All About Emerald, May’s Birthstone

Emeralds have long been cherished for their vibrant green hue and rich history. As the birthstone for May, they symbolize renewal, wisdom, and love. Let's delve into what makes emeralds special and clarify the distinction between the emerald gemstone and the emerald cut.

What Is an Emerald?

Emeralds are beautiful green gemstones that have been loved for thousands of years. They are a type of mineral called beryl, and what makes them green is the presence of tiny amounts of elements like chromium and vanadium. These elements give emeralds their rich, deep green color, making them so special. In ancient times, many cultures thought emeralds had healing powers. Some believed they could improve eyesight, calm the mind, or even protect against bad luck. Others saw emeralds as a symbol of love, rebirth, and good fortune. Emeralds come in different quality grades, from B to AAA. Lower-grade emeralds (like Grade B or A) are lighter in color and have more visible lines or marks inside. Higher grades (AA and AAA) have a deeper green color and look much clearer and cleaner. Grade AAA is the best, bright, rich in color, and very clear.

Source: Emerald – Capucinne

Emerald Stone vs Emerald Cut

When we are talking about the rings, we usually say emerald ring, but it's common to confuse the emerald gemstone with the emerald cut, which refers to different things:

• Emerald (Gemstone)

This is a green precious stone, famous for its rich color and long history. It's one of the traditional birthstones for May.

• Emerald Cut

This refers to a style of cutting a gemstone, not the type of stone itself. The emerald cut is rectangular with long, step-like facets. It was originally designed for emeralds because the shape helps prevent chipping, which emeralds are prone to.
Today, the emerald cut is widely used for diamonds and other gemstones, and emerald cut engagement rings are especially loved for their elegant, clean appearance that enhances clarity and symmetry.

Trendy Cuts for Emerald Gemstones

Emeralds are most famous in their classic emerald cut, but today, jewelers are exploring many other shapes to suit different styles. These cuts are making emeralds a top choice for anyone looking for a green engagement ring that’s bold and unique.

Emerald Cut

The timeless rectangular shape with step-like facets, elegant and traditional. This cut highlights the clarity of the stone more than its sparkle. It has a calm, mirror-like shine instead of lots of sparkle like round cuts.
Emerald cuts are perfect for someone who loves classic, understated elegance.

Marquise Cut

A pointed oval that adds drama and can make the stone look larger than it is. Because of its long shape, it can make fingers look longer and slimmer.
It has a royal feel and has been used in jewelry for centuries. This cut works well as a bold center stone in engagement rings.

Baguette Cut

Pear Cut

A teardrop shape that gives a unique, graceful look, often used in pendants or statement rings. It combines the sparkle of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise.
Depending on how it’s worn, it can point up or down for a different style. Pear cuts stand out and offer a softer, more artistic feel.

Facts About This Green Stone

Emeralds have a rich history and some unique qualities that make them truly special. Here are some fun and fascinating facts about emeralds:

They're a Type of Beryl

Emeralds belong to the same mineral family as aquamarine. Their green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium.

Birthstone for May

Emerald is the traditional birthstone for May, symbolizing growth, renewal, and love.

Inclusions Are Common

Most emeralds have natural flaws or lines inside called inclusions. These are often accepted as part of the stone’s character and are sometimes called the emerald’s "jardin" (French for garden).

Softer Than They Look

Although emeralds rank 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, they can still chip more easily than diamonds due to internal inclusions.

Emeralds, with their rich green color and storied past, continue to captivate jewelry enthusiasts. Understanding the distinction between the emerald gemstone and the emerald cut enhances appreciation for both. Whether you're celebrating a May birthday or drawn to their timeless appeal, emeralds offer a blend of beauty and history that's hard to match.