May Birthstone: Celebrate Spring with Emerald Green

May 18, 2022

By Katerina Perez

9 min read

Welcome to emerald month! Lucky May babies get to call the bright green emerald their birthstone. Considered a “Cardinal Gem,” the emerald forms part of AN elite group of five gemstones that are traditionally considered more precious above all others: sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst and diamond. Delicate, mysterious and instantly recognisable due to their glowing green hue, emeralds are one of nature’s most beautiful creations. Varying from bright to dark green, this precious stone is one of the most sought-after gems in the world.

The perfect gem to help welcome spring, the evergreen emerald is known for symbolising rebirth and renewal. Its colour is often associated with the lush hues of nature’s foliage, making it one of the most used green gems in jewellery design. Its unique connection with nature is not only limited to its colour. Whilst most gems are reproached for having inclusions, many rare emeralds are in fact admired for their internal patterns. Nicknamed ‘emerald gardens’ or ‘Jardins’ in French, these inclusions are often described as looking mossy or garden-like. No two sets of ‘jardins’ are the same, and they can even be used to identify individual emerald gems.

David Morris emerald and diamond necklace

David Morris emerald and diamond necklace

Emerald jewellery dates as far back as ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was famed for having the world’s largest collection of emerald stones, wearing them as talismans during her religious and spiritual rituals. Ancient Egyptians would use beaded emerald necklaces to ward off evil energies and bring them serenity and peace of mind. Emeralds themselves were through to house powerful forces that could lead to healing and a sense of calm.

Boucheron New Maharajas High Jewellery necklace in emeralds and diamonds with a detachable front piece that converts into a brooch

Boucheron New Maharajas High Jewellery necklace in emeralds and diamonds with a detachable front piece that converts into a brooch

When it comes to jewellery design, emeralds have always been a popular choice, from classical Greek and Roman jewels to the pieces we see gracing the market today. Perhaps their most popular period to date was the Art Deco era of fine jewellery, a design movement that came to life in 1925 in Paris, France. This style embodied the modernity of the era. Bright and bold-shaped jewellery pieces with strong geometric symmetry adorned with diamonds and minimal colour became ‘du moment’. Designers from this movement would use the lush green tones of emeralds to soften their designs’ aesthetics.

Luvor necklace with 125.70 carats of Colombian emeralds and diamonds in white gold, alongside an emerald and diamond ring

Luvor necklace with 125.70 carats of Colombian emeralds and diamonds in white gold, alongside an emerald and diamond ring

Today emeralds are still one of the most popular gems used in jewellery design when an injection of colour is needed in a piece. The most recent high jewellery creation to come from FORMS, based in Hong Kong and Geneva, is a full suite of angular diamond jewellery with over 100 carats of Muzo emerald accents. The strong shapes and settings combined with the fluidity of the emeralds’ hues create softness in each piece. The same can be said for Tasaki’s latest Ritz Paris collection, which is inspired by the shape of the thorned rose. Each piece is a puzzle of step cut gems interlaced with emeralds.

FORMS emerald and diamond necklace with a matching pair of earrings

FORMS emerald and diamond necklace with a matching pair of earrings

When it comes to wearing an emerald jewel, we suggest you invest in a true statement piece. Because of their fragile nature, emeralds are best worn on special occasions, to add a powerful colour accent to an all-black ensemble or even to create contrast with other bright and bold colours. An eye-catching emerald cocktail ring from Van Cleef & Arpels or a pair of pavé emerald floral Dior earrings will do the trick just fine!

Graff

Graff

Graffabulous emerald and diamond necklace

Katherine Jetter

Katherine Jetter

Muzo Colombian emerald earrings with black enamel

Boodles

Boodles

Greenfire Colombian emerald earrings with pavé diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds

Chopard

Chopard

Red Carpet Collection emerald earrings

Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels

Gâteau d'amour ring with a 4.48 carat emerald in 18k yellow gold, set with diamonds and yellow sapphires

Boodles

Boodles

Cabochon emerald ring with diamonds in 18k white and yellow gold

Loren Nicole

Loren Nicole

Medici signet ring with a Muzo Colombian emerald

Marina B

Marina B

Fides ring with a Muzo Colombian emerald cabochon, turquoise cabochons and pavé diamonds in 18K yellow gold

Chopard

Chopard

Red Carpet Collection emerald and diamond necklace

Harwell Godfrey

Harwell Godfrey

Muzo Colombian emerald earrings in 18k yellow gold

Robinson Pelham

Robinson Pelham

Earrings with Muzo Colombian emeralds and multi-coloured gemstones

Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels

Amore Trionfante ring with a central emerald surrounded by diamonds and purple sapphires in white gold

Cartier

Cartier

Sixième Sens par Cartier High Jewellery Synesthesie necklace with emeralds and diamonds

Bucherer Fine Jewellery

Bucherer Fine Jewellery

Soirée ring in white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds and oval-cut emeralds

Nour by Jahan

Nour by Jahan

Cleo emerald and diamond earrings

Bayco

Bayco

Emerald and diamond ring with 22 carats of cushion-cut Colombian emeralds and a double surround of pear-shaped diamonds

Piranesi

Piranesi

Trio emerald and diamond earrings

Gübelin

Gübelin

Drops of Water ring with a 2.88 carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald and two emerald-cut diamonds of 1.03 and 1.08 carats

Picchiotti

Picchiotti

Emerald and diamond brooch

Bulgari

Bulgari

Necklace with a 21.49 carat square-cut emerald, 222 buff-top emeralds of 12.81 carats, and 20.95 carats of pave-set diamonds with mother of pearl elements in platinum

Hoorsenbuhs

Hoorsenbuhs

Infinite emerald necklace in 18k yellow gold

Ondyn

Ondyn

Muzo Colombian emerald and diamond bracelet in 18k yellow gold

Marco Bicego: Italian Icon Launches its First High Jewellery Collection

continue reading

The Psychology of Jewellery: Why We Adorn Ourselves

From the earliest civilisations to contemporary fashion catwalks, humans have consistently sought ways to embellish themselves. Transcending mere decoration, jewellery acts as a powerful expression of identity, status and emotion. Whether it's the intricate beadwork of ancient societies or the minimalist designs of modern artisans, our choices in adornment reveal layers of personal and cultural narratives. 

by Claire Roberts

Gem Renaissance: Insights from GemGenève Talk on Coloured Gemstones

One of the most exciting shifts in the world of fine jewellery today is the growing appreciation for coloured gemstones, especially those beyond the traditional “Big Three” of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. So, when the organisers of GemGenève invited me to do a talk, I instantly knew what subject I was going to touch upon - the rise of colour.

by Katerina Perez

Epic Evolution: Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade 

Miseno is a brand that I have followed closely over the past decade, largely because of its intriguing transatlantic flair that blends Italian heritage and craftsmanship with the pizzazz of New York City. Now, I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection.

by Katerina Perez

A Dazzling Decade: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Yi Collection

Since celebrating the 10-year anniversary of KaterinaPerez.com in 2023, I will admit to having a newfound appreciation and respect for any fellow business owner who reaches this incredible milestone. It’s certainly not easy to maintain high levels of creativity and craftsmanship, especially with a consistent focus on quality and professionalism.

by Sarah Jordan

Wow Effect: Exploring the Inventive Artistry of Serafino Consoli

While doing my duties as a judge at the 2025 Inhorgenta Awards, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the team behind Serafino Consoli – an Italian brand with a unique claim to fame in the high jewellery world.

by Katerina Perez

Essential Passion: The Artistic Pursuits of Mehragin Rahmati of Mergin Jewelry 

Jewellery can be thoughtful and insular, or it can be effusive and bold and full of character that makes it stand out from the crowd. I would put the colourful and charismatic creations of Mehragin Rahmati into the latter camp because of their attention-grabbing silhouettes, unusual structures, and confident mineral palettes.

by Katerina Perez

Maestro of Masterpieces: New High Jewels in the Picchiotti Classics Collection

Ahead of this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, Picchiotti has revealed some of the latest additions to its high jewellery repertoire, including new suites in the Picchiotti Classics collection.

by Sarah Jordan

Reasons to Shop: The Moments that Demand a Fresh Jewellery Purchase 

There's no rule that says you need a reason to buy a new piece of jewellery, but sometimes, a little encouragement makes the decision even more exciting. If you're looking for a playful excuse to book your next jewellery appointment, here are a few irresistible reasons to treat yourself.

by Hirshi Sujanti

Grecian Glamour: The Designers Preparing to Spotlight Greek Style at JCK Las Vegas

Recently, I was approached by the organisers of a special ‘Greek mission’ who are supporting 11 independent designers and brands as they seek to make their mark at JCK Las Vegas from June 6-9, 2025. Below, I would like to introduce you to each of the businesses participating in this incredible showcase of Greek design, ingenuity and craftsmanship.

by Katerina Perez

Naked Attraction: The Best High Jewellery of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival 

Here’s a rundown of some of the best Cannes jewellery looks from the 78th annual festival (May 13-24), including the likes of Dakota Johnson, Angelina Jolie, and Natalie Portman, who all make striking jewellery the star of their ensembles

by Sarah Jordan

In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below

by Katerina Perez

Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work

I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Legacy of Love:The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.