The emerald, the birthstone for May
The emerald is the birthstone for May. This association stems from the tradition ofbirthstones, a calendar that assigns a gemstone to each month of the year. The modern calendar was officially established in 1912 by American jewelers.
The emerald symbolizes renewal, hope, and fertility—values that are in keeping with spring. That is why it has become a traditional birthday gift for people born in May.
If you were born in May, your birthstone is the emerald. It’s an age-old association that blends history, symbolism, and a bit of early 20th-century marketing.
Every month of the year has its own birthstone: garnet for January, amethyst for February, diamond for April, and ruby for July. For the month of May, it’s the emerald. This tradition is now global, embraced by jewelers and jewelry websites around the world. But where does it really come from?
Where does the tradition come from?
The idea of associating a gemstone with each month is very old. Its roots can be found in the Bible: Aaron’s breastplate, described in the Book of Exodus, featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over the centuries, scholars have linked these twelve stones to the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.
But the birthstone calendar as we know it today is much more recent. It was officially established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America), an American trade organization. The goal was to standardize a tradition that varied greatly from one country and culture to another.
Since then, a few additions have been made to the calendar—notably in 1952 and 2002—but the emerald has never changed: it has remained the birthstone for May since the beginning.
Why the emerald for May?
The association between the emerald and the month of May is no coincidence. It is based on a simple, visual principle: color.
May marks the height of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nature is at its greenest: new foliage, fresh grass, and blossoming buds. The emerald, with its deep, luminous green, is the gemstone that best embodies this burst of greenery. No other gemstone conveys the essence of spring quite so naturally.
This connection between the stone and the season also explains why the emerald symbolizes renewal and growth. Giving an emerald to someone born in May is like giving them a tangible piece of the season of their birth.
Note: Peridot and green tourmaline are sometimes suggested as more affordable alternative stones for May. However, the emerald remains the official and traditional birthstone for the month.
The Symbolism of the Emerald
Beyond its role as the birthstone for May, the emerald carries rich symbolism that has been passed down since ancient times.
Its green color is associated with spring, youth, and new beginnings. It is the stone of new beginnings.
Traditionally given as a token of lasting love. It is said to reveal the sincerity of one's feelings.
Associated with clarity of mind and intuition. The Romans linked it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Green is universally recognized as the color of hope. The emerald is its purest mineral embodiment.
These meanings stem from tradition and cultural symbolism, passed down from one civilization to another. They are part of the history of stone, without claiming any scientific validity.
Give an emerald as a gift for a May birthday
Giving someone their birthstone is a personal and meaningful gift. For a May birthday, emeralds come in a variety of options depending on your budget and intended use.
The Stone Alone
An unmounted emerald, presented in a jewelry box, is a simple yet meaningful gift. It’s also the most versatile option: the recipient can have it set later according to their taste (as a ring or pendant). An emerald of decent quality weighing between 0.5 and 1 carat is already a beautiful gift.
The mounted piece of jewelry
A pendant, earrings, or a ring: ready-to-wear jewelry is the most immediate gift. For a first piece of emerald jewelry, a pendant is often recommended: it showcases the stone and, unlike a ring, exposes it to fewer impacts—an important consideration since emeralds are relatively fragile stones.
When choosing a birthday gift, opt for a certified stone—even a modest one—rather than a large stone without documentation. The certificate guarantees authenticity and ensures the gift retains its value over time. A well-chosen emerald can become a heirloom passed down from generation to generation.
Our most common questions
It's the emerald. It has been the official birthstone for May in the birthstone calendar ever since the calendar was officially established in 1912. Its green color naturally associates it with spring.
Because of its color. May is the heart of spring, the season when nature is at its greenest. The emerald, a deep-green gemstone, embodies this springtime renewal better than any other gem. This visual connection is the reason for the association.
Yes. Peridot and green tourmaline are sometimes suggested as more affordable alternatives. But the emerald remains the official and traditional birthstone for May. The alternatives have no official status; they are primarily offered as more economical options.
The emerald traditionally symbolizes renewal, faithful love, wisdom, and hope. Giving one as a gift conveys a message of growth and enduring feelings. These meanings are rooted in cultural tradition, passed down since ancient times.
For your first piece of emerald jewelry, a pendant is often recommended: it showcases the stone and protects it from impact, which is important because emeralds are fragile. A loose stone, to be set later, is also a beautiful choice. Always choose a certified stone.
A Documented Emerald: From Its Origins to the Stone.