MAY’S BIRTHSTONE – EMERALD

Updated 12th May 2021

Emeralds are famous for their intense green colour and unique qualities.  Their beauty and charm make emeralds the perfect birthstone for May.


One of the most popular precious gemstones in jewellery, emeralds have long been touted for their intense, lustrous green hue and individual character. 


Emeralds are thought to represent reflection, peace, and balance, and to offer the wearer a sense of hope and wisdom. The colour green holds strong connection with nature and the environment, and because of this, emeralds are often associated with new beginnings.

Where do emeralds come from?


Emeralds can be found in many countries around the globe, though they are generally mined in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. This intriguing stone was first discovered in Egypt in 330BC and is said to have been the favourite gemstone of the legendary Cleopatra.


Can emeralds be worn every day?


A member of the beryl family, alongside aquamarine and morganite, emeralds are placed between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are suitable for everyday as long as a reasonable amount of care is taken. Find out more about how to care for this green gemstone here.  

What makes emeralds so valuable?


The factors that determine the quality and value of an emerald are the clarity, cut, carat weight, and most importantly, its colour. Those deep, verdant green tones are what make emeralds so alluring, and having a consistent colour throughout intensifies a gem's worth. The most popular cut for an emerald is the emerald cut, named after the stone, though they are often polished into round and oval shapes, particularly in engagement pieces. 


When it comes to clarity, every emerald is unique, and almost all emeralds will contain some degree of inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. These are sometimes known as the jardin, French for garden, due to their resemblance to foliage hidden within the green depths of each individual stone. It is incredibly rare to find an emerald with no visible inclusions, and gemstones of this clarity are extremely valuable. 


Are emeralds rarer than diamonds?


Yes! Emeralds are much rarer than diamonds and can be more expensive per carat depending on the quality of the stone and its cut. A famous example is the Rockerfeller Emerald, which sold for over $5,500,000 in 2018 – the highest price per carat ever noted. This step-cut emerald weighs around 18 carats and was ranked by gemmologists as ‘exceptional’ in colour and clarity.

Emeralds from Pravins


Emerald’s leafy green shades make it the perfect springtime birthstone for the month of May and its striking beauty is highlighted in our selection of emerald jewellery. From vintage-inspired styles to timeless elegance, we have the perfect piece for every emerald enthusiast.


Our Oriana collection perfectly displays the versatile beauty of emerald. Featuring pieces set in both 18ct yellow and white gold, this collection features fine quality emeralds and sparkling diamonds in intricate designs. 

Our Camellia collection is the epitome of classic luxury. Featuring gemstones in all of your favourite shapes – from traditional round cuts to the modern pear shape, embrace the vivid colour of May’s birthstone set against 18ct white gold and accented by sparkling diamonds.  

Looking for the perfect emerald ring? 


We have a wide selection - from showstopper dress rings to lush emerald engagement rings. We think emeralds make an excellent choice for a less traditional style of engagement ring, with famous icons such as Olivia Wilde, Halle Berry and Jackie Kennedy sporting these vivid green gemstones on their ring fingers. 

Our gemstone experts pride themselves in sourcing the highest quality emeralds for all of our jewellery, in a variety of beautiful shades of green. Discover more of our distinctive emerald pieces or take a look at our bespoke service and celebrate the splendour of emerald with a one-of-a-kind piece from Pravins. 


Contact a member of the team and start your Pravins emerald journey today.