COLLECTION
May Birthstone: Emerald
The May birthstone is emerald, a rich green gemstone that traditionally stands for love and new beginnings. Here you'll find emerald necklaces from By Carola, raw, as a teardrop or as a cylinder, in 14K gold-filled or 925 sterling silver.
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Emerald, the May birthstone
Emerald is the green variety of beryl and therefore a relative of aquamarine. Its green comes from chromium and vanadium in the crystal. Almost every emerald has fine inclusions. Experts call them jardin, the garden inside the stone. They are a sign of nature, not a flaw.
Meaning and tradition
Emeralds were mined as far back as ancient Egypt, and Cleopatra is said to have loved them in particular. Its green is reminiscent of spring. By tradition, emerald stands for love, loyalty and new beginnings.
A genuine stone
Every emerald at By Carola is genuine. Its green and the little garden inside make every stone one of a kind.
Raw, teardrop or cylinder
The raw emerald measures about 8 to 10 mm and shows its natural shape, as a necklace or as a pendant only. The teardrop measures about 13 to 14 mm, the cylinder about 10 mm. You choose between 14K gold-filled and 925 sterling silver, at 40 or 45 cm (15.7 or 17.7 in). With gold, the green looks especially warm.
Care
Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, but because of its inclusions it is sensitive to knocks. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, keep it away from heat and clean the necklace only with a soft, dry cloth. Pendant and chain are water-resistant.
May birthstone for Taurus and Gemini
If you were born in May, you are a Taurus up to 20 May and a Gemini from 21 May. The birthstone follows the month, not the zodiac sign. So for both signs in May, emerald is the matching stone. A Taurus born in April wears diamond or rock crystal, a Gemini born in June wears pearl or moonstone. All signs are listed in the guide under Birthstones by zodiac sign.
Emerald at a glance
| Mineral | Beryl |
|---|---|
| Color | light to deep green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5 to 8 |
| Main sources | Colombia, Zambia, Brazil |
| Birth month | May |
| Zodiac signs | Taurus, Gemini |
Continue to June: Pearl and Moonstone or back to April: Rock Crystal. You'll find every piece under Birthstone Jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the May birthstone?
The May birthstone is emerald, the green variety of beryl.
What does emerald mean?
By tradition, emerald stands for love, loyalty and new beginnings. Its green is reminiscent of spring. This meaning is based on tradition.
Why does my emerald have inclusions?
Almost every natural emerald has inclusions. They form as the crystal grows and are part of the genuine stone. Completely clear emeralds are very rare.
Is the emerald at By Carola genuine?
Yes. Every stone is a genuine emerald.
Which birthstone suits Taurus and Gemini?
If you were born in May, your birthstone is emerald, whether you are a Taurus or a Gemini. The stone follows the month.
