The traditional birthstone of May is Emerald. The lush green color of this gemstone perfectly describes Spring vibe. Emerald is a stunning stone but also very rare, luckily nowadays people are more acceptable to other green gemstones as alternatives. Read on to found out more!  As a celebration of Spring, though out the month of May we offer a 25% off on all items!

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The reason why Emerald was selected to represent the month of May is easy to understand. Emerald’s lush green coincide with the color and vibe of Spring. And for this reason, most green stones especially for Emerald is always associated with rebirth and rejuvenation.

Ancient Egyptian adores Emerald, consider the stone as a symbol for immortality. The Egyptian culture are known for their love of natural gemstone, as evidence in the artifact such as jewelry, ornament and burial items. They have a fondness for gems like lapis lazuli and turquoise, yet the favorite is Emerald. The queen of Egypt Cleopatra is well known for her love of Emerald. Although the legendary “Cleopatra’s Emerald” was never found or rediscovered, records and documents shows the queen does have a special affection for Emerald.

Besides the Egyptians, many ancient civilizations see Emerald as an important stone not just for its beauty, more importantly believe the stone itself held the secret of life. Considered a scared stone by the Incas and Aztecs, in the 16th century Spanish conquistador greed over this mesmerizing stone. Many legends and folklores describe the conflicts over this stone. These includes the mysterious, ever-glowing Emerald in a Tlaxcala temple. Fan of the occult and esoterica are all familiar with Hermes Trismegistus’ work “Emerald Tablet”, considered as the very foundation for alchemy. Some believe the text contains secret to create the philosopher’s stone. According to some legend the text was craved or etched in and giant piece of Emerald block. Seemingly impossible because it would require an Emerald so large, like many subjects in history we most likely will never find the true answer.

One thing can be certain is that Emerald is always treated as the symbol of vitality and growth. A tangible form of lifeforce itself; and thus, makes perfect sense to represent the Spring season of May.

Being one of the rarest minerals on earth, Emerald is one of the highest priced among all gemstones. Luckily there are alternatives. Green Onyx is a popular choice for the color closely resembles Emerald. Also called Green Chalcedony or Green Agate, these are the same stone just goes by different name. Onyx itself is a well know stone cherish by men since antiquity. For example, the Romans use Onyx as cameo (where the word originates), a portrait carved on a piece of gemstone.

Green Onyx are commonly semi-transparent or opaque, unified in green without pattern. In comparison to Emerald’s clear transparency, Green Onyx is slightly different looking yet their color have close resemblance. An affordable stone, Green Onyx is growing more and more popular nowadays.

Malachite is a green to dark green opaque stone with marbled pattern. Some culture nickname it “Peacock stone”, since the green hue similar to those of peacock. Malachite is not a traditional birthstone, but just like Emerald also is a stone beloved by the ancient Egyptians; as evident in their jewelry, ornament and even burial items. This stone was so cherished, legend has it that Cleopatra used ground up Malachite and apply the paste as eye shadow. As an important note, do not try this because minerals are not in any way meant to be use as cosmetic.

Like Emerald for its green color, Malachite is seen by the Egyptian as the gemstone for rejuvenation and resurrection. A semi-precious stone which is more commonly found, Malachite is more affordable but stunning in its own way. An entirely different look from Emerald, nowadays is being consider as an alternative May birthstone for the green color also coincide with the lifeful Spring vibe of May.  

A relatively new addition to the gemstone family. Tsavorite is not discovered until the 1960’s. This gem is an interesting alternative birthstone because the translucent property and green hue resembles Emerald; and yet Tsavorite is actually a rare green form of Garnet, so it is seen as the substitute for January birthstone for those who don’t like the deep red of Garnet. On the other hand, for those who are born in May but prefer a lighter green hue Tsavorite makes a good choice.

In comparison, Emerald processes a deeper shade of green which offers a rich, elite feeling; Tsavorite’s green is in a more saturated and vibrant, looking younger and more fun. Both stunning in its own way, which shade of green to choose is really a matter of personal preference. Being one of the rarest forms of Garnet, a good Tsavorite cost as much as an Emerald so it’s not considered a budget alternative but rather a choice of color variation.

We hope you learn more about May birthstone and the choices. Let’s celebrate Spring with a shade of lush green! Take this opportunity and enjoy 25% off on all items though out the month of May.

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