What is May’s Birthstone?

Do you celebrate a May birthday? You have a choice of three birthstones - all beautiful and all green.

The best known of the May birthstones is the vibrant green Emerald. Symbolising rebirth and growth, Emerald is also the gemstone for spring. 

An alternative birthstone for May is Chrysoprase - a beautiful apple green gemstone and the most precious of the Chalcedony family.

Finally, a gemstone gaining in popularity and a fantastic alternative is Tsavorite, a vibrant green stone which is part of the Garnet family and the rarest of the garnet gemstones. 

Are you interested in learning about Emerald, Chrysoprase and Tsavorite's special properties and allure? Or are you eager to learn more about green gemstone jewellery?

Read on to discover everything you need to know about the birthstone for May:

Emerald - History, Meanings and Origins:

Emerald is the greenish-blue variety of the beryl family which comes from the word smaragdos, meaning green gem in Ancient Greek.

However, you may be surprised to discover that emeralds originated in Ancient Egypt. In fact, the first emeralds were believed to have been found in Egypt around 330BC.

Emeralds have long been associated with Ancient Egypt and were particularly popular among royalty and the elite.

Did you know that one of Cleopatra’s favourite gemstones was Emerald? She often chose jewellery with Emerald gemstones for both herself and to gift to others as a statement of wealth.  

The world’s love affair with the birthstone for May is likely to have originated in Ancient Egypt but its lure has spread across the globe due to its attractive colour

What Colour is Emerald?

Perhaps you already know that the emerald gemstone is vibrant green in colour. But have you read that its colour can vary?

Emeralds tend to be a green to greenish-blue colour, a common characteristic of the beryl family. But the most desirable and expensive emeralds are those which are pure green. As with all natural gemstones, emeralds can have natural inclusions in the stone which add to their character.

Where are Emeralds Sourced?

The beautiful green birthstone for May can be source all over the world. In particular, Columbia is a major producer of Emerald gemstones.

The three main mines are Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez. Each mine produces a different colour of emerald, with varying overtones.Emeralds can also be found in other countries such as Zambia, Australia, Brazil, Afghanistan and China.

Some locations have even taken inspiration from the Emerald gemstone. Did you know that Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, for its beautiful green landscapes? Or that Seattle is nicknamed the “Emerald City” for its luscious green forests? The colour has certainly inspired many across the globe.

Emerald - Special Meanings and Properties:

Have you heard that Emeralds have special meanings and properties? As well as the birthstone for May, emerald is also the gemstone symbolising spring. Emeralds symbolise luck and happiness. 

What are the healing properties of Emeralds?

As a healing stone, emeralds are believed to promote self-confidence and foster creativity. Some believe that emeralds encourage growth and rebirth.

What is the Zodiac Sign for May? 

Those born in May either are either a Taurus or Gemini. If you're born between the 20th April - 20th May you are a Taurus.

If you're born between May 21st and June 20th, your Zodiac sign is a Gemini. The birthstone for Gemini is Emerald.

Emerald – Find Your Birthstone: 

As well as Emerald’s special properties, the birthstone for May is also commonly given to mark 20^th and 35^th wedding anniversaries.

Now that you know everything about the emerald gemstone, check out our ethically sourced and sustainable emerald birthstone pendants and hoop earrings.

Chrysoprase - history, meaning and origins

Where is Chrysoprase sourced?

The name chrysoprase comes from the Greek χρυσός chrysos meaning 'gold' and πράσινον prasinon, meaning 'green'.

The best known sources of chrysoprase are Indonesia, Australia, Haneti, Tanzania, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, California and Brazil.   Most modern chrysoprase comes from Australia.

It is a hard stone with a reading of 6.0 – 7.0 on the Mohs scale.

The meaning of Chrysoprase

Chrysoprse symbolises good luck and happiness. The stone is said to be a gemstone of balance and healing and is given to promote self-esteem, confidence & courage.