The Emerald: May Birthstone Meaning and Color

2019-05-20

We are overwhelmed with love for the month of May. Why you make ask? It is the heart of spring, the birds are chirping, and the green grass is glistening, therefore it is only fitting that the vibrant emerald gemstone is May’s birthstone. Associated with unconditional love and ancient legends that it may be protective against harm, this gem comes with a unique history and meaning behind it. At MYKA, our birthstone jewelry showcases the exquisite emerald through our collection. May ladies, we got you covered!

May Birthstone History

Derived from the Greek word “Smaragdos” which is defined as “green stone”, emeralds have been mined dating back as early as 300 BC and were worn in Ancient Greece and Rome. Some estimate that the oldest emeralds are 2.97 billion years old. Europeans were attracted to the alluring gem when the Spanish invaded South America in the 1500s, where the Incas prized emeralds for hundreds of years. In that time, emeralds were also adored by the Mogul empires of India who deeply believed that this gem offered protection of the gods.

Emerald Meaning

The emerald is believed to have mystical powers; defending against harm such as, curing diseases protecting against evil and the ability to foresee the future and see the truth. Due to its calming green glow, it was also considered to avert panic and keep one wearing the emerald to remain in a state of pure tranquility. In ancient culture the emerald represented Venus, the God of love and beauty, resulting in the gem embodying romance. Ancient Egyptians, who had some of the first emerald mines, idolized the emerald so much that they would bury mummies with the stone to symbolize eternal youth.

Fans of the Emerald

Cleopatra adored emeralds, as did Elizabeth Taylor who wore legendary emeralds while filming Cleopatra. The captivating first lady, Jackie Kennedy had a glittering emerald and diamond engagement ring. As well, one of the most fabulous love stories in 1936, when King Edward VIII of England proposed to Wallis Simpson, included a legendary nineteen carat emerald ring engraved with the message “We are ours now”. Nowadays you may find famous, stylish Hollywood stars such as Olivia Wilde and Halle Berry rocking dazzling emerald engagement rings.

Celebrating Life Events with Emeralds

Significant milestones are best celebrated with meaningful gifts. The Vertical Sterling Silver Bar Necklace is just the right gift to give to someone of importance to you or even create for yourself, especially if born in May! One may inscribe on each bar, a name and birthstone. This can make a great gift for partners to give to each other symbolizing the unique connection between them and the stone of the month they were born. This graceful necklace makes a great treasured keepsake for years to come.

The Intriguing and Alluring Gem

Families are like branches on a tree; they grow in different directions, yet their roots remain as one. What better way to honor your family than with a token of love that represents the bond between you. The Heart Family Tree Necklace allows one to choose Crystals signifying the birth month of each family member, as well as an engravement of each of their names. The Engraved Mom Birthstone Necklace in Sterling Silver features a heart-shaped pendant which can be engraved with the name of each member of one’s family including a birthstone of each of their birth months. These two necklaces make original and memorable gifts that will allow a mother or any family member whose birthday is in May, have their striking and polished emerald gemstone hang impeccably next to each of their family’s birthstones. These gifts are sure to carry joy in one’s heart and capture a family so effortlessly, allowing them to be showcased through a special jewelry piece together, forever.

The Most Colorful Month of Them All

Live for the moments you CAN put into words. The Stackable Birthstone Name Ring is an innovative, contemporary gift for one to give to a cherished friend or family member. This birthstone name ring offers one to engrave their name and birthstone with the option in choosing to stack a few other rings on top with other names of significant others and their birthstones. This sleek, contemporary ring may even be stacked with words that are of inspiration or that will simply put a smile on her face. Words such as “live, laugh, smile” or even “love beyond words” make magnificent engravement options, including her emerald birthstone as well. No matter what gift you may choose, we remind you that you do not have to be a May baby to wear this ravishing gem, as the emerald’s radiance only continues to grow and grow.

SHOP BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY

written by Tally Moran

A twenty-something-year-old, style-obsessed, food loving, social media animal with an endless love affair for fashion and lifestyle themes. Tally is a copywriter and the voice behind the MYKA Blog.