Emeralds “May” Be the Most Fashionable Gem To Wear Right Now

Those born in the month of May are lucky to have classic emerald as their birthstone, The glorious green gem is universally beloved by jewelry enthusiasts, despite its being notoriously fragile (much to many jewelers’ chagrin).

Those who have even a passing interest in fashion may find that their affinity for emerald jewels has grown over the years. Why? Because green has emerged as the color (see what is now known as Bottega Green; Jada Pinkett Smith in her showstopping emerald-green Jean Paul Gaulthier gown at the 2022 Oscars; and fresh spring greens at the SS22 runway shows of Prabal Gurung and Christian Siriano).

To the end consumer, green, whether in form of Italian leather, lustrous taffeta, or emerald pavé on a pair of hoop earrings, represents hope, renewal, the advent of spring, growth, and resilience.

J.Lo’s green diamond engagement ring will certainly nudge the green more firmly into the spotlight. But the jewelry world has been veering in a verdant direction for some time now, with jewelry designers across all ends of the price-point spectrum putting emerald-centric collections forward. Columbian emeralds—those from the Muzo mine in particular—are still considered the finest around, with Zambian emeralds, prized for their durability and minimal inclusions, considered a newer, highly desirable alternative.

Emeralds are a perennial on the red carpet. The most memorable ones goe all the way back to the 2009 Oscars, when Angelina Jolie paired her strapless black gown with pear-shape emerald ear pendants totaling 115 cts. t.w. by Lorraine Schwartz. More recently, we have Blake Lively in emerald-and-diamond bracelets (one on each wrist—also by Schwartz) at the 2017 Golden Globes; and Zoë Kravitz at the 2018 Emmys wearing emerald earrings—this time framed in black jade (and once again the credit goes to Schwartz).

Earlier this month at the Met Gala in New York City, model Karlie Kloss gave the “Gilded Glamour” theme a green twist with Muzo emerald earrings and a Katherine Jetter x Muzo Emerald Columbia emerald ring.

Below, some of our favorite new emerald designs, for your consideration. —Amy Elliott

Harwell Godfrey X Muzo Emerald Totem Pendant Necklace, $105,100

Emerald Party Hoops in 14k gold, $6,150; Eriness

Scatter Baguette earrings with emerald and diamonds in 18k white gold, $4,150; Ananya

Infinite emerald necklace in in 18k gold, price on request (by special order); Hoorsenbuhs

Fit for a Queen Masterpieces necklace with emerald and diamonds in 18 white gold, price on request; Picchiotti

Emerald eternity band in 18k gold, $35,750; Anita Ko

Collar necklace with articulated bezel-set cabochon Muzo emeralds in 14k gold, $25,000; Ondyn

Medici signet ring with cushion cut Muzo emerald in 22k gold, $24,500; Loren Nicole

Circa 1930s art deco cabochon emerald and diamond ring in platinum, price on request; Tiina Smith

Snake ring with emerald in 18k gold, $10,470; Christina Alexiou

Emerald signet ring in 14k gold, $3,880; Grace Lee

Forever & Always a Pair ring with emeralds in 18k gold, price on request; Foundrae

Bullet ring with freshwater Tahitian pearl, blue diamonds and emeralds in 18k yellow gold, $5,500; Katerina Marmagioli

Fan earrings with Muzo emeralds, Tahitian pearls and diamonds in 18k gold, $9,440; Katherine Jetter

Love potion locket with emeralds and diamonds and an additional enclosed heart-shaped white diamond (not shown) in 18k gold, $10,000; Future Fortune

Revival Midi Nouveau necklace with emerald and diamonds in 14k gold, $5,300; Park Ford

Battuta Enchantress necklace with emerald, onyx and diamonds 18k gold, $6,200; State Property

Top: Green Jewel Majestique Collection Victoria earrings with antique cushion-cut emeralds, and pink and white diamonds in 18k pink gold and platinum, price on request; Muzo Emerald Colombia

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