If you were born in May – or you’re shopping for someone who was – you have a birthstone that royalty, collectors, and gem lovers have fought over for thousands of years. The emerald is one of the rarest and most visually striking gems on earth, and right now it’s in its moment. At Abla Jewelers in Sacramento, we carry emerald pieces that range from delicate everyday wear to statement-making collector’s items. Here’s everything you need to know about May’s remarkable birthstone.
What Makes an Emerald an Emerald?
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl – the same family as aquamarine, but colored a deep, saturated green by the presence of chromium and sometimes vanadium. That combination of elements is rare in nature, which is part of why fine emeralds can be more valuable per carat than diamonds.
Unlike diamonds, where clarity is king, emeralds are almost universally included. Gemologists even have a French term for it: jardin, meaning garden. Those natural inclusions – tiny fissures and crystals trapped during formation – are considered part of the stone’s character, not a defect. A completely inclusion-free emerald is so rare it raises more eyebrows than a stone with some jardin.
Color is the most important factor in an emerald. The finest stones are a vivid, slightly bluish green – deep enough to feel rich, bright enough to radiate in light. Colombia produces some of the world’s most prized emeralds. Zambia is another significant source, with stones that tend toward a slightly cooler, more bluish green. When you shop at Abla Jewelers, we’ll show you the difference and help you find the color that speaks to you.
The History and Symbolism of Emeralds
No gemstone carries more historical weight than the emerald. The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the Eastern Desert as far back as 1500 BCE – Cleopatra was famously obsessed with them and claimed Egyptian emerald mines as her own personal property. The Incas and Aztecs considered emeralds sacred. Spanish conquistadors looted them by the shipload from South America and brought them to European courts, where they became symbols of wealth and royal power.
Emeralds have long been associated with:
Growth and renewal – The green of an emerald mirrors spring, new beginnings, and life itself. For people born in May, it feels personal.
Love and loyalty – Emeralds were historically given as tokens of faithfulness. Ancient Romans connected the stone to Venus, goddess of love.
Wisdom and foresight – Many traditions attributed prophetic powers to emeralds, believing the stone could reveal truth and help its wearer see clearly.
Abundance – In numerous cultures across history, emeralds were linked to prosperity and good fortune.
For a May birthday, an emerald isn’t just a beautiful gem. It’s a piece of history.
Emerald Jewelry: Finding the Right Style
Emeralds translate beautifully across every style and setting. Here’s what we carry and what we see customers gravitating toward at our Sacramento store:
Emerald Rings – Whether as a birthstone ring, a cocktail ring, or an engagement ring alternative, emeralds make a bold centerpiece. We carry solitaire styles in yellow gold – which complements green perfectly – as well as halo settings that surround the emerald with diamonds for added brilliance. For May birthdays, a simple emerald solitaire in yellow gold is one of the most timeless things you can give someone.
Emerald Earrings – Stud earrings set with emeralds are a versatile everyday option that adds color without going overboard. Drop earrings and hoop designs with emerald accents work beautifully for occasions and events. If you’re looking for a gift that someone will reach for constantly, emerald studs are a strong choice.
Emerald Necklaces and Pendants – A single emerald pendant on a gold chain is one of those pieces that photographs beautifully and looks even better in person. We also carry emerald-accented necklaces where the stone plays a supporting role alongside diamonds or other gems.
Emerald Bracelets – Tennis-style bracelets with alternating emeralds and diamonds are having a serious moment right now. If you want a statement piece that’s also wearable day-to-day, this is worth looking at.
Custom Emerald Jewelry – This is where Abla Jewelers really stands apart. If you have a vision – or an heirloom emerald that needs a new setting – our team can design and build something specific to you. Custom isn’t reserved for celebrities. It’s for anyone who wants a piece that tells their story.
How to Care for Emerald Jewelry
Emeralds are durable – a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale – but they require a little more care than diamonds or sapphires. Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to fill surface-reaching fissures and improve their appearance. That treatment is standard in the industry and nothing to be concerned about, but it does affect how you clean them.
Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners – The vibration and heat can damage the filler in treated emeralds. This is the most important rule.
Clean gently – Warm water and a soft cloth or a very soft brush is all you need. Skip the soaking and harsh soaps.
Keep away from chemicals – Remove emerald jewelry before cleaning, swimming in chlorinated pools, or using lotions and perfumes. Apply products first, then put on your jewelry.
Store carefully – Emeralds can be scratched by harder stones. Keep them in their own pouch or compartment, away from diamonds and sapphires.
Get them inspected – Bring your emerald pieces in once a year so we can check prongs and settings, and re-oil the stone if needed. It’s a quick visit that protects a long-term investment.
Why Shop for Emeralds at Abla Jewelers?
Sacramento has plenty of places to buy jewelry. The difference at Abla Jewelers is the time we take with each customer. We’re not trying to move volume. We’re trying to help you find the right piece for the right person, at a price that makes sense for your situation.
We carry a curated selection of emerald jewelry with stones sourced for their color and quality. When you come in, we’ll walk you through what you’re looking at – origin, color, clarity, treatment, all of it – so you leave with confidence, not just a receipt.
Whether you’re coming from Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, or anywhere else in the area, we’d love to show you what May’s birthstone looks like up close.
Come see us at Abla Jewelers and find an emerald piece as unique as the person you’re buying it for.
Abla Jewelers – Sacramento’s trusted source for fine gemstone jewelry, custom pieces, and honest guidance.
