May Birthstone Guide-Emerald, Alexandrite & Their Meaning, Care & Gifting Tips

Among all the gems, May birthstone stands out with it’s lush color and rich symbolism, which makes it one of the most alluring gemstones of all. If you are born in May, your official birthstone is emerald. Emerald gemstone is known for its dark color and its sophisticated connotation. Emerald is a stone that symbolizes rebirth, love, and hope, which explains humans' fascination for centuries. If you are searching for the birthstone of May or the meaning of the May birthstone this guide will lead you through everything to know about this classic gem and some beautiful alternatives.

Curious about other months' guides like the September birthstone guide or more insights.

 What is the birthstone for May?

The birthstone for May is the beautiful emerald, a gemstone with a distinct appeal for its green color, aesthetic beauty, and depth of meaning. Emeralds are distinguished as one of the rarest and most valuable stones representing renewal, love, and wealth. May Birthstone Emerald is also linked with two zodiac signs: Taurus (April 20–May 20) and Gemini (May 21–June 20), making it especially fitting as a birthstone for the month of May! 

Of course, Emerald is not the only choice available! May birthstone alternatives like Alexandrite, Chrysoprase, and Peridot each have their own meanings and benefits for those who may want to explore some alternatives. 

If you’re exploring birthstones beyond May, check out our Ultimate Guide to Birthstones by Month for a full list

History & Symbolism of the May birthstone 

The May birthstone meaning, emerald, has a history of thousands of years. Emerald, with its luscious green color and magical properties, has been enjoyed in cultures all over the world. 

Historical Significance

• Ancient Egypt: Emeralds were known as the eternal stone of life. Cleopatra especially loved emeralds and often wore emeralds as personal adornment.

• Greek & Roman Mythology: Emeralds were believed to be connected to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and provided benefits for fertility and fidelity.

• Middle Ages: Emeralds came to symbolize protection and wisdom. It was said to reveal truth and protect from the evil eye.

Symbolism

• Renewal and Rebirth: When Mother Earth awakens in May, emerald represents renewal, is life, and it stands for strength and rebirth.
• Love and Fidelity: Emerald is the stone of successful love and is believed to add traction to and strengthen the relationship.
• Wisdom and Abundance: It signifies prosperity, not in terms of money but in terms of a much larger amount of wisdom.

Just like emerald has a rich history, other stones such as Diamond(April Birthstone) also carry deep symbolism.

Primary May Birthstone: Emerald 

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Emerald is obviously the color of the May birthstone, the vibrant, bright green and is the most recognizable and appreciated of all May birthstones. 

Color of May Birthstone 

The May birthstone color is its signature characteristic, and the green of the emerald symbolizes life, nature, and energy. The green shades range from light green to deep, bright green, but the best examples show an intense, consistent color distribution.

Emerald Color Grades

Tip: Emeralds will often have inclusions called "jardin" (French for garden), which are natural features and therefore indicate authenticity.

Emerald Meaning & Spiritual Benefits 

Emerald is not just a lovely stone but a powerful stone full of spiritual energy and healing properties. 

• Heart Chakra Stone: Helps ground and balance your emotion and elevate feelings of kindness.
• Love and relationships: Brings peace, a faithful heart, and unconditional love.
• Wealth and abundance: Attracts good luck, wealth, and opportunity.
• Mental clarity: Enhances focus, intuition, and decision-making.

These qualities feature key birthstone benefits for May-born individuals.

Secondary/Alternative May birthstone 

Emerald may be the main birthstone for May, but in addition there are meanings associations and alternative stones for Emerald:

• Chrysoprase: A bright green stone that is representative of joy, joyfulness, lightheartedness, and optimism - it also embodies forgiveness.  Chrysoprase can also help with emotional healing and finding inner peace.
• Alexandrite: A true gem of transformation. Alexandrite changes color depending on the lighting, which provides symbolism for any positive adaptation or balance from any situation.
• Peridot: A bright green crystal that represents harmony, growth, and has protective aspects.

These alternatives allow for differences in jewelry options, and also certainly metaphysical qualities for people who are looking to embrace something different, rather than Emerald.

Zodiac & Spiritual Benefits

The May birthstone connects with people born in Taurus and Gemini: 

• For Taurus (20 April - 20 May): Brings stability, patience, and love.
• For Gemini (21 May - 20 June): Emphasizes communication, creativity, and adaptability.

Healing Benefits

• Mechanically & energetically aligns with the Heart Chakra for transmuting emotional hurt, disappointment and blockages.

• Used in meditation to help balance the emotions and to increase wisdom.

• It works well with May birthstones and crystals, such as Rose Quartz for love energy, and Clear Quartz for clarity.

How to Wear May Birthstone 

Wearing a birthstone is more than simply a style, it is connecting to its energy!

• Jewelry Types: Emerald can be stunning in rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Emerald pairs nicely with yellow or white gold as well as platinum.

• For Men: Signet rings, cufflinks, or a simple bracelet studded with an Emerald.

• For Women: Solitaire rings, dropped earrings, and layering necklaces.

• Astrological tip: Some philosophies suggest wearing your Emerald stone on the little finger of your right hand for maximum benefits.

Note: For astrological purposes, consult an accredited Vedic astrologer for the number of carats, type of metal, and placement on your body.

Who Should & Should Not Wear the May Birthstone

Putting on a gemstone is more than just an aesthetic thing; it's about energy, resonance, and intention. While emerald is certainly strong and effective, it's not for everyone, so who should wear this stone, and who might want to be careful. 

Who Should Wear May Birthstones?

• People born in May: As their main birthstone, they will have nothing but harmony and luck
• The zodiac signs of Taurus and Gemini: As it will amplify stability, communication, and creativity in these signs
• Anyone who is seeking emotional healing: Emerald is great for balancing your heart chakra, enabling love and compassion.
• People in creative fields or communication: Writers, artists, teachers, public speakers, etc. It has optimistic Mercury energy.
• Individual wanting financial abundance: Emerald is one of the gems that pertains to abundance/prosperity in Vedic astrology.

Who Should Not Wear the Birthstones of May?

• People with weak Mercury in their horoscope chart: Mercury will only intensify the equivocal (not right), rather than correct any imbalance.
• Anyone told not to wear Emerald by a Vedic astrologer: In this context gemstones carry astrological meanings and wearers have to consider the nature of the gemstone.
• Wearing it causes disturbances: If after wearing Emerald you feel anxious, restless, or drained, these may be indicators not to wear it, because it is not resonating with how your energies work together.
• Anyone with certain health conditions: While it is rare, individual experiences can differ, if it increases any health event (or symptom) that you experience while wearing Emerald, you should stop wearing it. 
• Anyone who doesn't have the time/care to look after their Emerald: Emerald is considered a soft stone that wears well but can be susceptible to damage if not taken care of.

Suggestion: If you are unsure, start by wearing Emerald in a smaller size or a pendant, instead of on your finger until you can learn more about how well emerald will agree with your energies and habits.

Care & Cleaning Guide for May birthstone 

Emerald is a precious and delicate stone and here is how to take care of it.  

• Cleaning: Emeralds can be cleaned with mild soap (lukewarm) water and a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals. 
• Storage: Store emeralds separate from harder stones to avoid scratching.
• Avoid: Ultrasonics, excessive heat, and heavy impact activities.
• Maintenance: Emeralds are usually treated with oils to enhance clarity. Periodically, you should have your emeralds re-oiled by a jeweler to maintain the brilliance of the stone.

May Birthstone Price & Grade Guide

The cost of Emerald and other birthstones for May depend on the four Cs: color, clarity, carat, and treatment. The following is a quick breakdown: 

Emerald Price Range

• Commercial Quality: $50 - $200 per carat (light green with heavy inclusions)
• The quality: $500 - $2,000 per carat (medium green with moderate inclusions)
• Fine Quality: $3,000 - $10,000 per carat (deep green with very minor inclusions) 
• Top Colombian Gems: Prices typically exceed $20,000 per carat

👉🏻If you're exploring emeralds or alexandrite for custom designs, understanding how to calculate cost per carat for bulk gemstone purchases can help you make smarter jewelry decisions.

Alternative May Birthstone Price 

• Chrysoprase: $5 - $50 per carat (affordable)
• Peridot: $25 - $400 per carat (bright lime green)
• Alexandrite: $10,000 - $30,000 per carat (very rare and color-changing.)

Buying Tip: If you are buying organically and concern over budget, look for smaller emeralds or some alternatives (Peridot or trading in Chrysoprase). If you are making a statement and splurge, consider certified Colombian Emerald

Explore our full collection on Gemstones For Sale

May Birthstone Gift Ideas 

Looking for the perfect May birthstone gift? Here are some ideas:

Budget

• Simple Emerald Pendants

• Stud Earrings with Birthstone

• Beaded Emerald bracelet

Mid-Range

• Emerald rings or designer pendants

• Alexandrite or Chrysoprase jewelry

• Personalized charms with Emeralds

Luxury

• Emerald engagement ring

• Statement necklaces with emerald clusters

• Watches with Emeralds

Tip: Perfect for Birthdays, Anniversaries, or Mother’s Day. 

Conclusion

The May birthstone Emerald  symbolizes renewal, heart healing, and spiritual clarity.  Its rich green color signifies nature’s abundance, and its metaphysical benefits aligns with love, wisdom and prosperity for its wearer. The May birthstone, Emerald, has companions on this list too: Chrysoprase, Alexandrite, and Peridot are also alternative selections for celebrating births in May.

Regardless of when the choice is based on the zodiac placement, spiritual energy, or sheer aesthetic beauty, the Emerald is a timeless representation that has continued to inspire enchantment with all those born in May for centuries.

FAQ

1. What is the birthstone for May?

The true birthstone of May is Emerald. It is most noted for its green color, but is actually a symbol of rebirth, love, and wealth.

2. Can Emerald be worn daily?

Certainly, emerald can be worn daily if it's properly maintained. Use protective settings and avoid harsh chemicals.

3. Are there secondary May birthstones?

Yes, May birthstone alternatives include Alexandrite, Chrysoprase, and Peridot. Each has its own meaning and benefits.

4. What are some May birthstone gift ideas?

Emerald pendants, rings, bracelets, or alternative stones like Alexandrite and Chrysoprase make excellent gifts.

5. Where can I buy authentic May birthstone jewelry?

You can buy certified emeralds and other May birthstones at Gemstones For Sale

6. How do you clean and care for May birthstone jewelry?

Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and store separately from harder stones.