The May birthstone, emerald, has long been adored because it symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Emerald is the ideal color for spring and is frequently referred to as the definition of green. The emerald, the birthstone for May, has captivated people’s hearts and minds throughout history, from the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the famous gemstone’s own vivid green hue.
Variations of this calming, lush green color conjure up gardens. Emeralds were originally thought to be able to treat conditions like cholera and malaria, and legend has it that wearing one can increase one’s intelligence and quickness. It is now the traditional gift for a couple’s 20th and 35th wedding anniversary.
In This Article...
What gemstone symbolizes each month’s birth?
What stones represent each month’s birth? Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz, and blue topaz are the gemstones associated with the months of January through December. Find out more about these well-known gemstones.
When is the birthstone emerald?
The birthstone for May is emerald. It is the ideal stone for the month of May because of its recognizable green hue, which is closely associated with spring and rebirth.
JanuaryGarnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is said to protect its owner when they are traveling. Because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed, the name “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed.
FebruaryAmethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is thought to improve communication and offer the wearer bravery. Only royalty could wear the jewel in the past. The amethyst was believed to protect against intoxication by the ancient Greeks. Amethyst is really derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means “sober.”
MarchAquamarine, Bloodstone
Drinking the water the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, had been bathing in was said to cure stomach, liver, and heart ailments. Early sailors thought that aquamarine talismans bearing engravings of the sea god Neptune shielded them from the perils of the ocean.
The bloodstone, a dark green gemstone with scarlet flecks, is another birthstone for March.
AprilDiamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, has long been associated with courage and is a symbol of unending love. The Sanskrit word for diamond is vajra, which also means lightning. In Hindu mythology, Indra, the king of the gods, used vajra as his weapon.
MayEmerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra’s. It has been linked to love, rebirth, and fertility for a very long time. This stone was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, by the ancient Romans. Emeralds are now considered to represent knowledge, development, and patience.
JunePearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, has traditionally been associated with purity. The goddess of love Aphrodite was thought by the ancient Greeks to have created pearls out of her dried up tears of ecstasy.
JulyRuby
The ancient Hindus revered ruby, the birthstone for July, as the “king of stones.” It was thought to keep the wearer safe from evil. The intense red color of the ruby now stands for passion and love.
AugustPeridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, represents fortitude. Due to its pale green hue, it is frequently referred to as the “evening emerald.” The green peridot crystals discovered in volcanic ashes were once thought to represent the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. This diamond was thought to ward off nightmares when set in gold.
SeptemberSapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, was long supposed to ward off evil and poisoning. It was thought that putting a poisonous snake in a sapphire container would cause it to die. The sapphire, which has historically been a favored stone of priests and rulers, stands both innocence and knowledge.
OctoberOpal
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The term is derived from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious jewel.” Opal-set necklaces were worn to ward off evil and preserve vision.
DecemberTurquoise
Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is viewed as a love charm. It is also a representation of luck and success, and wearing one is said to calm the mind and shield the person from harm. Particularly turquoise rings are said to ward off evil spirits.
Learn More
Do you know your natal flower now that you know your birthstone? See our page of flowers by birth month!
Enjoy our birthday facts, history, folklore, and other fun stuff on our birthdays page.
Are there two birthstones for each month?
Although each month has a single birthstone traditionally, certain months have numerous birthstones. This fact does cause some confusion, but the variety of possibilities for some months was developed to give customers a choice of less expensive selections in addition to the more typical, pricey stones.
Is a birthstone determined by the month or the zodiac?
A birthstone is a gemstone that symbolizes a person’s month or zodiac sign at the time of birth. Birthstone jewelry or pendant necklaces are frequently worn.
What does the emerald represent?
It is impossible to miss the silky green hue of this captivating stone. The deep hue has long been associated with spring and is known as a color of romance, hope, and rebirth. Emerald is regarded as a fertility enhancer and is the priceless jewel connected to Venus.
What is the meaning of the emerald birthstone?
Emerald. The emerald, the May birthstone and a representation of rebirth, is thought to bestow upon its wearer wisdom, luck, and youth. The Greek term emerald, which is derived from the word smaragdus, literally translates to “green.”
Does emerald cost a lot?
Emerald prices can range from under $1 per carat to more than $100,000 per carat. Any gem can differ in quality from being opaque and only used for carving to being transparent, beautifully colored, and bringing smiles to auction houses.
There are emeralds that cost less than $100 that resemble the translucent, exquisitely green gemstones that most people envision. They won’t be as vividly colored as other samples of higher quality, and they’ll weigh less than half a carat. Let’s compare that to another emerald from the same area and size valued at $1,212. We have sold emeralds around a carat for less $200.
What is the emerald’s power?
People thought that wearing emeralds as talismans could provide riches, power, and eloquence. These jewels are said to improve memory and sharpen the mind. Its most useful talent might have been the ability to foretell future occurrences.
Emeralds were once utilized by Arab, Hindu, and Spanish physicians to treat poison, infection, and diarrhea. Many people thought the gemstone could guard against demon possession as well.
A Gemstone for Lovers and Gem Cutters
As a truth-teller, emerald was said to be able to see through any illusions or spells, including the veracity or untruth of a lover’s oath. Some people thought it may also suppress libido. (Perhaps emeralds could provide one’s mind enough space to see the reality of their infatuation-inducing objects.)
The calming green hue of emeralds was supposed to be relaxing to tired eyes. This tension, though, was brought on by more than just looking at objects of obsession. Emeralds used to be a common item on the workbenches of many gem cutters. After spending many hours closely examining various gems, they would rest their eyes on them.
