One of the most sought after and revered gemstones in the world, the striking and richly beautiful emerald is May’s birthstone. Along with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, emeralds are one of the four recognized precious gemstones. However, while we usually think of diamonds as the rarest of the precious stones, emeralds are actually rarer and often more expensive than diamonds.

Emeralds are also a more fragile stone and are harder to cut, so they should be cut strategically to ensure that their natural fissures don’t surface or appear at the emerald’s corners. Additionally, emeralds are usually oiled to fill in their fractures and to enhance their appearance, but the oiling in no way affects their value.

Emerald Coloring

Emeralds are a type of beryl which get their striking green coloring from chromium, and unlike diamonds, usually have inclusions. In fact, if you find an emerald without inclusions, it’s most likely a synthetic emerald. The name ‘emerald’ comes from the Greek word ‘smaragdus’, which means green, although emeralds don’t just come in one shade of green; they come in a striking array of green hues from deep, darkish green to bluish green, soft green, grass green, and light green.

Emerald Durability

Even though they are a durable stone, emeralds chip and crack more easily than diamonds, so setting them adds to the expense of emerald jewelry. Despite this, many consider it the ultimate luxury jewelry. Indeed from emerald engagement rings to emerald pendants, earrings and more, emerald jewelry is breathtaking. Take a look at a few of our favorites below and you’ll see what we mean.

Emerald Drop Earrings

This exquisite pair of emerald drop earrings with diamond accents takes the ‘wow’ factor to a whole new level. Their detailed and delicate filigree design enhances the emerald’s beauty and creates a truly elegant and one-of-a-kind look.

Emerald Drop Earrings With Elaborate Filigree Details

Emerald Pendants

Emerald pendants make spectacular May birthstone jewelry. One of the most famous emerald pendants is the Flagler Emerald, which was given to Mary Lily Kenan Flagler by her husband Henry Flagler, the person considered responsible for establishing Florida as a premier resort destination. The emerald weighs in at 35.02 carats and is of classic Colombian origin. Of course, there are plenty of other breathtaking emerald pendant designs to choose from that won’t put you back $2.8 million. For example, check out the exquisite 3.5 ct emerald pendant below:

Classic Emerald Pendant

Emerald Rings

Emerald rings also make spectacular May birthstone jewelry (as well as anniversary jewelry, Mother’s Day jewelry, Valentine’s Day jewelry and well anytime jewelry). They are timeless, beautiful in any setting or style, and make quite the statement. The emerald cocktail and fashion rings below are just a few dazzling examples of emerald birthstone rings.

Ballerina-Style Ring With Large Emerald Center Stone in a Basket Setting and 34 Round Diamond Accent Stones

Vintage-Style Ring With Emerald Center Stone in a Basket Setting and Round and Marquise-Shaped Accent Stones

Emerald Engagement Rings

Make it the best birthday and engagement event ever! As an engagement ring and a May birthday gift, the emerald not only looks stunning in a variety of settings, but as it has long been a symbol of enduring love, it is also symbolically fitting . Emerald engagement rings can be bold, subtle, traditional or modern and they can be versatile enough to fit just about any style, whether as a center stone or as side stones. To give you an idea and perhaps a little inspiration, here are a few of our favorite emerald engagement rings.