The birthstone for May is widely considered to be the emerald. However, some other gemstones are also associated with the month of May and can be considered alternate birthstones. In this article, we’ll explore the history and significance of the May birthstones and examine whether emerald is the sole birthstone for May or if other gems can also lay claim to the title.
The history of birthstones
The idea of birthstones – specific gems associated with each month of the year – dates back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known references come from the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. This breastplate contained 12 different gems that corresponded to the 12 tribes of Israel. Ancient astrologers and healers also ascribed different powers and symbolic meanings to certain stones based on the zodiac signs associated with the months.
By the 15th-18th centuries, Polish jewelers had compiled birthstone lists associating a special gem with each month. The modern birthstone list that we use today is based heavily on these old Polish traditions. In 1912, the list was standardized by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States, cementing the mainstream birthstones for each month that are still recognized today.
The significance of the May birthstone
The emerald has been the accepted primary birthstone for the month of May since ancient times. There are a few key reasons why emerald became linked specifically with May:
- May falls right in the heart of spring, a time of rebirth and renewal. The lush green color of emerald evokes the new life springing up in nature during this month.
- In astrology, May is associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, a stable and grounded earth sign. Emerald’s green hue and connection to nature resonated with the symbolic bull.
- The emerald was dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus, who ruled love, beauty, and fertility. May was considered a month associated with love and marriage.
Emeralds have long been prized in many cultures for their vivid green color and rarity. To ancient people, the verdant hue represented life, revival, and growth. For these symbolic reasons, emerald has been recognized for ages as the primary gem embodying the qualities of the month of May.
The case for emerald as May’s sole birthstone
For many decades, emerald was undisputed as May’s singular birthstone. The 1912 standardized birthstone list published by the Jewelers of America designated emerald as the sole representative for May. This cemented it as the traditional and official birthstone for the month.
Emerald is a stone steeped in myth and cultural significance. As the coveted green gem of kings and queens throughout antiquity, emerald has long been associated with luxury and privilege. Its reputation as the definitive May birthstone has endured over time.
The recent popularity of emerald engagement rings has also reinforced it as a stone synonymous with May. With its meaning of loyalty, fresh beginnings, and the beauty of spring, emerald’s symbolism rings true for this month more than any other stone.
The case for alternative May birthstones
In 1952, the Jewelers of America updated their standardized birthstone list to add additional alternate gems for some months, including May. They designated two other stones that can also appropriately be considered May birthstones:
- Chrysoprase – A gem variety of chalcedony, chrysoprase is an apple-green colored stone sometimes nicknamed the “gem of spring.” Its vibrant hue fits perfectly with the season.
- Agate – A multicolor banded gemstone, agate comes in many forms but is most linked to May in its green-hued varieties like moss agate.
These alternate May birthstones provide additional options with connections to the month. Chrysoprase captures the lively greens of spring. Green agate aligns with the earthy sensibilities of Taurus season.
While emerald remains the primary birthstone, the other gems offer variety. Having multiple birthstones for each month is now common. For example, June has pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite as accepted birthstones.
Modern consumers also enjoy having choices to find the stone most appealing to them. The additional May birthstones provide more possibilities to fit personal taste.
How are May birthstones used in jewelry?
May’s birthstones can be set in a wide array of jewelry styles today. Here are some common ways emerald, chrysoprase, and green agate adorn modern birthstone jewelry:
| Birthstone | Jewelry Uses |
|---|---|
| Emerald | Engagement and anniversary rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, statement necklaces |
| Chrysoprase | Beads, pendants, cabochons, rings, bracelets |
| Green agate | Beads, pendants, cabochons, brooches, rings, bracelets |
The brilliance and intensity of color make emerald a popular center stone for May birthstone rings. Translucent chrysoprase and agate lend themselves well to cabochon cuts. Both also work beautifully for beads.
No matter the green gem variety, May birthstone jewelry celebrates the exuberance and new life of spring. Designs that incorporate flowers, leaves, or nature motifs fully capture the symbolism of these stones.
How can you tell if an emerald is real?
Natural emeralds are among the most valuable gems. But synthetic and treated emeralds also abound in the market. Here are some tips for spotting real untreated emeralds:
- High clarity emeralds are very rare – some tiny inclusions are expected in natural stones.
- Check for imperfections like fissures, bubbles, or jagged cavities under magnification.
- Emeralds should fluoresce red under UV light.
- Natural stones will show variation in hue and saturation.
- Synthetic emeralds often have visible melt or flow lines under magnification.
The safest bet when buying real emerald jewelry is to work with a reputable gemologist or jeweler who provides certification of authenticity. An accompanying gem lab report can verify an emerald’s value and provenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while emerald remains the primary and traditional birthstone representing the month of May, other green gem varieties can also claim the title. Chrysoprase and green agate serve as contemporary alternate May birthstones.
But whether set alone or alongside other verdant gems, emerald’s privileged status endures. The crystal’s regal reputation coupled with its symbolic meaning of growth and rebirth still cements emerald as the quintessential birthstone of May.
