May Birthstone: Emerald & Celtic Heritage

The Gemstone of the Emerald Isle

May is a month rich with signs of growth and lush with indications of rebirth. The earth is clothed in verdant shades of green. It is no surprise that the Walker Metalsmiths May birthstone is emerald, an ancient gemstone symbolizing mercy, faithfulness, and compassion. It is an attractive stone for professing your love and devotion that is appropriate for any kind of love, not just passionate love. It has also been associated with fertility, renewal, and growth.

Celtic cross pendant with emerald birthstone

The Emerald in Celtic Heritage

Of course, the emerald is forever linked to Celtic heritage through its vibrant color. After all, Ireland is the Emerald Isle. The color green is featured in many Scottish tartan plaids, and green is featured in many other representations of Celtic heritage. You'll see emeralds or the color emerald green represented in Celtic imagery and art in various forms that have evolved over millennia of arts and crafts.

You will see the ancient image of the Green Man, Celtic crosses, Celtic knots, and other symbols represented in shades of emerald. St. Brigid and St. Patrick are often portrayed in paintings and stained glass clothed in emerald green. Shamrocks, long a symbol of Celtic heritage and good fortune, are green. Today, you'll often see Celtic pendants, earrings, and other pieces featuring shamrocks, crosses, trefoils, and other motifs incorporating emerald gemstones.

Emeralds in the Celtic Cross

At Walker Metalsmiths, we offer a wide range of original Celtic jewelry pieces featuring emerald's cool fire. Set in a Celtic cross, an emerald is a gorgeous symbol of eternal love for God. It is a lovely gift for anyone's birthday or holy communion. We have a beautiful selection of Celtic pendants that can be set with emerald or simulated emerald birthstones for a memorable birthday gift for a lovely lady of any age.

Custom Celtic Birthstone Jewelry

Custom Celtic birthstone ring

If you're interested in a Celtic necklace set with May's birthstone, contact Walker Metalsmiths to discuss what kind of jewelry you have in mind. Browse our Celtic pendants online to get an idea of what we currently have in stock. Many of our Celtic crosses and other Celtic pendants can be set with emeralds and other gemstones to personalize them for someone special in your life.

Because of the emerald's association with so many positive emotions—love, fertility, renewal, devotion—they are a wonderful gift for almost any milestone in life. While they are an obvious choice for a May birthday, you can also give the gift of a Celtic birthstone necklace set with a simulated May birthstone to someone on the birth of a baby, as a wedding gift, when they launch a new career, for retirement, or simply to remind them how much you love them.

Our Connection to This Ancient Gemstone

Walker Metalsmiths has a particular affinity for working with this mysterious and ancient gemstone. We enjoy working with emeralds because the color and the stone itself is so intrinsically tied to Celtic heritage and tradition. It looks lovely framed in any shade of yellow gold, rose gold, or sterling silver and is linked to strength, purity, and protection. Contact us to learn more about our collection or discuss custom emerald Celtic pendants today.

About Walker Metalsmiths

Stephen Walker has been handcrafting Celtic birthstone jewelry in Andover, NY since 1984. Each piece is crafted using traditional lost wax casting techniques in our family workshop.

Meet Stephen & Susan Walker →