May birthstone is the Emerald. It is also the Gem of Springtime with its green hues. In addition to the gem of the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries. These gemstones are green to a greenish-blue variety of beryl. The gemstone itself has to have a particular dark hue to be named an Emerald. If the shade is too light, then the gemstone is graded as a Beryl instead.
History and origin
Roman author Pliny the Elder – Vesuvius wrote in his encyclopedic that “nothing greens greener.” He also stated that the May birthstone had therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green colour comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Science now proves this belief: The colour green relieves stress and eye strain.
The oldest Emeralds date back to 2.97 Billion years ago in South Africa. The first known mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC into the 1700s. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for Emerald and used it in her royal adornments.
Healing properties
This beautiful gemstone has both physical healing properties and mental healing properties. To improve ones healing from negative thoughts and heal both emotional love and the physical heart. Including improving the liver, infections from illness, the sinuses, and the lungs.
An Emerald is said to be a bridge between two people when the gem is given in love.
Gift Inspiration
With a wide range of jewellery designs, Emeralds can be set in most items on our website.
Engagement Rings
Emerald gemstones are available in a range of shapes. Contrary to the traditional shape, we can also supply them in most fancy shapes such as Oval or Round. To create an Emerald engagement ring, we can initially look into providing a range of qualities and particular shades of green.
In particular, an emerald engagement ring set with a brilliant white halo of diamonds creates an unusual striking finished effect.
May Birthstone Necklaces
With many gift ideas available for that special someone with a May birthday, we can create anything! In addition, engraving can be added to a necklace for additional personalised detail.
Qualities
Emeralds typically contain inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye. Because of this, trade members and some consumers understand and accept the presence of inclusions. Eye-clean emeralds are precious because they’re so rare.
The inclusions look mossy or garden-like. They’re sometimes called “Jardin,” which is French for garden.
Colour
Firstly, and most importantly the most desirable colours are bluish-green to pure green, with vivid colour saturation and tone that’s not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent. If the hue is too yellowish or too bluish, the stone is not emerald, but a different variety of beryl, and its value drops accordingly.
Carat Weight
Available in a wide range of carat weights. The Sandawana mine in Zimbabwe is known for its tiny yet vividly coloured stones. Its emeralds are as small as 1 mm square, but they’re still intensely green. The mine’s cut stones average about 0.05 to 0.25 carat and rarely weigh more than 1.50 carats.
The smallest sizes range from 1 mm to 5 mm, with weights from 0.02 to 0.50 carat, while 1 to 5-carat stones are popular as centre stones. Prestigious pieces of jewellery can include emeralds that weigh over 20 carats.
Bespoke Design
Although most of our designs are available with the option of an alternative gemstone, it may be that you have envisioned the perfect design, whether this is a ring design, pendant, or even earrings. Therefore, our bespoke design is the ideal option for bringing your amazing emerald piece to life.
With a showroom based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, appointments are available from Mondays – Saturdays. In comfortable surroundings, most importantly, we can discuss the design and ensure we have some gemstones here for your appointment to view and select the perfect green!
Caring for your Emerald
Ultrasonic vibrations can weaken already-fractured stones, and hot steam can cause oil or unhardened resin to sweat out of fractures. Moreover, using warm, soapy water coupled with gentle scrubbing is the safest way to clean the gemstone.
About Emily Austin
Emily is one of our dedicated team members. She remains a valued member of our expert team and a part of the Serendipity Diamond family. Emily works on almost every aspect of our shop, from helping customers to updating our social media pages. She also takes care of many of our international deliveries, ensuring they arrive with clients safely as expected. Contact Emily directly by email or chat with her most days online.
