May is a glorious month. At the heart of spring, the sun is out, and everything is flourishing. Spring blossoms and birds singing fill our hearts with hope. Those lucky enough to be born in May enjoy the spring magic and an emerald as their birthstone.
The green Emerald- The May birthstone is one of the most stunning and precious gems. Believed to have mystical powers, this stone has also been linked to good fortune and healing properties. Associated with spring and renewal, it is the ideal birthstone for those born in May.
Egypt was the first country to mine this gemstone. Cleopatra loved this vibrant green gem, and she wore it often.
The ancient Egyptians buried their royalty with emeralds. Eventually, people began mining the stone throughout Africa, Asia, and South America.
The largest emerald ever discovered weighed almost 800 pounds
The precious gems came to Europe after the Spanish found them during their invasions of South America.
The southern continent is a rich source of this precious gem. In 2017, the largest emerald ever discovered was mined in Brazil. It weighed almost 800 pounds.
Columbia is home to one of the most famous emeralds. The Atahualpa Emerald is believed to have been owned by an Incan emperor and was named for him. This crown was made for a statue of St. Mary in the cathedral of Popayán, Columbia.
What is the May Birthstone Color?
The May birthstone is a deep and lush shade of green, and although Emeralds are considered the birthstone for May babies, they are not the only option.
A birthstone is defined by its color. Therefore, synthetic stones such as Cubic Zirconias, featuring the same rich green, are good alternatives for the May birthstone.
Interesting fact: Emeralds can be found in a range of hues varying from yellow-green to blue-green. Darker green stones are usually considered authentic and are therefore more valuable. The emerald cut can also influence its color.
At Shanore, for example, our May Birthstone collections include varieties of stones, ranging from Genuine Emerald to Cubic Zirconias. Our customers can choose beautiful birthstone jewelry that fits their budget or a special occasion.
What does the May birthstone mean?
Scientists have found a few reasons why people associate emeralds with health, youth, and renewal. Some studies have found that the color green relaxes people and eases eye strain.
Experts speculate that this is because green is the easiest color for the human eye to see.
The ancient Romans used the stone for sore eyes. Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century AD that early jewelers and engravers had ‘no better method for restoring their eyes than by looking at the gem, its soft green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.’
Good health, youth, and renewal
Also, it simply makes sense to link green and good health. Healthy plants are green. We’re healthier when we eat enough leafy green vegetables.
Emeralds are said to resonate with the heart chakra. Some call them the ‘stone of successful love.’
The stone is linked to intuition and openness. It also represents good communication between partners. It’s also been linked to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and good fortune.
Is Emerald also the birthstone for Taurus?
Birthstones go by month, not star signs. Taurus people born in April have the diamond as their birthstone. Likewise, Gemini, born in the latter part of May, also has the same birthstone. This stone is perfect for the Taurus people because this is a very earthy sign.
The May birthstone color green represents nature and good physical health, things close to the Taurus heart. Taurus are also said to love beautiful things, so May birthstone jewelry is a hit with them.
A tour to the Emerald Island
Emerald is also associated with Ireland, known as the “emerald isle”, and its famous 40 shades of green because of its vibrant green fields.
It owes the nickname to a poem. However, Dr. William Drennan coined the phrase in his 1795 poem When Erin First Rose.
He referred to Ireland as both ‘the emerald of Europe’ and ‘the emerald isle.’ Since then, this stone has been a symbol of Ireland.
“Alas! for poor Erin that some are still seen,
Who would dye the grass red from their hatred to green;
Yet, oh! when you’re up, and they’re down, let them live,
The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle.
Then yield them that mercy which they would not give.
Arm of Erin, be strong! but be gentle as brave
And uplifted to strike, be still ready to save;
Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile”
Read the entire poem here
The perfect May Birthstone Gifts
If you have a friend, partner, or family member born in May, birthstone jewelry can be a beautiful gift. And a setting with roots in Ireland is the perfect way to show off this gorgeous gem.
Emerald necklaces range from simple pendants she can wear every day to jaw-dropping statement pieces for formal occasions.
An emerald nestled in the center of a Celtic knot necklace can remind us how everything in nature is connected and how our health is at the center of everything.
Held in the heart of a Claddagh design, these green gems can make a statement about where our heart is and how much we are loved.
If she loves rings, emerald rings also cover the spectrum from those she can wear with jeans or leggings every day right up to stunning ones for special occasions.
Emerald engagement rings offer much symbolism by being linked to the goddess of love and good fortune. An engagement ring with a green gem linked to peace and well-being symbolizes a couple’s hopes for their married life together.
Our Final thoughts on May Birthstone
Commonly associated with the Spring, emerald represents growth and rebirth. The rich green color represents the new growth and also how all life is awakening and blossoming.
Emerald Birthstone jewelry doesn’t have to feature authentic stones to reflect your genuine affection. Synthetic gems are just as precious when they’re given with real love. The meaning and symbolism are there for both types.
Celtic settings and Irish symbols such as the Claddagh and Shamrock, add more layers of meaning. This makes them a perfect present for a woman born in May, whether in a casual necklace or a statement ring.
What about you? What are your thoughts on the May Birthstone?
