Dazzling emerald birthstone jewellery for May
Coveted for their depth and clarity, these are the emerald jewels guaranteed to impress this month
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
Emitting a deep, flattering dark-green hue, emeralds work for almost all skin tones. They look equally good when set in gold, platinum or silver, and pair well with a range of other precious and semi-precious stones. It’s little wonder that the stone is said to have been a favourite of Cleopatra, or that the Ancient Romans dedicated emeralds to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Happily for those celebrating birthdays this month, emeralds are also the birthstone of May, and are said to symbolise wisdom, growth and patience. If you’re still searching for the perfect birthday present, read on for our guide to the best emerald birthstone jewellery to gift in May.
Octavia Elizabeth Gabby emerald hoop earrings
LA-based fine jeweller Octavia Elizabeth is a master at the art of gem-setting and these spectacular drop earrings, featuring a total 1.6 carats of vivid emeralds, are the perfect showcase. Suspended from sustainable recycled gold, they’re a lesson in why, when it comes to exceptional stones, sometimes less is more.
GFG Jewellery x Gemfields
British jewellery house GFG works with Gemfields to ensure each of its stones are unrivalled in both quality and provenance, with an ethical supply chain guaranteed. This solar-inspired necklace puts a modern twist on classic Art Deco style and features 5.85 carats of responsibly-sourced Zambian emeralds. Created in honour of Gemfields’ Walk for Giants campaign, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to help protect elephant habitats in Kenya.
Pragnell vintage emerald ring
If you’re looking to splash out on a truly impressive birthday gift, may we point you in the direction of Pragnell and its inimitable range of flawless emerald jewellery. The collection runs the gamut from diamond-encrusted vintage pieces to dramatic designs starring featuring show-stopping stones. For something a little more wearable, this emerald ring featuring a platinum band and hald of diamonds is an ideal choice.
Harry Winston Cathedral emerald and diamond necklace and earrings
Boasting a huge 65.63 carats of Columbian emeralds and no fewer than 122 baguette, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds weighing in at 46.83 carats, this show-stopping Cathedral necklace by Harry Winston is the, ahem, jewel in the crown of this list. It’s for sale strictly by appointment only but just look at it – did you really expect anything else?
Suzanne Kalan Fireworks emerald bracelet
Featuring the designer’s signature asymmetrical setting, Suzanne Kalan’s bracelet is scattered with vibrant 1.8-carat baguette-cut emeralds, among a sprinkling of dazzling 0.3-carat white diamonds set in 18 karat gold. True to its name, this elegant cuff is sure to spark a frenzy upon receipt.
Nadia Shelbaya Shell earrings
If you’re buying for a woman who prefers her jewellery a little less formal, Nadia Shelbaya’s designs, inspired by the natural world, make for beautiful everyday adornments. The Copenhagen-based designer celebrates the flawed beauty of nature with imperfect shapes and tactile, textured metalwork. These shell drop earrings, finished with two round-cut bezel-set emeralds, are a surefire hit for summer.
Kojis emerald stud earrings
British firm Kojis specialises in sourcing unique antique jewellery – spanning from antiquity through to pieces from the 18th and 19th century – meaning raiding its collection is a little like unearthing a treasure trove of jewels left behind by a supremely stylish grandmother. These minimalist emerald stud earrings are set in platinum and provide a sophisticated punctuation point to colourful spring outfits.
Seb Brown emerald signet ring
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t the only ethical and sustainable innovation to have come out of the jewellery industry in recent years. Similar to their crystalline counterparts, hydrothermal emeralds are synthetically grown but virtually indistinguishable from their natural siblings. In his modern take on the classic signet ring, Australian jeweller Seb Brown pairs a baguette-cut hydrothermal emerald with tourmaline, peridot and sapphire.
Cartier 1941-1960 vintage brooch
Pre-loved, vintage and second-hand pieces have become such an important part of the modern fine jewellery market that, despite the specialist online jewellery retailers specialising in this area, mainstream e-tailers are getting in on the action, too. Farfetch offers a brilliant range of pre-owned fine jewellery, including a host of unique statement designs you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. This Cartier peacock feather brooch, crafted in 18 carat gold and adorned with sapphires and emeralds, is a perfect example.
Ileana Makri Grass Seed emerald hoops
Set on one side with shimmering emeralds, Ileana Makri’s sweet huggie earrings are ideal for the jewellery fan who likes to mix up their look. Understated and timeless, these versatile hoops are bound to become a tried and true favourite in any collection.
Read more: The best ethical and sustainable British jewellery brands
