May birthstone: emerald

If you were born in May, emerald is your birthstone. It is green beryl, and the green can range from a fresh light green to a deep, almost bluish green. Almost every emerald has its own inner pattern, which jewellers call the jardin, the garden.

Colour: Green
Hardness (Mohs): 7.5 – 8

View emerald jewellery All about emerald

In stock now: emerald jewellery

See the full collection →

The garden in the stone

Emeralds without inclusions are extremely rare. The fine lines and flecks inside the stone are part of its nature and make every emerald unique. To make them less visible, emeralds have been treated with oil for centuries. This is standard practice and not a sign of a lesser stone.

Emerald in vintage jewellery

Emerald was much loved in the Art Deco period. That is why the rectangular step cut with cut corners is still called the emerald cut. You often see emeralds combined with diamonds, in white gold or platinum.

Caring for an emerald

Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but its inclusions make it more fragile than those figures suggest. Clean it with lukewarm water and a soft brush, and never in an ultrasonic cleaner. Take an emerald ring off for sport and heavy work.

An emerald gift

An emerald is a classic for anyone with a May birthday, or for a special occasion. You can read more about the stone on our emerald page.

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter that an emerald has inclusions?

No, inclusions are part of emerald. Virtually every emerald has them, and they make each stone unique.

Can an emerald go in an ultrasonic cleaner?

No. Use lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush.

What is an emerald cut?

A rectangular step cut with cut corners. The cut is named after the stone, but it is used for other stones too.

All birthstones by month → All about emerald → Gemstone jewellery →