Intro Section

May Birthstone Jewelry: Emerald and Chrysoprase

May has two birthstones: emerald, the official precious gemstone recognized by the American Gem Society since 1912, and chrysoprase, an apple-green chalcedony that has been associated with May for centuries. Both are available in our collection, handcrafted in Colorado using 14K gold and recycled sterling silver. Browse emerald jewelry and chrysoprase jewelry, or shop the full May birthstone collection. Prices start at $20 for charms and $95 for jewelry.

Shop May Birthstones

Emerald Jewelry

The official May birthstone and one of the four precious gemstones. Available in natural and lab-created varieties, set in 14K gold or recycled sterling silver. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms from $20. Learn about emerald.

Chrysoprase Jewelry

May's alternative birthstone. Chrysoprase is a chalcedony with a distinctive apple-green color from nickel. Known for its association with joy, renewal, and personal growth. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in gold-fill and sterling silver from $20. Learn about chrysoprase.

What Makes Our May Birthstone Jewelry Special

• Every piece handcrafted in our Steamboat Springs, Colorado studio
• Available in 14K gold (yellow, white, rose), gold-fill, recycled sterling silver, rose gold-fill, and oxidized sterling silver
• Natural and lab-created emerald options — product listings specify which
• Ships gift-ready in an eco-friendly box with gift bag, tissue, cleaning cloth, and card
• Free shipping on orders over $150
• Custom pieces available through our GemBar
• 4.7 stars across 2,656+ customer reviews

Emerald: The Official May Birthstone

Emerald is the official birthstone for May, a designation held since the original birthstone list was standardized in 1912. It belongs to the beryl mineral family and gets its green color from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Emerald is one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire. It is also the traditional gift for the 20th, 35th, and 55th wedding anniversaries. Browse the May birthstone collection or explore birthstone gift ideas.

Chrysoprase: The Alternative May Birthstone

Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony in the quartz family, colored apple-green by nickel. It has been used as a decorative and spiritual stone since ancient Greece and Rome, and is widely listed as an alternative May birthstone. Chrysoprase rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and is best suited for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets rather than rings that see daily impact. It is not treated or enhanced — the color is entirely natural. Browse our chrysoprase jewelry collection.

The Perfect May Birthstone Gift

May birthstone jewelry works for May birthdays, Mother's Day, milestone anniversaries, and Taurus and Gemini celebrations. Emerald, as one of the four precious gemstones, carries a weight that makes it a particularly meaningful gift for significant occasions. Chrysoprase offers a distinctive, less expected alternative for buyers who want something original. Every piece ships gift-ready in an eco-friendly box. Browse birthstone necklaces and birthstone earrings for additional options.

Emerald Meaning and Properties

Emerald has been treasured for over 4,000 years, from Cleopatra's personal collection to the crown jewels of multiple empires. Its green color has consistently symbolized renewal, growth, and love. Emerald rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for daily wear in necklaces and earrings. Most natural emeralds contain visible inclusions called jardins, which are a normal characteristic of the stone rather than flaws. Most gem-quality emerald is treated with oil or resin to improve clarity — a standard, widely accepted industry practice. We offer both natural and lab-created emeralds; product listings always specify which.

Read our full guide: Chrysoprase Meaning, Color, and Care: A Complete Guide.

Deciding between natural and lab-created emerald? Read our guide: Emerald Buying Guide: Natural vs Lab-Created.

Heart Chakra and Emotional Significance

Emerald is associated with the heart chakra, the energy center governing love, compassion, and emotional balance. It has long been called the stone of successful love and is believed to encourage openness and deeper connection with others. Wearing emerald is said to promote loyalty, unity, and clarity in relationships.

Emerald and Zodiac Signs

Emerald is the birthstone for both Taurus (April 20 to May 20) and Gemini (May 21 to June 20), the two zodiac signs that span May. Its grounding energy complements the steady nature of Taurus, while its association with communication and wisdom resonates with curious Gemini. Explore our zodiac jewelry collection.

Chrysoprase Meaning and Properties

Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) with an apple-green color from nickel content. It has been prized since antiquity — Alexander the Great reportedly wore it into battle, and it appears in the breastplate described in the Book of Revelation. Chrysoprase rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is untreated — the color is entirely natural and stable under normal conditions. Major sources include Queensland, Australia, and Poland.

Heart Chakra and Personal Growth

Chrysoprase is associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote joy, self-acceptance, and emotional healing. It is said to reduce anxiety, encourage forgiveness, and support personal growth. Its calming apple-green color has made it a traditional stone for those seeking emotional clarity and renewal.

Chrysoprase and Zodiac Signs

Chrysoprase is associated with Taurus (April 20 to May 20) and Gemini (May 21 to June 20) as an alternative May birthstone. It is also connected to Libra in some traditions. Explore our zodiac jewelry collection.