Its vibrant green color makes it a unique gemstone. It's considered a symbol of the ever-returning green of nature after winter. Emeralds are most commonly found in Colombia, but this birthstone can also be found in Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Emeralds were also highly prized by the Incas and Aztecs, who discovered the gems in Colombia, and their appreciation for them has endured for centuries.

The stone symbolizes power, eternal youth, and immortality. Emerald activates and stimulates love, inspiration, openness, sincerity, positivity, and a sense of unity. It is the king of gemstones. According to folklore, the emerald possesses many special powers. For example, the green stone is said to cure its owner of all kinds of ailments and illnesses, increase intelligence, and alleviate poor vision and infertility.

The gemstone has been known for 4,000 years as a healing stone and a decorative gem. The emerald was already very popular in the time of the pharaohs and is still considered one of the most precious gemstones. So precious that Cleopatra, during her time as queen of Egypt, seized all the emerald mines in the empire to ensure that all the emeralds remained in her possession. The beautiful green color represented fertility, rebirth, and power, but above all, eternal youth. This was what Cleopatra longed for.

The Romans placed great value on the emerald. The emperor always had a spyglass made of emerald with which he watched the gladiatorial games. Emeralds were also believed to improve vision. The Romans also believed that an emerald wearer would gain power and wealth, as did the Egyptians. Others were convinced that owners of an emerald could predict the future. Some cultures also believed that this gemstone would protect them from obsessions or that the emerald brought fertility.

Besides being the birthstone for May, emerald is also associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini. You can also use it for zodiac jewelry if you're interested.

Taurus April 20 - May 20: Diamond and Emerald

Gemini May 21 - June 20: Emerald and Pearl

The Taurus zodiac sign can choose between the April birthstone, the diamond, and the May birthstone, an emerald. Taurus can also choose the April birthstone or, alternatively, an emerald.

In addition to jewelry featuring the May birthstone, we have a large collection of birthstone jewelry in stock in our shop. Browse our extensive collection of birthstone jewelry in the webshop or come try it on in our studio in Vlissingen. Would you like to design a unique piece of jewelry featuring the May birthstone? You can do so in our studio. One of our expert goldsmiths will work with you to explore the possibilities of incorporating the emerald into a beautiful ring, pendant, or bracelet.

Gemstone jewelry is often unique and not available in different sizes. If you'd like to order a birthstone ring online, we'll custom-make it for you in our workshop. To find the right ring size, please see our instructions. A beautiful gold or silver birthstone pendant with emerald is, of course, available immediately. Below is a small selection of the options. View the full collection of birthstone jewelry here .