Entranced By Emeralds: The Birthstone Of May

Fred Leighton’s 18K yellow gold emerald bead and diamond cuff by Suzanne Belperron. A cuff bracelet features rows of emerald beads alternating with rows of round diamonds ,circa 1960s.

Emeralds, the birthstone of May are associated with prosperity and hope, renewal and rejuvenation. It is also a gem that many Hollywood legends and celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and Merle Oberon owned and wore on and off screen and were the main stone in the engagement rings of style icons Jackie Kennedy and The Duchess of Windsor.

Emeralds were the 19th-century royal trendsetter Queen Victoria’s birthstone; one was set into her entwined serpent engagement ring from Prince Albert. And, anyone who is a jewelry enthusiast will remember one of Hollywood’s awe-inspiring red carpet moments when, in 2009, Angelina Jolie wore a pair of Lorraine Schwartz pear-shaped pendant earrings to the Academy Awards.

Due to their exuberant color, positive meanings, and ability to stand out in yellow and white gold, they are often a favorite among major brands, independent designers and antique/vintage dealers and collectors.

Here is a mix of antique, vintage and modern designs that range from classic to irreverent and daring:

Mindi Mond Dynamic Duo 18K gold/silver set emerald necklace of two custom cut Zambian emeralds and old cut diamond accent.

Lang Antiques’ Oscar Heyman platinum mid-20th century bracelet of green Colombian emeralds between sparkling swirls composed of high-quality round brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds.

Shaun Leane’s18K white gold diamond and emerald earrings.

Bentley & Skinner’s important early Victorian emerald and diamond necklace.

Ara Vartanian’s diamond and emerald earrings.

Jacquie Aiche’s 14K gold Multi Shape Emerald Shaker Sienna diamond necklace.

Jemma Wynne’s 18K yellow gold Anniversary Emerald and Diamond Wave Band.

Estate Diamond Jewelry’s Veneto Earrings in 18K gold with center natural Colombian emeralds and a cluster surround of old European cut diamonds. Minor oil treatment to the emeralds.

S.J. Phillips’ 19th-century emerald and diamond flowerhead drop-swag cluster corsage brooch, circa 1890.

Lizzie Mandler’s 18K yellow gold Three Row Cleo Bracelet with hexagonal emerald.

Bentley & Skinner’s pair of Edwardian emerald and diamond drop earrings.

Estate Diamond Jewelry’s Cartier Art Deco bracelet bespeaks the elegant simplicity of early 20th-century European Art Deco design, circa 1920. This bracelet features a carefully patterned arrangement of brilliant diamonds and vibrant emeralds, all set against a platinum band.

Fred Leighton’s antique emerald and diamond ring, circa 1940. Three emerald cut emeralds t are set within clusters of old mine diamonds mounted in silver topped yellow gold.

Garrard’s 18K white gold Fanfare Symphony diamond and emerald drop earrings with insets of malachite.

State Property 18K yellow emerald cut emerald, white diamonds and jet black enamel earrings.

Azlee floating emerald ring with diamond accents.