May's Birthstone: Everything you need to know about Emeralds.

If you were born in May, your birthstone is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Rich, vivid, and steeped in history, the emerald has captivated jewellery lovers for centuries.

Whether you're shopping for a May birthday gift, exploring coloured gemstone jewellery for the first time, or simply curious about what makes emeralds so special, here's everything worth knowing.

Let's chat about what exactly is an Emerald?

Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured by trace amounts of chromium which produces that deep, distinctive green so rich it has its own name. Emerald green.

To qualify as an emerald (rather than simply green beryl), a stone needs to reach a certain saturation level. Lighter stones don't make the cut.

So what makes for a good Emerald? 

Colour is everything. The finest emeralds are a vivid, saturated green with a slight blue undertone. Too dark and they look dull. Too light and they lose their presence.

Clarity works differently with emeralds than most other stones. Almost all natural emeralds contain inclusions tiny internal fractures or crystals the French poetically call jardin (garden). These aren't flaws; they're proof a stone is natural. A completely inclusion-free emerald is exceptionally rare.

I want to gift myself or a loved one an Emerald piece of jewellery, what does it symbolise? 

Emeralds are traditionally associated with love, loyalty, wisdom, and renewal, which makes them a meaningful choice beyond just birthstone jewellery. They're also the traditional anniversary stone for 20 and 55 years.

Are Emeralds hard to care for? 

Most emeralds are treated with oils or resins to improve clarity, it's typically standard practice, but it means gentle care is essential. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, try cleaning by hand with lukewarm water and a soft brush, and store separately from harder stones.