What is May's birthstone?

May's birthstone is emerald, a vivid green beryl.

What does the May birthstone color mean?

Emerald green symbolizes renewal, growth and hope, echoing spring — the month it belongs to.

Why are emeralds included?

Inclusions form as the crystal grows in turbulent conditions. Jewelers call the pattern jardin, French for garden, and accept it as proof of natural origin.

May · Birthstone guide

May Birthstone: Emerald

The May birthstone is emerald, the green variety of beryl colored by chromium or vanadium. Colombian emerald is the benchmark for color.

Birthstone: Emerald
Also worn: Chrysoprase, Green Agate
Color: Vivid green
Mineral: Beryl
Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs
Main sources: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Ethiopia
Zodiac signs: Taurus / Gemini
Anniversary: 20th and 55th wedding anniversary

What color is the May birthstone, and what does it mean?

Green is the color of spring growth. Emerald means renewal, fertility, hope and — in older sources — the ability to see truth.

Color is the single biggest driver of value in colored gemstones, and it is also where birthstone symbolism lives. See how every month's color compares in the birthstone color guide.

What does the May birthstone symbolize?

Emerald has always been the stone of rebirth and hope, worn for new beginnings, fidelity and — according to Pliny the Elder — to rest tired eyes.

The history of the May birthstone

Egyptian mines supplied emerald by 1500 BCE and Cleopatra famously claimed them. Spanish conquistadors shipped Colombian emeralds to Europe and Asia in the 16th century, setting a taste that Mughal India carved into inscribed talismans.

For the origin of the twelve-month tradition itself — Aaron's breastplate, Josephus, Polish gem traders and the 1912 American jewelers' list — read the full history of birthstones.

Every May birthstone in detail: where it's found, its powers and its cuts

Modern birthstone · 7.5–8 Mohs

Emerald

Where emerald is found: Colombia (Muzo, Chivor — the benchmark green), Zambia (slightly bluer), Brazil and Ethiopia.
Spiritual meaning: Rebirth, fertility and foresight; the Romans tied it to Venus and enduring love.
Healing powers: Heart-chakra stone used for emotional balance, loyalty and eyesight in old lore.
Cut styles: The emerald cut exists because of this stone: step facets reduce pressure on a fracture-prone crystal. Cabochons and beads suit heavily included material.

Alternative birthstone · 6.5–7 Mohs

Chrysoprase

Where chrysoprase is found: Australia (Marlborough), Poland, Brazil and Tanzania.
Spiritual meaning: Hope and youthful optimism; a stone for starting again.
Healing powers: Heart-chakra stone used for anxiety and self-forgiveness.
Cut styles: Cabochons and beads — its appeal is even apple-green color, not sparkle.

Traditional birthstone · 6.5–7 Mohs

Green Agate

Where green agate is found: Brazil, Uruguay, India and Botswana.
Spiritual meaning: Balance and stability; worn for calm decision-making.
Healing powers: Used as a slow, steady grounding stone.
Cut styles: Banded cabochons, cameos and beads.

Spiritual and healing associations are traditional lore, recorded here for cultural interest — they are not medical advice.

How to buy emerald

Color outweighs clarity: an emerald with visible inclusions ('jardin') but vivid green is more valuable than a clean pale one. Almost all emeralds are oiled to fill fractures.

Caring for emerald jewelry

Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners — they strip the oil and can widen fractures. Wipe with a damp cloth only.

May birthstone jewelry to look for

Emerald bezel birthstone necklace
May birthstone signet ring
Emerald and gold bar name necklace

A pendant is the most forgiving setting for softer stones, because a necklace takes far fewer knocks than a ring. Bezel settings protect the girdle of the stone and suit everyday wear, which is why a bezel-set may birthstone necklace is the piece most people start with.

If you want the stone on your hand instead, a slim may birthstone ring keeps the setting low enough to survive daily wear, and a personalized birthstone bracelet lets you line up one stone for every family birthday.

May birthstone jewelry: personalized emerald pieces

Shop May birthstone necklaces, rings and bracelets in 18K gold — each one made with the May birthstone and engraved with the name, initial or date you choose. Choose a piece, then pick your finish.

May birthstone: Emerald on film

A short film on emerald, the may birthstone — its color, its meaning and how it is worn.

May birthstone questions

More answers in the birthstone questions and answers guide.

What is May's birthstone?: May's birthstone is emerald, a vivid green beryl.
What does the May birthstone color mean?: Emerald green symbolizes renewal, growth and hope, echoing spring — the month it belongs to.
Why are emeralds included?: Inclusions form as the crystal grows in turbulent conditions. Jewelers call the pattern jardin, French for garden, and accept it as proof of natural origin.