Birthstones · May
The May Birthstone: Emerald
The May birthstone is emerald — the vivid green gem of spring, prized since antiquity and a favourite of Art Deco jewellers. Here is what it means, what makes one emerald finer than another, and where to find antique emerald jewellery.
- Emerald is the birthstone for May and the gem of the 20th and 55th wedding anniversaries.
- It is the green variety of beryl, coloured by traces of chromium and vanadium.
- Value is led by colour, then transparency and clarity, cut and carat (ct) weight; Colombian origin commands a premium.
- Explore antique emerald jewellery and emerald engagement rings at Mozeris.
What is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is the emerald, the rich green variety of the mineral beryl. Its colour comes from traces of chromium and vanadium, and the finest stones show a pure, slightly bluish green of great depth.
Emerald is also the gem traditionally given for the 20th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is softer and more brittle than sapphire or ruby, so antique emeralds were cut and set with particular care — part of what makes a well-preserved antique emerald so desirable.
Meaning & history
Emerald has symbolised rebirth, love and foresight for thousands of years. It was treasured by Egyptian and Roman jewellers and, famously, by Cleopatra. By the Georgian and Victorian eras it had become a stone of romance and status, and in the 1920s and 1930s it defined the bold green-and-white palette of Art Deco jewellery.
Colombian emeralds, mined since the 16th century, set the standard for colour and remain the most sought-after today.
What gives Emerald its value
An emerald is judged differently from other gems: colour and transparency matter most, and natural inclusions — the so-called jardin — are expected rather than faults.
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Colour | A pure, vivid, slightly bluish green is most prized. Too pale or too yellow reduces value. |
| Transparency | Bright, lively stones command more; a flat or overly cloudy look lowers value. |
| Clarity | Some inclusions (the 'jardin') are normal and accepted; large fractures reduce value. |
| Cut | The emerald cut was designed for this stone; antique cuts add character. |
| Carat (ct) | Fine large emeralds are rare and rise sharply in price per carat. |
| Origin | Classic Colombian emeralds command a premium; Zambian stones are also fine. |
The antique premium
With antique emerald jewellery the setting tells its own story. Original Georgian, Victorian or Art Deco craftsmanship, intact hallmarks and a period-correct mount can lift a piece well above the value of the stone alone.
Explore Antique Emerald Jewellery
A curated collection of antique and vintage emerald rings, necklaces and earrings.
Antique Emerald jewellery at Mozeris
Emerald lends itself to the most elegant antique jewellery. Across our collection you will find it in:
- Emerald engagement rings — clusters, three-stone and Art Deco designs.
- Emerald necklaces, pendants and bracelets — Georgian through to mid-century.
- Brooches and earrings set with green emeralds and diamonds.
Prefer to browse more widely? See our full antique gemstone jewellery and antique rings collections.
Choosing & styling
Emerald looks superb against warm yellow gold, which flatters its green, and equally striking framed by diamonds in platinum. An emerald-cut stone in a three-stone or cluster ring makes a refined everyday choice, while emerald drop earrings or a pendant are an easy first step into coloured stones.
For a period look, pair emerald with the geometry of Art Deco or the romance of Victorian design.
Frequently asked questions
The May birthstone is emerald, the green variety of the mineral beryl, coloured by chromium and vanadium.
Emerald symbolises rebirth, love and foresight, and has been treasured since antiquity — famously by Cleopatra.
Natural inclusions, known as the 'jardin', are normal in emeralds and are accepted rather than treated as faults. Colour, transparency and cut matter most to value.
Yes. We offer a curated collection of antique and vintage emerald engagement rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings. Browse online and make an enquiry to view or purchase.
May's Vivid Green
Discover antique and vintage emerald jewellery, chosen for colour, character and craftsmanship.