Two greens, one month
Choose your May stone
Emerald is the traditional May birthstone. Chrysoprase delivers the same lush green at a more accessible price.
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The May edit
Handpicked for May babies
May’s birthstones, explained
Chrysoprase, Emerald
Emerald is the traditional May birthstone, a green variety of beryl rating 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Chrysoprase, a natural green chalcedony rating 7, is our accessible May alternative with the same lush color.
Meaning and Properties
Emerald has symbolized rebirth, love, and loyalty since antiquity, treasured from Cleopatra’s mines to royal collections. Chrysoprase takes its name from the Greek chrysos and prason, golden leek, and is associated with joy and optimism.
Chakra and Energy
Both May stones are associated with the heart chakra, the energy center tied to love, compassion, and renewal. They are believed to support openness, growth, and emotional balance.
May Birthstones and Zodiac
May spans two zodiac signs: Taurus (April 20 to May 20) and Gemini (May 21 to June 20). Emerald is the primary Taurus birthstone, and chrysoprase is recognized for both signs. Explore our zodiac jewelry collection.
May Birthstone Jewelry
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.
FAQ
May birthstone questions
Emerald is the traditional May birthstone. Chrysoprase is our accessible May alternative, delivering the same lush green at a lower price.
Pieces start at $20 for chrysoprase charms. Emerald pieces start at $105. Free shipping applies to orders over $150.
Chrysoprase is a natural green chalcedony and a beautiful May alternative to emerald. It is a genuine mineral, not a simulant, with a rich apple-green color.
Yes. Every piece is handcrafted in our Colorado studio with ethically sourced stones and recycled metals, and ships gift-ready in eco-friendly packaging.