The Ultimate Emerald Guide: May Birthstone Meaning
May is the start of summer. Flowers begin blooming, and you can finally begin entertaining the outdoors again. The month of May is known for love and success, including Mother's Day. There is no better precious gemstone to celebrate May birthdays than the Emerald. With so many meanings, a beautiful origin, and a deep green color that truly does symbolize renewal and rebirth, it's nothing short of perfect as the May birthstone.
Did you know Emerald is a mineral that can grow up to a foot long and has six sides? It's crazy to think that the precious stones we wear around our necks or on our fingers are made from minerals found on Earth.
With over two billion years of history for this precious stone, there's so much to learn about the May birthstone. Keep reading to find out the meaning, origin, and ways to wear and clean this beautiful birthstone.
The Emerald: The May Birthstone Meaning
With so many cultures that adore the May birthstone, there are multiple theories of what it means and symbolizes. Not only that, but it has had hundreds of years to morph meanings.
Some say that similar to the onset of Spring, where we welcome new life and crisp colors, the Emerald signifies renewal and rebirth. Others say that Emeralds offer passion and an ability to see the future when wearing the gemstone.
The Emerald signifies wisdom and growth, and it holds the power to protect you from evil or even solve stomach issues and epilepsy. The Emerald not only helps you grow, but is also believed to enhance mental abilities.
If you have a May birthday, it's up to you to take these meanings and make them your own as they have morphed throughout the years in different cultures. However, most of these meanings go hand in hand, making emerald a gemstone with universal meaning. Whatever it means to you or the person you are gifting emerald to, it is truly something to treasure.
With so many cultures that adore the May birthstone, there are multiple theories of what it means and symbolizes. Not only that, but it has had hundreds of years to morph meanings.
Some say that similar to the onset of Spring, where we welcome new life and crisp colors, the Emerald signifies renewal and rebirth. Others say that Emeralds offer passion and an ability to see the future when wearing the gemstone.
The Emerald signifies wisdom and growth, and it holds the power to protect you from evil or even solve stomach issues and epilepsy. The Emerald not only helps you grow, but is also believed to enhance mental abilities.
If you have a May birthday, it's up to you to take these meanings and make them your own as they have morphed throughout the years in different cultures. However, most of these meanings go hand in hand, making emerald a gemstone with universal meaning. Whatever it means to you or the person you are gifting emerald to, it is truly something to treasure.
Origins
Emeralds existed in Europe as early as 300 BC. Emerald jewelry was worn by ancient Greeks and Romans, the most famous advocate for the Emerald being Cleopatra. She even went as far as claiming every single mine in Egypt as her own during her reign.
Cleopatra was not the only one obsessed with this beautiful gemstone. Many Egyptians would bury Emeralds with monarchs and other people of high rank as a form of protection. This idea came from the meaning given to the stone, and the symbolic nature of protecting you from evil.
After the long history of the Emerald in Egypt, the May birthstone found its way to Europe after Spain invaded South America. Ireland's nickname, "The Emerald Isle," is also a tribute to the green beauty of a gemstone that also symbolizes lush countrysides.
Since then, it has become a part of jewelry culture everywhere, a precious gemstone that is now given to those who were born in May as their birthstone. It is more than just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol for so much more.
Nowadays, Colombia is the country that is most known around the world for its vast supply of Emerald. Emerald mines are located in Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez, Colombia. Zambia and Brazil are two other countries that have significant Emerald production.
Emeralds existed in Europe as early as 300 BC. Emerald jewelry was worn by ancient Greeks and Romans, the most famous advocate for the Emerald being Cleopatra. She even went as far as claiming every single mine in Egypt as her own during her reign.
Cleopatra was not the only one obsessed with this beautiful gemstone. Many Egyptians would bury Emeralds with monarchs and other people of high rank as a form of protection. This idea came from the meaning given to the stone, and the symbolic nature of protecting you from evil.
After the long history of the Emerald in Egypt, the May birthstone found its way to Europe after Spain invaded South America. Ireland's nickname, "The Emerald Isle," is also a tribute to the green beauty of a gemstone that also symbolizes lush countrysides.
Since then, it has become a part of jewelry culture everywhere, a precious gemstone that is now given to those who were born in May as their birthstone. It is more than just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol for so much more.
Nowadays, Colombia is the country that is most known around the world for its vast supply of Emerald. Emerald mines are located in Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez, Colombia. Zambia and Brazil are two other countries that have significant Emerald production.
Emeralds existed in Europe as early as 300 BC. Emerald jewelry was worn by ancient Greeks and Romans, the most famous advocate for the Emerald being Cleopatra. She even went as far as claiming every single mine in Egypt as her own during her reign.
Cleopatra was not the only one obsessed with this beautiful gemstone. Many Egyptians would bury Emeralds with monarchs and other people of high rank as a form of protection. This idea came from the meaning given to the stone, and the symbolic nature of protecting you from evil.
After the long history of the Emerald in Egypt, the May birthstone found its way to Europe after Spain invaded South America. Ireland's nickname, "The Emerald Isle," is also a tribute to the green beauty of a gemstone that also symbolizes lush countrysides.
Since then, it has become a part of jewelry culture everywhere, a precious gemstone that is now given to those who were born in May as their birthstone. It is more than just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol for so much more.
Nowadays, Colombia is the country that is most known around the world for its vast supply of Emerald. Emerald mines are located in Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez, Colombia. Zambia and Brazil are two other countries that have significant Emerald production.
Green Color
The word "Emerald" is derived from the Greek word "Smaragdos," which means "green stone."
It is the symbolic nature of the color green that signifies rebirth and renewal, much like forests becoming more vibrant in the Spring.
Depending on the gemstone itself, Emeralds range from a lighter green to a deep, darker, sea-green. The deeper the color of the stone is, the more valuable rare it is.
Even more interesting, science has proven that the color green is soothing to the eyes. Not only does this benefit the diamond cutters who look at it all day, but also the wearer of the jewelry.
The word "Emerald" is derived from the Greek word "Smaragdos," which means "green stone."
It is the symbolic nature of the color green that signifies rebirth and renewal, much like forests becoming more vibrant in the Spring.
Depending on the gemstone itself, Emeralds range from a lighter green to a deep, darker, sea-green. The deeper the color of the stone is, the more valuable rare it is.
Even more interesting, science has proven that the color green is soothing to the eyes. Not only does this benefit the diamond cutters who look at it all day, but also the wearer of the jewelry.
Cleaning Your Emerald Birthstone Ring
Because the mining of Emeralds often creates fractures, cleaning them correctly is imperative to the longevity of your Emerald's life.
Emeralds have been known to fracture more when put under high heat or cleaned with chemicals, so it's important to only use soapy water to clean your gemstone. The lighting and color of the Emerald can also change if exposed to too many chemicals or harsh lighting.
Because the mining of Emeralds often creates fractures, cleaning them correctly is imperative to the longevity of your Emerald's life.
Emeralds have been known to fracture more when put under high heat or cleaned with chemicals, so it's important to only use soapy water to clean your gemstone. The lighting and color of the Emerald can also change if exposed to too many chemicals or harsh lighting.
Because the mining of Emeralds often creates fractures, cleaning them correctly is imperative to the longevity of your Emerald's life.
Emeralds have been known to fracture more when put under high heat or cleaned with chemicals, so it's important to only use soapy water to clean your gemstone. The lighting and color of the Emerald can also change if exposed to too many chemicals or harsh lighting.
How to Wear Your Emerald Jewelry
Because the May birthstone is beautiful within itself, there are no ways to go wrong wearing Emerald. From a dainty emerald necklace to an emerald ring or emerald earrings, the gemstone won't disappoint.
If you're looking for an Emerald ring for yourself or someone else, look no further than Patrick Adair Designs. The Evergreen Cobalt Chrome Ring is a perfect mix of black and green Emeralds and opal set in a luxurious white Cobalt Chrome base. If the Evergreen Ring doesn't suit your needs, then you can create your own Custom Glowstone Ring with emerald as the main theme!
TUNGSTEN GLOWSTONE
A Custom Glowstone Ring crafted on a Tungsten Carbide Band
EVERGREEN GLOWSTONE RING
Emerald, Malachite, and Opal housed in a Cobalt Chrome Band.
TITANIUM GLOWSTONE
A Custom Glowstone Ring handcrafted on a Titanium Band
Shop For Emerald Rings
Emeralds are thought of highly all around the world. There is no doubt that they will continue to do their part in keeping traditions around weddings and the May birthstone alive. As beautiful as Emeralds are, the meaning of the emerald is what truly sells this gemstone and keeps us mining for more.
If you're looking for a custom ring, Patrick Adair Designs can give you the Emerald you've been looking for!