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If your birthday falls in May, you've been #blessed with possibly the most regal of birthstones.

May's birthstone is the exquisite emerald - Cleopatra's gem stone of choice and a birthstone said to evoke rebirth and renewal thanks to its lush green Spring-like hue.

The word ‘emerald’ derives from the Greek word smaragdus, which translates as ‘green gem’, and is indicative of its incredibly rich hue that we've come to know, love and covet.

Ever since the Middle Ages, owners of emerald have been convinced that stone will instil infinite patience, unity, compassion and unconditional love; it's also thought to give good fortune, health and youth. Indeed, according to the Pantone Colour Institute, green is ‘the most abundant hue in nature’ that the human eye sees more of than any other colour in the spectrum. “It brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world," they say.

Imbued with mythology, birthstones have been treasured since ancient times when 12 stones were associated with the 12 signs of the zodiac and May's happens to be a pretty decent one. We've rounded up everything you need to know about emerald, and compiled a curated edit of the very best emerald birthstone jewellery to suit every budget.

What is the May birthstone?

The May birthstone is the striking emerald, which has long been linked to royalty, from Egyptian pharaohs to Incan emperors. One of history's greatest icons, Cleopatra, was famously a staunch fan of the gem stone and donned plenty of emerald-adorned jewellery. Over the years, copious emeralds have been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Like aquamarine and morganite, emerald hails from the Beryl family and its deep hue is created by the minerals chromium and vanadium, which form in hexagonal shapes within the host rock. Whilst emerald became the official birthstone for May in 1912, the gem stone boasts a rich history long before that.

Incas had been using emerald in their jewellery for years and when Spanish explorers invaded the New World in the sixteenth-century, they traded in the emerald they found for the more sought-after gold and silver. But they soon realised that emerald had majestic properties, they quickly got it into the hands of European and Asian royalty who've prized it ever since.

In fact, the iconic Crown of the Andes, which was made for the statue of the Virgin Mary in Colombia, is emblazoned with 450 emeralds; some of which were apparently taken from Atahualpa, the captured Emperor of the Incas.

Looking to treat someone to a really special emerald? The deeper or more green an emerald is, the more valuable it is; you'll be able to spot a rare emerald thanks to its deep green (almost blue) colour. 

Whilst emeralds can be found in Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe, it's Columbia that is responsible for over 60 per cent of the entire world's production of emerald.

Despite its famous moniker as ‘The Emerald Isle’, emeralds are not mined in Ireland; it's just become known as that thanks to its lush green countryside and rolling hills.

What do emeralds symbolise?

Emerald's green colour evokes the freshness of new growth in the springtime so it has long been associated with vitality, health and prosperity. 

The ancient Romans were convinced that emerald represented Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love, and could help the wearer maintain unconditional love. In the Middle Ages, people would put emeralds under their tongues in the hope of seeing in to the future, with some Christians believing emeralds were the symbol of the resurrection of Christ.

People have also long used emerald to help them meditate and even to boost fertility. Early Romans gave emeralds to their young wives and emerald is still a popular ‘push present’ today.

Roman author Pliny the Elder, who died in the 79 CE eruption of Mt Vesuvius, has some interesting thoughts on emerald. In his encyclopaedic Natural History he claimed that the gem stone was hugely beneficial for gem cutters working with it, writing: “[they] have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green colour comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” It has since been proven that the colour green does indeed relieve stress and eye strain. Who knew?

After more jewellery content? You're in luck because we've got plenty, including gold jewellery, gold hoop earrings and initial pendants. We've also got friendship bracelets, pearl jewellery, unique engagement rings, Missoma jewellery, Monica Vinader jewellery, resin rings a la Dua Lipa and clip on earrings (yes, really). We also have guides to the best September birthstone jewellery, October birthstone jewellery, November birthstone jewellery, December birthstone jewellery, January birthstone jewellery, February birthstone jewellery, March birthstone jewellery and April birthstone jewellery if you're looking to treat someone with a birthday in those months. You're most welcome. 

Scroll down to shop the best May birthstone jewellery, from diamond earrings to rings for every budget…

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