Emerald: May’s Birthstone of Renewal
For those born in May, the emerald birthstone has long been a symbol of love, rebirth, and fortune. Its deep green color recalls the promise of spring and new beginnings, which makes it one of the most meaningful modern birthstones.
At Copeland Jewelers in Austin, we often recommend emerald jewelry for its beauty and timeless appeal. From custom engagement rings to anniversary gifts, emeralds carry a history as vibrant as their color.
What Is an Emerald?
Emerald is a green gem variety of the mineral beryl, the same family that includes aquamarine. Its distinct green hues are caused by trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, and iron. Depending on the mix, the color can range from light green to a vivid bluish green.
Key traits:
- Member of the beryl family.
- Ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Often contains surface-reaching inclusions known as jardin (French for “garden”).
- Valued primarily for its color, with the finest emeralds showing even saturation and strong transparency.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), color is the most important factor in emerald value. Stones that show evenly distributed bluish green to pure green tones with high clarity are the most prized.
Emerald Colors and Quality
Emeralds range from soft green to intense bluish green. At their best, they display vivid saturation and exceptional transparency.
Most valuable emeralds show:
- Evenly distributed green color.
- Rich tone that is not overly dark.
- Good apparent clarity, even with natural inclusions.
Smaller or paler stones are less expensive, while exceptional gems – particularly Colombian emeralds – can command record-setting prices.
The Emerald Cut
Emeralds are often shaped into a rectangular step cut known as the “emerald cut.” This style highlights their rich green depth and reduces pressure on the stone, making it less likely to chip.
Today, “emerald cut” describes any gem shaped in this octagonal step pattern, even if it isn’t an emerald.
Inclusions and Clarity
Unlike diamonds, emeralds nearly always contain inclusions. These surface-reaching fissures and mineral deposits form naturally during growth. Far from flaws, they are part of the stone’s identity, giving emeralds a distinctive appearance.
These inclusions are called jardin because they often resemble moss or foliage. While too many inclusions can lower transparency, a lightly included gem with strong color still holds high value (International Gem Society).
A Stone Steeped in History
Emeralds have been revered for over 6,000 years:
- Egyptians mined emeralds as early as 1300 B.C. Cleopatra was famous for her collection of emerald jewelry.
- Romans linked emeralds to Venus, goddess of beauty and love.
- Maya and Aztec civilizations treasured emeralds as symbols of fertility and rebirth.
The Atocha Shipwreck
Some of the most fascinating emerald stories come from shipwreck recoveries. The Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622, carried thousands of Colombian emeralds. In 2022, a 5.27-carat emerald ring from this wreck sold at Sotheby’s for over $1.2 million, a sale covered by National Jeweler.
The 1715 Fleet
The GIA has also documented emerald and amethyst jewelry recovered from the 1715 Fleet wrecks, further proof of emeralds’ prominence in colonial trade.
Muzo Emeralds Rediscovered
In 2024, Muzo, Colombia – the historic source of some of the finest emeralds – authenticated shipwrecked emerald jewelry and debuted the collection in the United States (National Jeweler).
Famous Museum Emeralds
Museum pieces such as the Hooker Emerald at the Smithsonian and the Patricia Emerald at the American Museum of Natural History remain some of the most famous emeralds ever displayed.
Emerald Jewelry and Symbolism
Emeralds are strongly tied to themes of love, passion, and renewal. They are also the traditional gift for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
Throughout history, people believed emeralds could:
- Promote foresight and wisdom.
- Strengthen relationships.
- Provide healing and protection.
Though science does not support these claims, many still wear emeralds for their symbolic meaning and natural beauty.
How Emeralds Are Valued
Like diamonds, emeralds are assessed by the “Four Cs” – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (see our Four C’s guide). For emeralds, color remains the most important factor.
Factors affecting value:
- Color: Vivid bluish green is most desirable.
- Clarity: Eye-clean stones are rare and highly valuable.
- Cut: A well-executed emerald cut enhances color depth.
- Carat size: Larger stones with top color are rare and prized.
Caring for Emerald Jewelry
Emeralds need mindful care to preserve their beauty:
- Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which may damage inclusions.
- Store separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratching.
- Protect from high heat or harsh chemicals.
Many emeralds are treated with oils or resins to enhance clarity, so gentle care is essential.
Explore Emerald Jewelry at Copeland Jewelers
The emerald birthstone combines timeless beauty, rich history, and deep symbolism. From May birthdays to milestone anniversaries, emerald jewelry makes a meaningful gift that celebrates life and renewal.
At Copeland Jewelers in Austin, we specialize in custom jewelry featuring emeralds and other modern birthstones. Visit our showroom or explore our custom jewelry gallery to find the perfect piece.