The birthstone for May is one of our absolute favourites here at fabulous – stunning green emerald!

With the springtime fully underway, sparkling green stones make the perfect addition to your warm weather wardrobe and will shimmer beautifully in the sunshine. What’s not to love?

History of Emeralds

Emeralds have been fashionable for a long time – emerald mines existed in Egypt as early as 300 BC, and these gorgeous green gems were worn as jewellery in ancient Greece and Rome.

In Roman mythology, Emerald is the stone of the goddess Venus, resulting in the association of emeralds with romance. Emeralds were said to bring passion, bliss, and unconditional love. They were also thought to bestow the ability to foresee the future and see the truth.

Emeralds first appeared in Europe in the 1500s, when the Spanish invaded South America. The beautiful gems were an instant hit with wealthy Europeans, and have been in fashion since.

Emeralds on the Red Carpet

Emeralds are frequently seen on the red carpet, adding drama to ball gowns and evening dresses. Angelina Jolie is a particular fan emeralds, and Halle Berry, Zoe Saldana, and Olivia Wilde wear gorgeous emerald engagement rings.

Emeralds are also popular with the Royal Family. For her wedding to Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie wore a platinum and diamond tiara, decorated with seven emeralds, and Kate Middleton wore a beautiful art deco emerald choker to last year’s BAFTAs.  The stunning piece is known as the Cambridge Emerald Choker and was often worn by Princess Diana, having originally belonged to Queen Mary.